Clarkson files suit against University of Michigan for enabling pervasive image-based sexual violence against female athletes.
Counsel
San Francisco, CA
Brent A. Robinson is counsel at Clarkson, where he litigates writs and appeals for the firm’s clients, as well as clients outside the firm. Brent's spent the early years of his career fighting for the rights of mostly Spanish-speaking wage workers in San Francisco's Mission District, before prosecuting high-impact class and representative litigation to enforce the civil rights of California employees and consumers both in the trial courts and on appeal. His passion lies in helping improve the lives of his clients, and in changing the law and legal system for the better. Brent has argued over 15 appeals, writs, and review proceedings in California's appellate courts, where his work has established new law. See, Piplack v. In-N-Out Burgers (2023) 88 Cal.App.5th 1281; Carroll v. City and County of San Francisco (2019) 41 Cal.App.5th 805.
Brent is an active member of the California Employment Lawyers Association, and serves on that organization's Reverse Auctions Panel, Wage & Hour Committee, and Legislative Committee. He is also active in seeking publication and depublication of appellate decisions to improve the state of decisional law. See, e.g., Lewis v. Simplified Labor Staffing Solutions (Cal. Supreme Ct. Case No. S278457) (request for depublication granted).
In his free time, Brent enjoys going on adventures with his family. He also loves walking his dog, camping, hiking, rock climbing, cycling, and cooking. He enjoys a good board game from time to time.
Representative Cases
Rahman/Bautista Diaz v. Gate Gourmet, Inc. (N.D.Cal. Case No. 3:20-cv-03047-WHO; Los Angeles Super. Ct. Case No. 20STCV34299; C.D.Cal. Case No. 2:20-CV-09454 FLA (MAAx); MDL No. 3012) - Defeated reverse auction attempt as lead counsel. See, 2021 U.S.Dist. LEXIS 225310.
Piplack/Accurso v. In-n-Out Burgers (Orange Co. Super. Ct. Case No. 30-2019-01114510; Fourth Dist. Ct. of App. Case Nos. G061098, G064180, G064028; Second Dist. Ct. of App. Case No. B319885; Sonoma County Superior Case No. SCV-268956, First Dist. Ct. of App. Case Nos. A165320 and A165403; Cal. Supreme Ct. Case Nos. S275185, S285825, S282173; JCCP No. 5359) - As lead counsel for plaintiffs, prosecuting complex PAGA litigation involving seven overlapping trial court actions, including three writ proceedings, and three appeals so far. See, Piplack v. In-N-Out Burgers (2023) 88 Cal.App.5th 1281, review granted (Jun. 14, 2023), review dismissed (Sept. 13, 2023); Accurso v. In-N-Out Burgers (2023) 94 Cal.App.5th 1128, review granted (Nov. 29, 2023), transferred to 1DCA 4 for reconsideration (Nov. 7 2024), dismissed as moot (Jan. 9, 2025).
Carroll v. City and County of San Francisco et al. (San Francisco Sup. Ct. Case No. CGC-17-526580; First Dist. Ct. of App. Case Nos. A154569, A155208, A169408; Cal. Supreme Court Case No. S259558) - As lead counsel and first chair at trial, obtained reversal of order sustaining demurrer on appeal, compelled headless class discovery, certified a class of over 150 disabled retirees asserting claims of compensation discrimination under FEHA, and tried class claims to adverse final judgment, with appeal from final judgment pending. See, Carroll v. City and County of San Francisco (2019) 41 Cal.App.5th 805, review and depublication denied (Jan. 29, 2020).
Paknad v. Intuitive Surgical, Inc., et al. (Cal. Supreme Ct. Case Nos. S281065, S285227; Sixth Dist. Ct. of App. Case No. H050711; Santa Clara Super. Ct. Case No. 19CV350641) - As appellate counsel, obtained California Supreme Court grant of review and transfer after summary writ denial, then obtained grant of writ of mandate directing trial court to reverse order denying motion to compel discovery of workplace investigation evidence on the basis of privilege. See, Paknad v. Superior Court of Cal. (Apr. 29, 2024, No. H050711) 2024 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 2620.
Education
J.D., 2012, University of San Francisco School of Law
B.A. in English Literature, 2008, U.C. Santa Barbara
Bar & Court Admissions
State Bar of California
United States District Court for the Northern District of California
United States District Court for the Central District of California
United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Recognitions
Super Lawyers, Northern California Rising Star for 2022 and 2023
Professional Memberships
California Employment Lawyers Association; Member, Reverse Auctions Panel, Wage & Hour Committee, and Legislative Committee