Trial Trailblazer
With over $1.5 billion in resolutions over half a century of practice, Bob has spent his career restoring dignity and freedom to families devastated by tragedy.
Recent Results
$100 million+ for wildfire victims in California
$10 million for the family of a union worker killed on the job
$45 million confidential pre-trial settlement (2024)
$3.25 million for carpet installers in a wage theft class action (2023)
Notable Cases
Torres v. Botanic Tonics (nationwide false labeling class action)
Luna v. Top Dawg Entertainment (sexual harassment and assault)
Doe v. U.S. Figure Skating (minor sexual abuse)
Dyer v. Tesla (racial discrimination class action)
Keller v. Amazon (nationwide gig-worker class action)
Robert Arns, the founder of Arns Davis Law, has spent a distinguished career, exclusively prosecuting plaintiff civil cases, developing particular expertise in consumer class actions, mass torts, elder abuse, and representing families dealing with catastrophic injuries and death.
Bob proudly introduces himself as a "family lawyer" - not in the traditional sense of matrimonial disputes, but as an advocate who shoulders the grave responsibility of restoring family dignity following tragedy. He is committed to securing justice and economic freedom for families across the United States who have suffered serious losses.
His consumer protection work spans numerous industries, including banking, internet, defective products, and employment issues. While Bob takes his career as a plaintiff lawyer very seriously, he maintains a humble perspective about himself.
Bob's drive and work ethic were forged during his upbringing in Portland, Oregon. Raised in a loving family with limited means - his father never completed high school and his mother's education ended with high school - Bob learned the value of hard work early on. Starting with a paper route and lawn jobs, he became a bag boy at Albertson's grocery store at age 14. By 16, he had achieved journeyman status in the union as both a checker and produce department worker. During his junior year of high school, Bob was entrusted with managing night stock operations twice weekly, an experience he credits as earning his "MBA" before graduation through valuable lessons from older coworkers and supervisors.
This foundation of "hard work to survive" shaped Bob's determination and ability to achieve any goal - an experience he wouldn't trade for anything. His intellectual curiosity was influenced by his older brother Dave, who began submitting editorials to newspapers and magazines at just 12 years old. Dave's academic pursuits, culminating in a PhD in History, inspired Bob to develop a deep understanding of world affairs from an early age.
Outside the courtroom, Bob pursues diverse interests that reflect his commitment to community and family. As owner of Tournesol Winery and vineyards in Napa, he and his wife Anne cultivate Bordeaux-style wines while developing a deep appreciation for the immigrant families whose remarkable work ethic powers the operation. His entrepreneurial spirit extends to various real estate ventures, including the Arns Davis Law building in San Francisco, Baranof Wilderness Lodge in Alaska, and numerous residential and commercial properties. Bob prioritizes physical fitness through daily workouts, golf, cycling, fly fishing, and other outdoor activities. Above all, he cherishes time with family and friends, and remains dedicated to philanthropy across academic, athletic, food bank, legal aid, and other charitable endeavors.
Bob attributes his well-balanced life primarily to his wife Anne, with whom he recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. He considers his son Christopher and daughter Allison, along with their spouses and his five grandchildren, to be his best friends. Every day, Bob feels deep gratitude to the exceptional lawyers and legal assistants at Arns Davis Law who help him maintain this fulfilling balance in his professional and personal life.
Accomplishments
Bob's extraordinary career is defined by exceptional results and a deep commitment to the legal profession. He has resolved well over $1.5 billion in paid results for plaintiffs through trials and settlements, earning him the San Francisco Trial Lawyers' "Trial Lawyer of the Year" award, finalist status numerous times, and their Lifetime Achievement Award. As an adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law for 21 years, Bob co-taught trial practice with Tom Brandi, a partnership that led to the creation of the Arns Brandi Trial Center at USF - a certificate program that ensures graduates possess comprehensive trial skills from discovery to final arguments. A respected member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Bob has presented the ABOTA "Masters of Trial" over ten times and served as team Captain for plaintiff presenters. His academic achievements include graduating with Highest Honors from UC Santa Barbara and in the top 5% of his class at USF Law School, where he received a full scholarship, served as managing editor of the law review, and was named moot court champion.
Among Bob's proudest contributions are his best-selling Rutter Group publications "The Evidence Wheel" and "The Trial Wheel" (both California and Federal versions), which are used by trial lawyers and judges nationwide. The Arns Davis Law building at 515 Folsom Street showcases his commitment to excellence, featuring facilities to mock try cases before 36 jurors who can break into three separate deliberation rooms. Bob's community involvement includes serving as a Board Member for Bay Area Legal Aid and participating with Legal Aid of Napa Valley for seven years, hosting California Supreme Court Justices at his Napa home for educational presentations. Perhaps most meaningful to Bob is bringing meritorious lawsuits for families from all backgrounds, providing them with economic security. This is symbolized by a cherished eagle sculpture gifted by grateful clients bearing the inscription "Thank you for giving our family freedom."
Recognition
America’s Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement Award
The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Civil Plaintiffs Lawyers
AV Preeminent Rating by Martin-Hubbell
San Francisco Trial Lawyer of the Year
California Trial Lawyer of the Year
Admissions
Supreme Court of California
California Court of Appeal
“Top 100” Super Lawyers in Northern California
The Best Lawyers in America©
Best-selling author of Rutter Group’s The California Evidence Wheel©; The California Trial Wheel©; The Federal Evidence Wheel©; and The Federal Trial Wheel©
University of San Francisco School of Law Professor of the Year and Co-Alumni of the Year
Education
University of San Francisco, School of Law
University of California, Santa Barbara