Robert W. Krause

Partner

Education:

• Western State University College of Law (J.D., 1983)

• Chapman College (B.A., 1977)

Admissions:

• Supreme Court of California

• United States District Court ( Southern Districts of California)

• California Court of Appeal

• Superior Court of California

Robert W. Krause “Bob” is uniquely qualified to represent the interest of public safety officersdue to his extensive background, life experiences, education and dedication to the needs of the rank and file members in public service.

Bob started his early education by completing his certificate of competence and then obtaining an associate of arts degree in Police Science from Mira Costa College, Oceanside, California. Shortly after his 21st birthday, Bob was hired by the Oceanside Police Department where he began a nearly 15 year career, after graduating first in his academy class (44th San Diego Sheriffs). Bob retired as a Sergeant from the Oceanside Police Department. Bob holds a Life-Time Teaching Credential having served as an Adjunct Professor at both Mira Costa and Palomar Colleges in Southern California.

While employed as a police officer Bob obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Criminal Justice and went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate graduating near the top of his class. In law school Bob was awarded the prestigious American Jurisprudence Award, won the Bingham Scholarship for legal writing, and was invited to write for the Law Review.

As an officer with the Oceanside Police Department Bob began developing skills which would later become invaluable in representing today’s police officers and public safety employees. Having been assigned to patrol, traffic and detective assignments, he honed his skills in accident investigation and general patrol duties. During his tenure Bob was assigned to vice and narcotics as an investigator and ultimately a sergeant in the violent crimes unit. During these assignments Bob dealt with officer involved shootings, internal affairs matters as well as a number of homicide investigations. He investigated and supervised many very sensitive and complicated investigations. All of this bodes well for Bob’s clients today because he has a genuine understanding of what the “Beat Cop” goes through along with the an understanding of the added intricacies and nuances facing individuals assigned to specialized assignments as well as supervisory assignments.

Bob was very active in his police association having served as president, treasurer and chief negotiator over a period of many years. In those roles Bob became a lay advocate for the association’s membership. Bob, along with some strong board members at the time, pioneered political activism from the association level. From the chair of the presidency of his association he was able to successfully coordinate the first successful job action by the Oceanside Police Officer’ Association. This valuable experience carries over to his law practice when faced with the possibility of coordinating such efforts on behalf of his clients. In short, Bob has”been there, done that” and has an intimate understanding of the officers’ point of view. It has become necessary to employ those skills for a number of clients over the past 30 years of practicing law on behalf of peace officer clients.

In 1984, Bob was recruited away from the Oceanside Police Department and was hired by the then fledgling PORAC Labor Representation Program. As a staff attorney with the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), Bob represented police associations statewide in labor relations matters including labor disputes, contract negotiations, administrative appeals, and other related disciplinary actions. Very early in his legal career Bob’s talents were recognized by the leadership of PORAC and he was quickly promoted to the position of Supervising Attorney for the Southern California PORAC Labor Offices. In that capacity he had the good sense to hire Everett Bobbitt away from the El Cajon Police Department launching a long and very successful career representing peace officers. Everett, of course, went on to found the Law Offices of Bobbitt, Pinckard and Fields. Bob and Everett met in Law School where a life-long friendship was forged.

Since 1984 Bob has practiced law in Southern California continuing to represent clients in all venues including the Appellate Courts. In that capacity, he successfully defended many complicated cases winning back numerous lost jobs/careers for peace officers and other public safety employees. He has successfully negotiated scores of contracts (MOU’s) on behalf of several client associations. In September 2008, Bob became of counsel at Bobbitt, Pinckard & Fields, APC, and in September of 2009 was appointed as an Associate Attorney. In October 2013, Bob was elevated to Partner where he continues his practice of representing the interests of public safety employees with an emphasis on peace officers. Bob’s expertise and experiences pay great dividends for his clients and will continue to do so on into the future.

Sadly, on May 8, 2024, Bob passed away