Robert Hirsch

Bob Hirsch is a full time Mediator and Arbitrator based in San Francisco where he started practicing law in 1979.  He has served as a full-time neutral for more than 15 years. Bob spent most of his professional career as a litigator and advocate, participating in trials, arbitrations, mediations and other dispute resolution processes. Over the years, he has addressed matters ranging from Labor and/or Employment disputes to Investment Prudence; Regulatory Compliance to Business Controversies; Discrimination Claims to Contract Actions; Real Estate disputes to Alleged Violations of Securities Laws.

In arbitration matters, Bob allows the parties to present their cases as they see fit—always within the parameters of “fair advocacy.”  Sessions are efficient and less formal than courtroom trials, however, all are expected to present only relevant evidence and focused arguments.  Hirsch always endeavors to issue decisions, which address all issues presented by the parties and reflect his effort to be thoughtful and fair.

In all mediation cases, Bob dedicates himself to working with the disputants in order to give all parties the best shot at crafting a resolution that is fair, practical and conclusive. He uses humor to temper intensity and intelligence to handle complexities. Mediation sessions are tailored to the parties’ needs and issues. He currently serves on several permanent Arbitration and/or Mediation Panels including the SF Superior Courts Early Settlement Program, the SF Bar Association Attorney Fee Dispute Panel, the SF Bar Association Mediation Services Roster, Alameda County Superior Courts, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, State Mediation & Conciliation Service, the U.S. District Court (ND Cal), Kaiser Permanente and several Labor/Management Panels. He is a member of The Mediation Society. Bob also served on the San Francisco Police Commission form 2017 - 2020 (Last year as President).

Prior to establishing his ADR Practice, Bob served as General Counsel to McMorgan & Company, a San Francisco investment management firm, for more than 11 years. There, he oversaw all legal affairs for the Company including litigation and Corporate Governance.  He also served on the Company’s Executive and Management Committees.

Before becoming General Counsel, he spent 14 years with the law firm of Van Bourg, Weinberg, Roger & Rosenfeld specializing in ERISA and Labor Law with a focus on litigation. 

Bob received his law degree from the University of California at Davis in 1979.  He continues to work with non-profit organizations in the fields of education and youth leadership.