Rob has exclusively defended employers and management for more than 20 years. Unfazed by the notorious challenges presented by California employment law, he is known for his success with difficult cases, including those regarded as unwinnable.
Rob defends employers in the full scope of employment litigation matters, including wage and hour law; allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation; wrongful termination; statutory leave issues; misappropriation of trade secrets; and employment agreement issues, including noncompete agreements. He litigates both single-plaintiff and class action cases in California and federal courts. He also defends employers in state and federal employment-related agency matters, including those before the California Labor Commissioner/DLSE and the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), and also those in the federal Department of Labor (DOL) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Known for his careful case analysis and preparation, thoughtful counsel, and leadership skills, Rob is a disciplined advocate and tenacious litigator for clients. He regularly finds creative solutions for legal problems deemed lost causes by others. He has a gift for spotting what other attorneys don’t, and he’s prepared to fight all the way to verdict when it’s best for the client.
A strategist by nature, Rob has a considered reason for every litigation move he makes. He has a deeply purposeful approach, where every task, large or small, is specifically designed to best support the client’s case. Rob and his team take pride in never performing rote, autonomic, nonspecific, or garden-variety work that can plague litigation. He is especially known for his highly strategic depositions, which frequently change the case narrative, result in summary judgment, or otherwise lead to favorable resolutions.
Rob is confident that every decision he makes will serve not only the strategy for a particular case, but also the long game of a client’s business needs. Rob uses a team approach in his representations. He educates clients to meaningfully participate in joint decisions, which ensures that choices and strategies are driven by the client’s needs. His satisfaction is closely tied to assuaging clients’ fears caused by the unknown or the threat inherent in litigation.
Rob also understands that labor and employment litigation can be deeply personal—he was first drawn to the practice area by its human element. Having owned a business, he strongly relates to clients’ positions, and he anticipates their needs and frustrations. Before joining Husch Blackwell in 2024, Rob owned and operated his own employment law firm for nine years, which gave him a deep appreciation for leading an organization and managing employees. He understands complexities and challenges of management, and the personal investment required for success. This is a key driver of his extraordinary dedication to defending and protecting clients’ interests.