Attorneys
Robert Harris Law Firm
Robert Harris
Robert P. Harris is the managing partner of Robert Harris Law Firm, a law firm exclusively dedicated to the art of criminal defense.
Rob was born and raised in Rochester, New York (GO BILLS!). He received his Bachelor of Science in Criminology at East Carolina University in North Carolina. He moved to Florida in 1993 to attend law school at Florida State University.
At Florida State University College of Law, Rob began his legal career in earnest. Rob took multiple classes taught by the esteemed and brilliant professor of evidence, Charles Ehrhardt. He was elected the Chief Justice of the Florida State University Supreme Court, adjudicating disciplinary proceedings involving students. And he began to try cases. While still in school, Rob tried three jury trials to verdict in Tallahassee.
In 1996, he received his Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law. He graduated from law school Magna cum laude. He became a member of the Florida Bar in November, 1996.
Rob moved to Fort Myers, where he joined the Office of the Public Defender. While an assistant public defender, Rob tried numerous cases, ranging from misdemeanors to murder. Rob was promoted to felony supervisor, and he was with the Public Defender from 1996 through 2005.
In 2005, Rob went into private practice, joining the Wilbur Smith Law Firm. For five years, Rob honed his craft, trying scores of serious cases. Rob added federal court work to his skill set and began trying cases in the Middle District of Florida, United States District Court. He taught legal classes to aspiring criminal justice professionals at Florida Southwestern College.
The Robert Harris Law Firm opened its doors in October, 2010, practicing exclusively in criminal defense litigation. The firm moved to its permanent location at 2052 Virginia Avenue near the Edison Home and the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers in 2013.
For thirty years, Rob Harris has been helping people accused of crimes in southwest Florida. He has tried over 150 jury trials, and has defended people against accusations of crimes in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Leon, Hillsborough, and DeSoto counties, in both state and federal courts, and at trial and on appeal, and post-conviction.
Rob is a longtime member of the Lee County Bar Association, the criminal law section of the Florida Bar Association, the Criminal Law Section, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). He founded and was the first president of the Fort Myers chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Rob is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell, meaning he has “reached the highest of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity.” He takes immense pride in the fact that he uses his legal skills to help people, not governmental agencies or corporations, but people.
Call Rob at
(239) 334-4343 or email him at
rharris@robertharrislawfirm.com for a proven defense attorney!
Matthew Heider
Matthew “Matt” Heider spent ten years in Anderson, SC, where he worked at his family’s retail furniture store, before making the decision to uproot his family and begin the journey of becoming an attorney. Matt brings a unique set of problem-solving skills to the table, due in large part to the experience he received handling retail customer service.
Matt received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. This is also where Matt met his wife, Amy, with whom he shares three daughters.
Matt attended Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, FL. He graduated summa cum laude, ranked number one in his class of 241. While in law school, Matt was a Dean’s Scholar each semester and was a member of the Academic Honors Program. He participated in Law Review, the Pro Bono Program, Sports Law Society, and became a member of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society.
After law school, Matt accepted an appointment as an Assistant State Attorney in the 20th Judicial Circuit. While in that position, Matt prosecuted thousands of cases ranging from DUI to drug trafficking and worked on specialty court dockets such as drug court and domestic violence. His time as a prosecutor taught him how to be efficient and detail-oriented.
Since leaving the Office of the State Attorney in January of 2020, Matt has embraced the practice of criminal defense. Matt takes great pride in setting realistic goals and expectations up front with every client and maintaining consistent communication throughout the case. Matt’s experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney in our local community provides him with unique insight into how and why the State does what they do. This insight has led Matt to develop a reputation as a creative problem solver and an adept negotiator, which has led to countless negotiated resolutions and highly satisfied clients. For cases that can’t be resolved through negotiation, Matt’s experience on both sides with motion and trial practice gives him the insight and skills to “go nuclear” when necessary.
Stephanie Cosby
Legal Assistant
Stephanie Cosby is a dedicated legal assistant with a strong commitment to organization, accuracy, and client support within a fast-paced law firm environment. Known for her professionalism and outspoken nature, she confidently communicates and advocates while maintaining a high standard of integrity. Outside of her career, Stephanie is a proud wife and mother who values family above all. She balances her professional responsibilities with her personal life, bringing the same level of care, strength, and reliability to both. With a sharp eye for detail and a strong presence in the workplace, she brings both professionalism and confidence to everything she does.
Neomi Garcia
Legal Assistant
A lifelong resident of Florida, Neomi Garcia was born in Miami and spent her early childhood in LaBelle before moving to Lee County, where she has lived since middle school. She brings strong local insight to her role as a Legal Assistant. Neomi graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies.
After beginning her career in personal injury, she transitioned into criminal defense and has spent the past two years supporting the firm’s attorneys with drafting, scheduling, case management, client communication, and maintaining confidentiality. As a mother, Neomi brings empathy and patience to her work, helping clients feel supported as they navigate challenging legal situations.
Donnah Moore
Operations Manager
Alongside Robert, Donnah is an original team member of the Robert Harris Law Firm from Day One - October 1, 2010. She has been directly responsible for the incredible growth of the firm into what it is today. There is no one more important to the firm than Donnah!
Donnah Moore brings a lifetime of diverse experience and work history to the Robert Harris Law Firm. She started her career as a pediatric nurse, working directly alongside long-time local medical fixture, Dr. John Ritrosky. Later, Donnah became a bookkeeper in her own firm before she entered the legal field. Her list of skills is inexhaustibly long, but relevant to her path, she focuses on financial issues, information technology, communications, privacy issues and legal organization. She is the heart and soul of the office. And she helped raise eight children (mostly her own).
