Lee Magistrate Robert Crongeyer

Magistrate Crongeyer's Biography

Asst. U.S. Attorney, N.D. Fla., 1971-74. As an Asst. U.S. Atty. In north Florida, twice cited by Attorneys General for exceptional performance. Prosecuted federal criminal cases throughout north Florida and directed Gainesville Drug Task Force Operations in 1971-1973; Prosecuted over one hundred criminal drug and white collar cases, including "Steinhatchee Seven" trial, nation's largest volume drug importation case at that time. Represented government in appellate courts. Handled medical malpractice, other lawsuits against the U.S. Navy, prosecuted and defended civil litigation on behalf of U.S. Govt. in northern Florida.

Barksdale, Murphy & Crongeyer law firm, 1973-74. Private practice civil and criminal trial experience in Florida and federal courts.

United States Magistrate, 1976-1986. Appointed U.S. Magistrate, N. D. Fla., and served 1976-1986. Handled federal complex class action litigation, diversity of citizenship personal injury lawsuits, employment discrimination, numerous other civil rights matters in the Federal Court. Presided over jury and non-jury trials with consent of the parties. Drafted Rules of No. Fla. District Court and later revisions. Served on the Rules Committee of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeal. Represented United States in Peru pursuant to treaty with team from U.S. State Dept. and Justice Dept.

Beggs & Lane, Partner 1986-1999. In 1986, invited to join Pensacola law firm of Beggs & Lane as senior partner. Trial attorney actively practicing in state and federal courts, primarily representing defendants, but also plaintiffs, in wide variety of cases throughout U.S.. Represented defendants in white collar criminal cases in federal courts in Pensacola, Panama City, and Tallahassee Defended medical and legal malpractice cases. Represented architects, engineers and general contractors in construction litigation. Represented Gulf Power Company, Southern Companies, Okaloosa Gas, Baptist Hospital, other companies and government agencies. Northwest Florida Regional counsel for CNA Insurance Companies. General Counsel for Pensacola Beach, FL.

Beggs & Lane, Of Counsel, 2000-2009. After thirteen years as senior partner and member of the executive committee of Beggs & Lane, moved to Fort Myers in 2000, and from 2000-2006, continued to serve firm in capacity "Of Counsel", consulting with, and advising, firm members in selected cases.

Twentieth Judicial Circuit, 2009-present. In 2009, took position as a part time hearing officer, presiding over child support enforcement cases brought by Florida Dept. of Revenue. In 2010 was selected for appointment as the first Civil Magistrate for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in Lee County.

Mr. Crongeyer is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Florida College of Law. He is former co-owner and president of the Pensacola Tornados Continental Basketball Association (CBA) professional basketball team, an Advocate Emeritus of the American Board of Trial Attorneys, has served on the First District Court of Appeal Nominating Commission, the Governor's Council on Crime & Delinquency, was the Eleventh Circuit Chairman of the National Council of U.S. Magistrates, member of the American Judicature Society, is a member of the Florida Bar, the bar of the U.S. District Court, the bars of the Fifth and Eleventh Circuit, and is admitted to practice before the United State Supreme Court. He has lectured at Florida State University, the University of West Florida and Florida Bar Seminars on Federal Court Practice.