Bob Dillinger graduated from Columbia University in 1973 and from Florida's Stetson College of Law in 1976. He subsequently became an Assistant Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. During his initial service as an Assistant Public Defender he was a member of the Capital Crimes Defense team and was instrumental in publishing the first comprehensive death penalty training manual in Florida for defense attorneys.

After several years as an Assistant Public Defender, Bob left Government service to open his own practice where he continued in criminal defense and civil jury work.

In 1995 he decided to run for Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit and was successful in obtaining his party's nomination in September 1996.

Bob has received numerous awards for his service to the community, including the Nelson Poynter Award  from the St. Petersburg Times.

He and his wife Kay have one daughter who attended the University of Florida.
   Bob and Kay