Robert A. Battles

Counsel to the Firm | Olympia | 360.753.7604 | battlesr@lanepowell.com

Areas of Practice

Robert Battles represents both individuals and business clients in regulatory and complex litigation matters including Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) and industrial insurance defense.

Robert was with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office for 10 years and represented the Department of Labor and Industries in all aspects of litigation, mediation, contract negotiation, public disclosure, document retention and confidentiality issues. During that time, he also served as the legal advisor to the WISHA and Building Trades Program (Electrical, Contractor, Plumber, Elevator, Boiler and Factory Assembled Structure Sections). Mr. Battles has drafted legislation and administrative codes as well as prepared inter-local and inter-agency agreements including confidentiality and conflict issues between state agencies.

In addition, Mr. Battles has represented the Washington State Governor’s Electric Board, the Board of Boiler Rules and the Plumbers Advisory Board. He has litigated cases at all levels of the Washington state courts, Federal District Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and administrative tribunals such as the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. Mr. Battles also has extensive experience representing clients before state and federal regulatory agencies including the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Washington State Employment Security Department and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Professional Experience

• Goodstein Law Group, PLLC, Attorney (2002-2006)
• Office of the Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General (1992-2002)
• In addition to the above experience, conducted extensive training to state and local government inspectors and also represented clients in matters involving electrical licensing and certification, plumber certification, contractor registration, boiler, elevator and factory assembled structure regulations.

Admitted to Practice

• Washington
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
• Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Academics

• Gonzaga University (J.D., cum laude, 1992)
  • Technical Editor, Gonzaga Law Review
  • Moot Court Council
  • Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity

• Gonzaga University (B.A., 1986)

Practice Group and Specialty Team Memberships

• Government
• Labor and Employment
• Litigation
• Mortgage and Consumer Finance

Professional and Community Activities

• Board member, Bates Technical College Steam Certification Board
• Board member, St. Stephen the Martyr Church Pastoral Council
• Board member, FISH Food Bank, Pierce County