Robert Rotenberg

Robert Rotenberg (born April 21, 1953) is a Canadian criminal defence lawyer and writer, based in Toronto. He has worked as a criminal defence lawyer from the 1990s. As of March 1, 2024, he practices as part of the association of Rotenberg Shidlowski Jesin. Rotenberg's first novel, Old City Hall is an international best-seller. He has written seven additional novels.

Early life and education Robert Rotenberg was born and raised in Toronto, with three brothers (Lawrence, David, and Matthew) sons of Jewish parents Dr. Cyril Rotenberg, Rotenberg studied at the University of Toronto, Osgoode Hall and the London School of Economics.

Older brother David Rotenberg also attended the University of Toronto and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. eventually making a name for himself first as a theatre director in the United States, and, after he returned to Toronto in 1987, he was a well respected acting teacher and best-selling novelist.

Career While in Europe in the early 1980s, he was the managing editor of English-language magazine Passion, The Magazine of Paris.

Writing

Rotenberg's first novel, Old City Hall, is set in Toronto. The novel features scenes in the city's historic Old City Hall, until recently used as a courthouse. All Rotenberg's books are set in Toronto, and feature the same ensemble cast. his seventh novel, "What We Buried" published February 2024. His eighth novel, "One Minute More," was published in February 2025. It is a prequel set in July 1988 when the world leaders, the G-7, met at Hart House at the University of Toronto. It features a young Ari Greene, chasing a would-be assassin on her way from the Quebec border to Toronto.

In 2013, NPR broadcast a feature story about Rotenberg and Toronto for their Crime in the City series, describing how he developed his characters by giving them actual locations in Toronto to live.

He has written for two episodes for Murdoch Mysteries, "Murdoch Schmurdoch" (2018) and "Manual for Murder" (2019).

Personal life Rotenberg lives and works in Toronto.