Grew up in Harlem. His grandfather had cancer, for which he was 
getting chemotherapy; Paul used to pick him up and take him home 
after his chemotherapy sessions. One of his early role models was 
Deputy Police Commissioner Jefferson, who helped Paul through school 
and his career. Jefferson was later arrested for corruption. Despite 
offers from Wall Street law firms, Robinette chose to join the 
District Attorney's office. He worked as assistant to Ben Stone. 
They played tennis together- Robinette almost always won. After 
Robinette left the District Attorney's office, he went into private 
practice in a Park Avenue law firm. Several years later, he 
successfully defended a case against ADA Jack McCoy.