Overview
Representative Work
Activities & Membership
Awards & Recognition
News & Publications
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Overview
Bob is a member of Tonkon Torp's Labor & Employment Practice Group. He represents companies, professionals, and executives in employment litigation, and provides counseling on a broad range of employment related issues. He has substantial jury trial experience in Oregon and Washington, defending wrongful discharge, discrimination, sexual harassment, wage and hour, and whistleblower cases. He also has defended ERISA lawsuits, been on both sides of post-termination cases with non-competition, trade secret and related claims, and has defended numerous labor disputes in arbitration.
Bob has represented companies in labor negotiations, and in election petitions and unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB. He has negotiated compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment contracts for companies, professionals, and executives.
He also serves as a mediator in complex commercial disputes and in employment and ERISA/benefits cases. Before joining the firm, Bob was a partner at Barran Liebman (1998-2006) and an associate and partner at Lane Powell (1993-1998). Before entering private practice, Bob served on active duty as a captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corp, at the U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J. and the U.S. Army Defense Appellate Division, Falls Church, V.A. (1987-1993). While stationed at Fort Monmouth, Bob was appointed as a Special Assistant to the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.
Bob has been consistently listed in the Best Lawyers in America, in the Oregon edition of Super Lawyers for employment litigation and as one of "America's Leading Lawyers" for labor and employment by Chambers USA, which notes that Bob is "top-notch and quick on his feet, and excellent at building strong relationships with his clients" and "the man to call whenever there is a complicated matter that won't go away."
Bob is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the Human Resources Certification Institute, and is also designated as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) by the Society for Human Resource Management.
Bob has represented companies in labor negotiations, and in election petitions and unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB. He has negotiated compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment contracts for companies, professionals, and executives.
He also serves as a mediator in complex commercial disputes and in employment and ERISA/benefits cases. Before joining the firm, Bob was a partner at Barran Liebman (1998-2006) and an associate and partner at Lane Powell (1993-1998). Before entering private practice, Bob served on active duty as a captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corp, at the U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J. and the U.S. Army Defense Appellate Division, Falls Church, V.A. (1987-1993). While stationed at Fort Monmouth, Bob was appointed as a Special Assistant to the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.
Bob has been consistently listed in the Best Lawyers in America, in the Oregon edition of Super Lawyers for employment litigation and as one of "America's Leading Lawyers" for labor and employment by Chambers USA, which notes that Bob is "top-notch and quick on his feet, and excellent at building strong relationships with his clients" and "the man to call whenever there is a complicated matter that won't go away."
Bob is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the Human Resources Certification Institute, and is also designated as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) by the Society for Human Resource Management.
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Featured Representative Matters
Wage Claims
Washington jury issued defense verdict on wrongful discharge and wage claims against real estate management company. The employer also recovered on counterclaim against plaintiff, and the court awarded attorney fees to our client.
Contract Claims
Summary judgment granted on perceived disability and contract claims against large paper products company and its union.
Whistleblower Claims
Obtained defense verdict on wrongful discharge and whistleblower claims before an Oregon jury. Our client also won a counterclaim for breach of fiduciary duty against its former nursing home administrator.
Large Retailer
Summary judgment granted in state court for large retailer where plaintiff had claims for discrimination, wrongful discharge, intentional infliction of emotional distress and assault.
Non-Compete Agreement
Won summary judgment to enforce non-compete agreement for the benefit of acquiring company where agreement was signed by seller's employees in anticipation of the sale of the business.
Fair Credit Reporting Act
Court granted directed verdict for employer during jury trial where former accounting clerk brought claim under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Local Newspaper
Small local newspaper won jury verdict against employee suing for wrongful discharge and discrimination.
Sexual Harassment & Wrongful Discharge
Obtained a directed verdict during jury trial of claims for sexual harassment and wrongful discharge.
Manufacturing Company
Manufacturing company recovered on counterclaim against former employee.
Federal Court
Numerous summary judgments granted in federal court on a variety of claims, including age, gender, disability and sex discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, whistleblower, wage and hour, and ERISA.
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Community Involvement & Activities
Society of Human Resource Management
1995–Present, Harvard Schools and Scholarships Committee
Oregon Business Association
2006–2016, Business and Economy Committee
Portland Human Resources Management Association
Board of Directors
2013, General Counsel
Oregon Junior-Senior Golf Association
2009–2012, Director
Children's Cancer Association
2004–2009, Ambassador Board
Oregon State Bar
2001–2003, Procedure and Practice Committee
Multnomah Bar Association
1999–2002, Judicial Screening Committee
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Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Multnomah Bar Association
Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
Portland Human Resource Management Association
Society for Human Resource Management
Federal Bar Association
Multnomah Bar Association
Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
Portland Human Resource Management Association
Society for Human Resource Management
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Awards & Recognitions
The Best Lawyers in America
2009–2018, Employment Law: Management
2009–2018, Labor Law: Management
2009–2018, Litigation: Labor & Employment
2009–2018, Labor Law: Management
2009–2018, Litigation: Labor & Employment
Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers
2009–2018, Labor & Employment
Super Lawyers
2006–2017, Oregon Super Lawyer - Employment Litigation: Defense
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Recent News
6.5.2018
Annual Labor & Employment Law Seminar Showcases HR Superpowers
On May 10, attorneys from the Tonkon Torp Labor & Employment and Business Immigration practice groups hosted their annual Employment Law Seminar at the Oregon Zoo for nearly 200 human resource professionals and other business leaders. The 2018…
6.4.2018
Chambers USA Names 20 Tonkon Torp Attorneys as Leaders in Their Field
Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has named 20 Tonkon Torp attorneys in seven practice areas as leaders in their field for 2018. The annual reference directory ranks Oregon’s leading lawyers based on interviews with clients and…
11.14.2017
Bob Carey Lends Expertise to HR Management Class at U of O
Tonkon Torp attorney Bob Carey was recently a guest instructor for a Human Resources Management class on employment law at the University of Oregon's Lundquist College of Business. During a student-led presentation about the history of Title VII and…
8.16.2017
Best Lawyers in America® Names 49 Tonkon Torp Attorneys to 2018 List
Forty-nine Tonkon Torp lawyers representing 39 practice areas have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2018. Nearly all attorneys have been named to the list in past years, and have been recognized for more than five years…
7.11.2017
28 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Honored on 2017 Super Lawyers Lists
The national attorney rating service Super Lawyers has named 28 Tonkon Torp attorneys in 10 practice areas to its 2017 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists for Oregon. The annual Super Lawyers list represents the top 5 percent of attorneys in Oregon…
5.8.2017
Tonkon Torp Hosts 2017 Labor and Employment Law Seminar
On May 4, attorneys from the Tonkon Torp Labor & Employment and Business Immigration practice groups hosted their annual Employment Law Seminar at the Oregon Zoo for nearly 200 human resource professionals and other business leaders. The 2017 seminar…
3.27.2017
18 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Named Leaders in Their Field by Peers and Clients
Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business has named 18 Tonkon Torp attorneys in seven practice areas as leaders in their field for 2017. The annual reference directory ranks Oregon’s leading lawyers based on interviews with clients and…
11.7.2016
Bob Carey Covers Sick Leave Law for Young Lawyers
On October 20, Tonkon Torp attorney Bob Carey spoke to members of the Multnomah Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section about recent changes to sick leave laws. During his presentation, Bob highlighted best practices for implementing the new sick…
10.11.2016
Bob Carey Briefs Trucking Association on Employment Law Changes
Tonkon Torp attorney Bob Carey spoke at the Oregon Trucking Association's 65th Annual Leadership Convention on September 23 at the Eagle Crest resort in Redmond, Oregon. His talk, "Who's The Boss: Employment Law Changes That May Drive You Crazy…
8.15.2016
Best Lawyers in America® Names 44 Tonkon Torp Attorneys to 2017 List
Forty-four Tonkon Torp lawyers representing 38 practice areas have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017. Each attorney has been named to the list in past years, and nearly all have been recognized for more than five years…
7.11.2016
28 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Honored on 2016 Super Lawyers Lists
Twenty-eight Tonkon Torp attorneys in ten practice areas are named on the national 2016 Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists. Super Lawyers are selected through a process that identifies outstanding lawyers in dozens of practice areas. Factors…
5.18.2016
Tonkon Torp Hosts Annual Labor & Employment Law Seminar
On May 12, Tonkon Torp Labor & Employment Practice Group attorneys hosted their annual employment law seminar for human resource professionals and other business leaders. Over 200 attendees listened to Star Wars-themed presentations that covered…
4.12.2016
18 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Are Named Leaders in Their Field by Peers and Clients
Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business has named 18 Tonkon Torp attorneys in seven practice areas as leaders in their field for 2016. The annual reference directory ranks Oregon’s leading lawyers based on interviews with clients and…
8.18.2015
45 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Named Best Lawyers in America® 2016
Forty-five Tonkon Torp lawyers representing 39 practice areas have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2016. All of them have been named to the list at least once before, and many of them have been recognized for a number of…
7.23.2015
2015 Super Lawyers Honors 23 Tonkon Torp Attorneys
Twenty-three Tonkon Torp attorneys in nine practice areas are named on the national 2015 Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists. Two partners are recognized on the Oregon Top 50 list, lawyers rated most highly by their peers statewide.
6.10.2015
Chambers USA 2015 Guide Honors 7 Tonkon Torp Practices and 19 Lawyers
Seven Tonkon Torp practices and 19 attorneys have been honored in the 2015 Chambers USA Guide, published annually each May. Seventeen of the attorneys have been on the Chambers list previously. Newly recognized this year are corporate/M&A lawyers…
5.22.2015
Tonkon Torp Presents Annual Labor & Employment Law Seminar
Lawyers in Tonkon Torp’s Labor & Employment Practice Group recently hosted human resource professionals and other business leaders at the firm’s annual employment law seminar. The event featured presentations on a variety of issues including…
5.19.2015
Tonkon Torp Sponsors Table at Celebrate Trade Event
Tonkon Torp was a table sponsor at the Celebrate Trade Oregon International Business Awards and Consular Corp Gala on May 18. The proceeds from the gala go to the Oregon Consular Corps Scholarships Fund. The Oregon Consular Corps has served Oregon…
4.21.2015
Bob Carey Speaks to Labor Arbitrators
Bob Carey, chair of Tonkon Torp’s Labor & Employment practice group, recently spoke about the implications of social media policies and practices at the Pacific Northwest Labor Arbitrators Conference in Portland.
3.30.2015
18 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Are Named Leaders in Their Field by Peers and Clients
Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business has named 18 Tonkon Torp attorneys in seven practice areas as leaders in their field for 2015. The annual reference directory ranks Oregon’s leading lawyers based on interviews with clients and…
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Publications & Presentations
Bob is a frequent speaker at seminars on labor and employment law and provides training for clients on various issues.
"2013 HR Roundup: Checklist of New Employment Laws this Year," PHRMA News & Views, December 2013
"One Size Does Not Fit All: FMLA Leave and Same-Sex Couples," PHRMA News & Views, November 2013
"Affordable Care Act Retaliation," PHRMA News & Views, October 2013
"Protecting Confidential Business Information," PHRMA News & Views, September 2013
"Legislative Update: OFLA to Provide Leave to Deal with Death of a Family Member," PHRMA News & Views, August 2013
"Politics in the Workplace," PHRMA News & Views, July 2013
"The Pitfall of the Unpaid Intern," PHRMA News & Views, June 2013
"Evaluating the Independent Contractor Designation for Purpose of Wage Claims," PHRMA News & Views, May 2013
"Play or Pay: Crunching the Numbers on Affordable Care Act Penalties," PHRMA News & Views, April 2013
"Sick Times in Portland: What You Should Know about Portland’s Sick Leave Ordinance," PHRMA News & Views, March 2013
"Protecting Your Company's Competitive Advantage Through Employment Agreements," PHRMA News & Views, February 2013