Robert Willyard

Robert E. Willyard is an accomplished attorney with over three decades of experience specializing in Workers’ Compensation defense litigation. Currently practicing at Bober, Peterson & Koby, LLP, Robert handles complex cases in both the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) arenas. His expertise in cross-examining medical experts and mentoring attorneys in litigation strategy and deposition techniques sets him apart in the field.

Robert’s extensive career includes both defense and applicant-side representation. Prior to joining Bober, Peterson & Koby, LLP, he served as a defense litigator at Hanna & Brophy, where he mentored fellow attorneys in case strategy and how to depose medical experts. He also ran his own law practice for nearly two decades, handling both applicant and defense cases in Workers’ Compensation. Additionally, Robert has served as an arbitrator for major ADR programs under California Labor Code section 3201.5.

Mr. Willyard earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon Law School in 1992 and his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Irvine, in 1986.

Robert has also held leadership roles within the State Bar of California’s Board serving as the Chief Commissioner of the State Bar for Certified Specialists. He co-authored the Workers’ Compensation Alternative Dispute Resolution Handbook, which remains a key resource for ADR cases in the state. Robert has also appeared before the California Supreme Court and Court of Appeals on behalf of the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association (CAAA).

Mr. Willyard is admitted to practice law in California.