Robert S. Arns

About

Robert S. Arns has spent his distinguished legal career exclusively prosecuting plaintiff civil cases and has developed expertise in consumer class actions, mass torts, and representing families dealing with catastrophic injuries and death.

Bob has resolved well over $1.5 billion in paid results for plaintiffs through trials and settlements. This includes hundreds of seven-figure cases ($1,000,000 to $9,999,999) and eight-figure cases ($10,000,000 and above).

His consumer protection work spans numerous industries, including banking, internet, defective products, sexual predators, employment issues, and other consumer protection cases. 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 economic dignity following tragedy. He is committed to securing justice and economic freedom for families across the United States who have suffered serious losses.

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 at 14. By 16 he worked full time and had achieved journeyman status in the retail clerks union as both a checker and produce department worker. During his junior and senior years of high school, Bob managed night stock operations (9:30 p.m. to 4 a.m.) twice weekly and worked three other days at the store. Bob was in all the “honors” classes in high school and never missed attending classes — even after working all night. He credits this experience as earning his “MBA” before high school graduation, through valuable lessons from older coworkers, supervisors, and hard work.

This foundation of hard work shaped a determination and ability to achieve any goal — an experience he wouldn’t trade for anything. His intellectual curiosity was sparked by his two-year-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.

Bob graduated with Highest Honors from UC Santa Barbara and in the top 5% of his class at University of San Francisco School of Law, where he received a full scholarship, served as managing editor of the law review, and was named moot court champion. Bob has taught trial practice for 23 years at USF and has been named Professor of the Year twice, including in 2025. His students receive a certificate letting potential law firm employers know that they possess comprehensive trial skills, from motions in limine to final arguments.

Bob was named Trial Lawyer of the Year by the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association and has been a finalist many times.

Bob is the author of the best-selling Rutter Group publications The Evidence Wheel and The Trial Wheel (both California and Federal versions), used by trial lawyers and judges nationwide.

Bob is a member of ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates), an exclusive nationwide trial lawyer group. He has presented the ABOTA “Masters of Trial” (“The Best of the Best Trial Lawyers”) over ten times.

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 participating with Legal Aid of Napa Valley and hosting California Supreme Court Justices every year at his Napa home to inspire all members of the Legal Aid community.

Outside the courtroom, Bob pursues diverse interests that reflect his commitment to community and family. As owner of Tournesol Vineyards in Napa, he and his wife Anne grow wine grapes and produce Bordeaux-style wines while developing a deep appreciation for the immigrant families whose work ethic in the vineyards is remarkable. His entrepreneurial spirit extends to various real estate ventures, including the Arns Davis Law buildings in San Francisco and Reno, 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, and remains dedicated to philanthropy — so far in excess of $2 million — across academic, food bank, legal aid, and other charitable endeavors.

Perhaps most meaningful to Bob is bringing meritorious lawsuits for families from all backgrounds, providing them with economic security — a commitment symbolized by a cherished eagle sculpture gifted by grateful clients bearing the inscription, “Thank you for giving our family freedom.” He attributes his well-balanced life primarily to his wife Anne, with whom he recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. He considers his son Christopher, daughter Allison, 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.