Speakers

FUTURE@WORK CONFERENCE Plenary Speakers

FUTURE@WORK CONFERENCE workshop Speakers, PANEL SPEAKERS AND MODERATORS

• Robert J. Smith, Jr., Managing Partner, Clark Baird Smith LLP, Chicago, IL

  Bob Smith is the managing partner of Clark Baird Smith LLP. He represents public and private sector employers with respect to labor and employment law matters, including administrative proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board, and State labor relations boards concerning representation petitions, unfair labor practice proceedings and impasse disputes. Bob also represents employers in collective bargaining matters, including contract administration and grievance arbitration proceedings, negotiation, mediation and interest arbitration.  Bob also advises employers on disciplinary issues, workplace investigations, wage and hour compliance and equal employment opportunity issues. Bob represents employers in state and federal court, as well as before administrative agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, Civil Service Commissions and Boards of Fire and Police Commissioners, with respect to disciplinary matters, employment discrimination claims, employment litigation and civil rights actions.

  In August, 2014, Bob became the Management Co-Chair of American Bar Association’s Committee on State and Local Government Bargaining and Employment Law. This longstanding ABA Committee is comprised of attorneys representing management, unions and public employees, as well as attorneys who serve as arbitrators and mediators. Bob previously served as the Management Co-Chair of the Interest Arbitration Subcommittee and regularly authored reports on interest arbitration developments in the public sector.

  Bob was recently elected as a Fellow to the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. Election as a Fellow is the highest recognition by ones colleagues of sustained outstanding performance in the profession, exemplifying integrity, dedication and excellence.

  n April, 2014, Bob was the recipient of the President’s Award from the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association, in recognition of his outstanding service to NPELRA and his contribution to Public Sector Labor Relations. This award is the highest honor bestowed by NPELRA.

  Bob serves as General Counsel to the Illinois Public Employer Labor Relations Association (IPELRA), which is the State’s largest public employer labor relations association for management officials. 

  Bob received his B.A. degree with highest honors from DePaul University and earned a J.D. from DePaul College of Law in 1981. He is admitted to the practice of law in Illinois and Indiana.

  

  Robert J. Smith