Robert D. Haws

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Robert D. Haws: Attorney with Gust Rosenfeld P.L.C.
Attorney Awards
  • Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating
About Attorney Awards

Biography

Robert Haws, Chair of the firm’s Employment and Education Law Practice Groups, concentrates his practice on employment and education law, advising employers on the full range of challenges and opportunities arising from employees. Robert is an experienced litigator and legal counselor, having successfully represented clients before juries, state and federal judges, appellate courts, numerous government boards, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the United States Department of Labor, and the Attorney General’s office, as well as in a number of alternative dispute resolution formats.

Robert was recognized as one of Arizona’s Top100 Lawyers by AZ Business Magazine in 2020. He was named by Best Lawyers as the 2022 and 2019 Education Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Phoenix and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for approximately the last 15 years in Labor and Employment, Employment Litigation, and Education Law. He is AV Preeminent-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards. Mr. Haws also sits on the firm’s Executive Committee.

Legal Updates & Firm News

Jan 10, 2025 - Legal Alerts

2024 Title IX Rules Blocked

Aug 16, 2024 - General

Gust Rosenfeld P.L.C. Attorneys are once again Recognized as “Best Lawyers” and “Ones to Watch” in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America

Professional Recognition

•The Best Lawyers in America, Education Law; Employment Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment (2008-2025)
•Lawyer of the Year Phoenix, Education Law (2019 and 2022)
•Top 100 Attorneys in Arizona, AZ Business Magazine (2020)

•Phoenix Magazine 2022 Top Lawyers - Education; Labor & Employment

Community Involvement

•Southwest Tennis Foundation (member, Board of Directors)
•University of Utah Alumni Association (past vice president, Arizona Chapter)

See more ›

Areas of Practice (3)

  • Labor and Employment
  • Education Law
  • Public Law

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
University of Utah, B.S., Finance, 1986; University of Utah, B.S., cum laude, 1986
Law School Attended:
University of Utah, J.D., Finance, 1989; University of Utah, J.D., cum laude, 1989
Year of First Admission:
1989
Admission:
1989, Arizona; 1989, U.S. District Court, District of Arizona; 1998, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; 1999, Utah
Memberships:

Professional Associations

•State Bar of Arizona
•Employment & Labor Law Section
•Maricopa County Bar Association
•Employment Law Section
•American Bar Association
•Arizona Council of School Attorneys (past chairman, Executive Committee)

Reported Cases:
Representative Matters: Represented a rural school district in a federal court jury trial where a former principal alleged sex discrimination. The jury returned a unanimous defense verdict on all counts.; Obtained summary judgment for a large construction company in a lawsuit filed by a heavy equipment operator that alleged disability discrimination and other civil rights violations.; Represented a municipality in police and fire dismissal proceedings, all of which resulted in the dismissals being affirmed.; Assisted a chain of fast-food restaurants in an FLSA wage and hour audit which resulted in a finding of no violations.; Represented an urban elementary school district opposing the state superintendent of education's landmark attempt to place the district into academic receivership. The state board of education voted against the receivership.
ISLN:
906616435
Transactions:
Represented an urban elementary school district opposing the state superintendent of education's landmark attempt to place the district into academic receivership. The state board of education voted against the receivership. Represented a large unified school district in a special education dispute involving the educational placement of a severely disabled student. The hearing officer ruled in the school district's favor on all issues. Represented a rural school district in a federal court jury trial where a former principal alleged sex discrimination. The jury returned a unanimous defense verdict on all counts. Represented a district before the Arizona State Personnel Board in a matter filed by a former school psychologist alleging she had been unlawfully retaliated against for her "whistleblowing" activities. The Board unanimously ruled in the district's favor on all claims. Represented an elementary school district in dismissal hearing of a tenured teacher charged with unprofessional conduct. The Governing Board unanimously accepted the hearing officer's recommendation of dismissal finding that charges had been proven. Defended a small elementary school district in an Attorney General's investigation of open meeting law violations. The investigation was resolved with no finding of wrongdoing and no sanctions against the district or its board members.

Peer Reviews

4.8/5.0 (4 reviews)
Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent Rating Badge

  • Legal Knowledge

    4.8/5.0

  • Analytical Capability

    4.8/5.0

  • Judgment

    4.8/5.0

  • Communication

    4.8/5.0

  • Legal Experience

    4.8/5.0
Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

Client Reviews Write a Review

Location

Contact Robert D. Haws

Contact Information:

602-340-1538  Fax

www.gustlaw.com/attorneys/robert-d-haws

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