Robert A. Jones

Robert (“Bob”) Jones is the former California State Deputy Secretary, Special Counsel for the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, (California Department of Labor) appointed by the Governor in June 2008.  As such, he was responsible for the enforcement activities of all the Divisions of the Agency, including the operation of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (Labor Commissioner), Division of Safety & Health (Cal/OSHA), and the State’s Economic and Employment Enforcement Coalition.

Prior to his appointment, Bob was the Deputy Secretary of Policy and Enforcement.  He was also the Chief Counsel for the Labor Commissioner and Acting California State Labor Commissioner from 2005 to 2007, all under the Schwarzenegger administration.  As Acting Labor Commissioner, he was responsible for enforcing the state’s labor laws governing working conditions, minimum wage and overtime.

Bob’s background includes over 25 years of employment litigation and dispute resolution experience before state and federal courts throughout the United States and eight years as a professional labor negotiator.

Bob is the Chair of the firm's California Wage and Hour Practice Group, Co-Chair of the National Wage and Hour Practice Group, and a member of the firm's Class Action Steering Committee.

Bob advises and represents employers in all areas of labor, employment, and legislative matters, with particular emphasis on employers doing business in California.  Bob’s practice includes expert testimony and consulting on state wage and hour enforcement issues.  Bob also provides alternative dispute resolution services as a private mediator in employment matters.  He is a frequent presenter on employment-related topics.