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A second career path strengthened a lifelong calling to help others.

For many attorneys, success is measured by the cases they win. For Craig Robinson, it is measured by the lives and families he helps rebuild.

After years of practicing law, Robinson made an unexpected decision: He enrolled in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Florida Atlantic University’s (��������) College of Social Work and Criminal Justice - not to leave the legal profession, but to become better within it.

Robinson graduated in 2022 and today is co-founder and chief relationship officer of Robinson & Casey, PLLC, in Boca Raton, where he combines legal expertise with clinical understanding to guide individuals and families facing addiction, mental health challenges, and life’s most difficult transitions.

His journey demonstrates the powerful intersection of law and social work, and how professionals can expand their impact by embracing interdisciplinary education.

A Personal Journey That Inspired Professional Growth

Robinson’s decision to pursue social work was rooted in his own life experiences.

As someone in long-term recovery, he understands the profound effects addiction has not only on individuals but also on parents, spouses, children, and entire support systems.

While practicing law, Robinson recognized that legal solutions alone were often not enough. Families needed someone who understood the emotional, behavioral, and clinical realities surrounding addiction and mental illness.

“I realized I wanted to better understand the clinical side of addiction, mental health, and human behavior so I could serve families more effectively,” Robinson said.

That realization led him to ��������’s MSW program, where he found an education that complemented his legal career.

“Craig Robinson’s journey illustrates exactly why interdisciplinary education matters. By combining legal expertise with the values, knowledge, and clinical perspective of social work, he has expanded his ability to advocate for individuals and families facing some of life’s greatest challenges,” said Dr. Naelys Luna, founding dean of the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice. At the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, we are proud to prepare professionals who lead with compassion, collaborate across disciplines, and create meaningful change in their communities.”

Seeing the Person Behind the Legal Problem

Through coursework focused on trauma, family systems, ethics, clinical assessment, and evidence-based practice, Robinson developed a broader understanding of the complex issues clients face.

Rather than viewing cases strictly through a legal lens, he learned to consider the human experiences behind every situation.

Today, that perspective shapes every client interaction.

“The program strengthened my understanding of clinical assessment, ethics, trauma, family systems, and evidence-based practice,” Robinson said. “Every day I draw on both my legal training and my social work education to help families navigate crises involving addiction and mental health. That combination has become one of the greatest strengths of my career.”

The result is a practice that blends advocacy with empathy, helping families find practical legal solutions while recognizing the emotional and behavioral challenges they face.

Inspired by Those Who Believed in Him

Robinson credits numerous people for encouraging him throughout his educational journey. Among them is his therapist, Josey Tynes, who inspired him to consider returning to school after asking a simple but life-changing question during a therapy session: “What do you want to do with the rest of your life?”

Reflecting on the support he received, Robinson said he wanted to help others experience the same hope and healing that transformed his own life.

He also expressed gratitude to �������� faculty who challenged and encouraged him throughout the MSW program, fellow �������� alumnus Phoenix Adams, his wife, Alexa, daughter Stella, friends, colleagues, and the recovery community that supported him every step of the way.

Most importantly, Robinson credits the clients and families he serves for continuing to inspire his work every day.

Advice for Future Social Workers

For students considering a career in social work, Robinson encourages them to remain open to learning and embrace every opportunity to grow.

“Social work is a profession built on empathy, but it also requires resilience, critical thinking, and lifelong learning,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek mentorship, and gain experience in different settings. The relationships you build during your education can be just as valuable as what you learn in the classroom.”

He also offers encouragement to anyone considering a career change or pursuing another degree later in life.

“I hope my story reminds others that it’s never too late to pursue another degree, reinvent yourself or find a new way to make an impact.”

Building Stronger Systems of Care

Looking ahead, Robinson is committed to expanding access to treatment and strengthening legal protections for individuals and families affected by addiction and mental illness. Through his growing partnership with the Sandler School of Social Work and the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, he is dedicated to advancing workforce development by creating meaningful learning opportunities for students, including the exploration of paid clinical internship placements that provide valuable hands-on experience while addressing critical community needs.

Robinson also hopes to give back to the community by sharing his unique expertise at the intersection of law, behavioral health, and social work. His goals include educating current and future professionals, advocating for impactful policy improvements, and fostering stronger collaboration between behavioral health providers and the legal system. In support of these efforts, the school is exploring opportunities to partner with Robinson on specialized training programs for students, faculty, and community practitioners, further strengthening the College’s role in advancing behavioral health and community well-being.

Ultimately, he hopes to leave the profession better than he found it by helping create more compassionate, coordinated responses for people experiencing crisis.

A Powerful Example of Interdisciplinary Leadership

Robinson’s story reflects the evolving role of social work in today’s world, where cross-professional collaboration yields stronger outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

By combining legal expertise with the values and skills of social work, he demonstrates that understanding people, not just problems, can transform professional practice.

“Craig’s story is a powerful reminder that social work is not defined by a single career path - it is defined by a commitment to understanding people and promoting well-being,” said Precious Skinner-Osei, associate professor and interim director of the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work. “His willingness to deepen his knowledge and integrate social work principles into legal practice demonstrates the transformative impact of lifelong learning. We are proud to see our graduates applying social work values in innovative ways that strengthen families and communities.”

For Robinson, earning an MSW did more than add another credential. It reshaped the way he serves others.

“When I entered the MSW program, I had already spent years practicing law. What I didn’t realize was how much becoming a social worker would make me a better attorney. �������� taught me to look beyond the legal issue in front of me and understand the person, the family, and the systems surrounding them. Today, I have the privilege of combining both professions to help families facing addiction and mental health crises,” he said.