Robert D. Miller

Partner
Principal – Troutman Strategies

512.305.4867

More ways to contact Robert D. Miller

Robert has been a pivotal figure in government relations law for nearly 40 years, lobbying local, state, and federal governments on behalf of public and private clients.

Firm News

179 Locke Lord Lawyers Named to The Best Lawyers in ‎America® ‎‎2025 List‎, 45 Recognized as Ones to Watch
Overview
Representative Matters
Insights
Awards

Robert represents a diverse range of clients, including major corporations like Airbnb, Crown Castle, Landry’s, and Phillips 66. His notable achievements include helping to keep the Houston Astros in Houston by facilitating the creation of a Sports Authority, which led to the construction of a retractable roof stadium.

Robert navigates complex legislative landscapes to secure outcomes on behalf of clients, such as passing 5G legislation and establishing a statewide framework for transportation network companies. He brings a strategic approach to government relations, which helps to enhance clients’ political visibility and business influence.

Robert’s extensive experience and leadership in civic organizations, including serving as chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX, underscore his commitment to public service and advocacy.

  • Represented the Houston Astros in drafting and lobbying the passage of legislation creating a Sports Authority and authorizing the levying of taxes on car rentals and hotel rooms to fund the construction of a new retractable roof baseball stadium in Houston. Thereafter, participated in the negotiation of the development, construction, and financing documents with the Sports Authority and obtained city and county approval of the deal.
  • Represented Uber when it commenced operations in Houston in 2013, and subsequently at the Texas legislature in passing a statewide framework for transportation network companies in 2017.
  • Represent Airbnb at the local and state levels in connection with its Texas operations.
  • Represent Crown Castle and spearheaded the passage of 5G legislation through the Texas legislature.
  • Represent Landry’s, Inc., the Houston Rockets, and Tilman J. Fertitta, providing government relations representation at the local, state, and federal levels.
  • Served as chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX, on a volunteer basis and spearheaded the approval and development of Houston’s first light rail line.
  • Capitol Inside, One of Texas’ Top 2 Lobbyists (2023); Ranked No. 1 (2025)
  • Texas Lawyer, Texas Trailblazer (2019)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Government Relations Practice (2007-2026)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Government Relations Practice, Lawyer of the Year (2024)
  • Who’s Who in American Law (1990)
  • Who’s Who in America, 50th Edition (1996)
  • Houston Jaycees, One of Five Outstanding Young Houstonians (1992)
Overview

Robert represents a diverse range of clients, including major corporations like Airbnb, Crown Castle, Landry’s, and Phillips 66. His notable achievements include helping to keep the Houston Astros in Houston by facilitating the creation of a Sports Authority, which led to the construction of a retractable roof stadium.

Robert navigates complex legislative landscapes to secure outcomes on behalf of clients, such as passing 5G legislation and establishing a statewide framework for transportation network companies. He brings a strategic approach to government relations, which helps to enhance clients’ political visibility and business influence.

Robert’s extensive experience and leadership in civic organizations, including serving as chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX, underscore his commitment to public service and advocacy.

Representation Matters
  • Represented the Houston Astros in drafting and lobbying the passage of legislation creating a Sports Authority and authorizing the levying of taxes on car rentals and hotel rooms to fund the construction of a new retractable roof baseball stadium in Houston. Thereafter, participated in the negotiation of the development, construction, and financing documents with the Sports Authority and obtained city and county approval of the deal.
  • Represented Uber when it commenced operations in Houston in 2013, and subsequently at the Texas legislature in passing a statewide framework for transportation network companies in 2017.
  • Represent Airbnb at the local and state levels in connection with its Texas operations.
  • Represent Crown Castle and spearheaded the passage of 5G legislation through the Texas legislature.
  • Represent Landry’s, Inc., the Houston Rockets, and Tilman J. Fertitta, providing government relations representation at the local, state, and federal levels.
  • Served as chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX, on a volunteer basis and spearheaded the approval and development of Houston’s first light rail line.
Insights

Firm News

179 Locke Lord Lawyers Named to The Best Lawyers in ‎America® ‎‎2025 List‎, 45 Recognized as Ones to Watch

Firm News

‎173 Locke Lord Lawyers Named to The Best Lawyers in ‎America® ‎‎2024 List‎, 39 Recognized as Ones to Watch

Firm News

Locke Lord Once Again Ranked No. 1 Texas Law Firm Lobby Practice ‎‎by Capitol Inside; Chair of Firm’s Texas Public Law Section ‎‎Robert Miller Ranked No. 2 Top Lobbyist in State ‎

Press Coverage

Chair of Locke Lord’s Texas Public Law Section Robert Miller Featured in Texas Lawbook Interview, Discusses Lobby Practice and Legislative Session

See all insights from Robert D. Miller

Awards
  • Capitol Inside, One of Texas’ Top 2 Lobbyists (2023); Ranked No. 1 (2025)
  • Texas Lawyer, Texas Trailblazer (2019)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Government Relations Practice (2007-2026)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Government Relations Practice, Lawyer of the Year (2024)
  • Who’s Who in American Law (1990)
  • Who’s Who in America, 50th Edition (1996)
  • Houston Jaycees, One of Five Outstanding Young Houstonians (1992)

Top areas of focus

  • Member, State Bar of Texas
  • Member, Houston Bar Association
  • Former director, Neighborhood Centers Inc.
  • Director, South Main Alliance
  • Senior Fellow, American Leadership Forum
  • Board member, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) (1996-2003)
  • Former director, Houston International Festival (1997-2002)
  • Former director, The Texas Lyceum (1995-1998)
  • Former director and president, Vote Texas (1995-1998)
  • Former chairman, Battleship Texas Advisory Board (1988-1992)
  • Member, Houston Convention Fund Finance Committee (1991-1994)
  • Member, Leadership Houston Class X (1991-1992)
  • Former director, Citizens’ Commission on the Texas Judiciary
  • Former director, Committee for Judicial Merit Election
  • Former director, Greater Houston Preservation Alliance
  • Legislative aide, Senator Don Henderson, The 68th Legislature
  • Chairman, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) (1998-2002)

Education

  • The University of Texas School of Law, J.D., with honors, Phi Delta Phi; Order of the Coif, 1985
  • Rice University, B.A., cum laude, 1982

Bar Admissions

  • Texas
  • Quoted, “How Houston Kept the Astros: The Inside Story,” Houston Chronicle, April 3, 2022.