Overview
Workplaces and schools are two of the most dynamic and sometimes controversial areas in our society, and often times the “laboratories” for legislative policy enactment. Bob’s practice serves both. He helps employers and school administrators navigate a wide variety of legal issues.
Bob approaches matters from the perspective of his clients. He keeps the big picture in mind even when contemplating seemingly minor issues. Bob represents employers of all sizes, including those with union and non-union workforces. He handles labor negotiations, discrimination defense, disability and ADA issues, wrongful discharge or employment contract disputes, non-compete issues and other sensitive personnel transactions. He provides advice on a wide variety of school law issues. Bob also works with businesses and governmental entities as general or special counsel.
Experience
Membership & Involvement
- Member: American and Brown County Bar Associations; State Bar of Wisconsin; Society of Human Resource Management - Green Bay, Sheboygan; St. Norbert College President's Advisory Council
- Master: Hon. Robert J. Parins Legal Society
- Former President: Wisconsin School Attorneys Association
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Board Member: St. Thomas More Society, Diocese of Green Bay
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Former Board Member, Brown County United Way; St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center of Green Bay, Inc.; St. Vincent Hospital of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis; Meyer Theatre Corporation; Freedom House Ministries, Inc.
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Former Board Chair, Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, Inc.
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Former President/Former Board Member: Green Bay Country Club, Inc.;
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Board Member/Secretary, Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation
Honors
- Selected to the Wisconsin Super Lawyers List: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
- Selected to Best Lawyers® in America - Employment Law – Management, and Labor Law – Management: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Selected to Best Lawyers® in America - Green Bay, Labor Law - Management "Lawyer of the Year": 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021
- Selected to Best Lawyers® in America - Green Bay, Employment Law - Management "Lawyer of the Year": 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2022
- George Tipler Award, WSAA (2017)
- Leader in the Law, Wisconsin Law Journal (2012)
- Fellow, Wisconsin Law Foundation
- St. Norbert College: Distinguished Service to the College Award, 1998; Ambassador Award, 1992, 1993
- Martindale Hubbell AV® Peer Review Rated
Resources & Insights
Alerts
Speaking Engagements
Published Works
Blog Posts
Firm News
- Amundsen Davis Attorneys Included in the 2022 Wisconsin Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List
Amundsen Davis Attorneys Included in the 2022 Wisconsin Super Lawyers and Rising Stars ListAmundsen Davis is pleased to announce the inclusion of 22 attorneys on the 2022 Wisconsin Super Lawyers® and 2022 Wisconsin Rising Stars lists.
- 34th Annual School Law Seminar: Dealing with Applicant/Employee Criminal Issues
34th Annual School Law Seminar: Dealing with Applicant/Employee Criminal IssuesWhen an applicant has a criminal conviction in their background or a current employee is charged with or convicted of a crime, School Districts need to be aware of the provisions of Wisconsin’s arrest and conviction record protections within the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act. The Amundsen Davis School and Higher Education Team will discuss multiple issues which can arise in such scenarios, along with practical advice for Administration when assessing options in the school employment setting.
- Defending Discrimination Claims Filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division
Defending Discrimination Claims Filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Wisconsin Equal Rights DivisionPlease join us on September 21st for its first installment of the 2022-2023 Breakfast Briefing Series, the theme for the year being Administrative Agency Advocacy.
- Green Bay Chapter SHRM Annual Legal UpdateGreen Bay Chapter SHRM Annual Legal Update
Join Labor and Employment Attorneys Bob Burns, James Kalny, Tony Steffek, and Abby Tilkens as they present at the Green Bay Chapter SHRM’s Legal Update Conference.
Education
Willamette University, J.D.
St. Norbert College, B.A., cum laude
Admissions
- Wisconsin