Robert Johnson is a visionary legal strategist, business leader, and social impact architect who proudly identifies as The Social Impact Lawpreneur™—a title that reflects his pioneering role at the intersection of law, capital, and economic equity. With more than 30 years of experience in corporate law, franchising, private equity, venture capital, capital raising, mergers & acquisitions, and economic development, Robert created and defined the field of Social Impact Law, which leverages legal tools to drive systemic change and build generational wealth.
As Founder and Managing Partner of The Solomon Group LLC, Robert leads a nationally recognized consulting and law firm that provides legal strategy, business advisory, and investment readiness support to minority- and women-led enterprises across the U.S. and throughout the African Diaspora. His firm also serves government agencies, philanthropic foundations, and corporate impact initiatives that aim to close racial wealth and opportunity gaps.
Known globally as “the ultimate connector,” Robert brings an extensive network of investors, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and policymakers together to catalyze transformative outcomes. He has worked across Africa advising governments, NGOs, and investors on inclusive growth strategies, and he is a sought-after speaker on wealth building, capital access, franchising, and the legal infrastructure of equity.
Leadership Highlights:-
Chief Equity Officer, Bezos Academy – Led national equity strategy for Jeff Bezos’s free preschool initiative focused on underserved communities.-
Chief Economic Inclusion Officer & General Counsel, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago – Founded the Breedlove Center for Entrepreneurship, named after Sarah Breedlove (Madam C.J. Walker), to help later-stage Black women entrepreneurs access capital, grow via franchising, and pursue strategic M&A.;-
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Emergent Ethos – Oversaw legal strategy and governance for an impact investment firm; served as President of Purple Flower Farms, a hemp-based venture focused on sustainability and economic justice.-
Franchise Relations Officer & Ombudsman, McDonald’s Corporation – Advocated for franchisee success and served as liaison to the Black McDonald’s Owner Operators Association.
Robert earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law, and holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Economics & Business Administration and Sociology & Anthropology from Knox College.
