Robert A. Battles

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

Areas of Practice

Bob 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.

Bob 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). Bob 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, Bob 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. Bob 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 School of Law (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

Publications

“Safety, Accidents and Investigations: Be Prepared for the Unexpected,” Employee Relations Law Journal, Winter 2011
“Safety & Health Investigations — What to Do When DOSH Arrives,” Seattle Business magazine, June 2011
“The Accident Prevention Plan: Back to the Basics,” BUILDERnews magazine, February 2011
“Subcontractor Liability: Are You Your Brother’s Keeper?” BUILDERnews magazine, December, 2010 (Co-author)

Speaking Engagements

“State Occupational Safety and Health Plans,” National Business Institute’s “Insights From WISHA” Seminar, December 1, 2011
“Preparing for OSHA/DOSH National Emphasis on Nursing Homes: Are you Ready to Go Under the Microscope?” Washington Health Care Association Fall Conference, September 27, 2011