Experience
Robert Schug’s mediation practice is founded upon extensive experience in both complex class actions and individual matters. Over nearly two decades litigating in federal and state courts across the country, he has handled cases spanning employment, wage and hour, consumer, and insurance disputes. Before opening his mediation practice, Robert was a partner at a litigation and trial firm with offices in Minnesota and California. Earlier in his career, he worked with teams representing businesses in patent litigation, adding further depth to his practice.
Robert has represented clients in trial, through appeals, and in arbitration proceedings. His experiences give him a broad and balanced perspective on litigation and dispute resolution, informed by representing both individuals and organizations in high-stakes matters.
Philosophy
Robert’s mediation philosophy is characterized by careful preparation, a thorough command of the facts and legal issues, and a flexible approach that allows him to respond to the individual needs of each party in every case.
He enters mediation with a detailed understanding of the record, allowing the session to focus on the issues that will meaningfully influence resolution. Throughout the process, he works with counsel and their clients to clarify key interests, evaluate the legal and factual drivers of risk, and use that shared insight to guide negotiations.
Robert's steady optimism helps parties navigate roadblocks, maintain momentum, and stay engaged in the work of reaching resolution.
Focus Areas
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Class Actions
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Individual Matters
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Discrimination
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Wage and Hour
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Consumer
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Insurance
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Contract Disputes
Leadership
Robert is frequently invited to speak on issues related to civil litigation. He has spoken at programs hosted by the American Bar Association, the National Employment Lawyers Association, the National Consumer Law Center, and other legal education organizations. In addition, his peers have recognized his work through honors such as inclusion in Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment & Civil Rights Lawyers and selections to Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Northern California and Minnesota.
Robert is a Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice for the District Courts.
Robert L. Schug
Experience
Nichols Kaster PLLP | Partner
Minneapolis, MN
San Francisco, CA
The Impact Fund | Litigation Director
Berkeley, CA
Robins Kaplan LLP | Attorney
Minneapolis, MN
Education
J.D. | William Mitchell College of Law
summa cum laude
B.S. | Middle Tennessee State University
summa cum laude
Admissions
Minnesota
California
Honors and Memberships
Super Lawyers List
MN Super Lawyers Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business (2025)
Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment & Civil Rights Lawyers (2020-2025)
The Best Lawyers in America (2022-2025)
Top Lawyers List
Minnesota Monthly (2024)
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers List (2022)
Rising Stars List
MN Super Lawyers, Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, and Twin Cities Business (2018-2021)
Rising Stars List
Northern California Super Lawyers Magazine and SF Magazine (2012-2013)
American Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
Select Activities and Engagements
Preparing FCRA Cases for Mediation
2026 NACA/NCLC Spring Training
Minneapolis, MN, April 30, 2026
Track Co-Chair for ADR Programs
ABA 20th Annual Section of Labor and Employment Law Conference
Washington, DC, November 4-7, 2026
Taking Effective Rule 30(b)(6) Depositions
National Employment Lawyers Association's 2024 Annual Convention
Philadelphia, PA, June 2024
What is New in the World of Equal Pay Case Law
ABA FLSL Midwinter Meeting
Mexico, February 2023
Recent Developments in ESI Case Law
NELA Spring Seminar
Chicago, IL, April 2022
Litigating Fitness for Duty Cases Under the ADA
Eighth Circuit NELA
St. Louis, MO, October 2022
Collecting and Preserving Client ESI
National Consumer Law Center Consumer Rights Litigation Conference
December 2021
The ADA Turns 30: How Have Class Actions Fared?
Impact Fund Class Action Conference
San Francisco, CA, February 2020
How to Use Rule 30(b)(6) Depositions To Your Advantage
National Employment Lawyers Association’s 2019 Annual Convention
New Orleans, LA, June 2019
Legal Tools for Addressing Discrimination in Fire Departments: An Overview and Conversation
2018 International Association of Black Professional Firefighters Convention
Atlantic City, NJ, August 2018
Preserving, Collecting & Producing ESI from your Client
NELA Spring Conference
Vienna, VA, April 2018
Making the Most of ESI: Now That You’ve Got It, Here’s How You Work With It
NELA Spring Conference
Vienna, VA, April 2018
Taking Effective Rule 30(b)(6) Depositions in Wage and Hour Cases
NELA Litigating Wage and Hour Cases
March 2017
