top of page
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

  • Class Actions

  • Individual Matters

  • Discrimination

  • Wage and Hour

  • Consumer

  • Insurance

  • 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

bottom of page