Roy A. Combs

Highly regarded across California for his excellent client service, integrity, candor, insight and the positive impact he’s had in sculpting the contours of education law, Roy Combs brings extensive experience in helping clients navigate challenges. Roy counsels and represents school districts, governing boards, agency senior executives and administrators and others on the full spectrum of education-related legal issues. They include such matters as collective bargaining, labor and employment, governance, litigation, personnel, Brown Act, conflict-of-interest, facilities, construction, and risk management.

When advising on pivotal governance matters, which can often influence the direction a school district takes, Roy works closely with school boards and leaders to support their policy goals. He enjoys helping them analyze issues, communicate effectively, come to resolutions as a team, and improve the operations of the organization. This collaborative success often translates into better pedagogical policies and classroom environments that helps teachers educate students.

Roy frequently serves as an agency’s lead negotiator in collective bargaining, including through impasse and post impasse proceedings and strikes. In providing this invaluable service, Roy always keeps an eye on the procedural twists and turns that can either promote or impede a school district from successfully performing its duties. Clients appreciate that he knows how and when to implement his situationally specific approaches to generate the most optimal outcomes possible. A CTA-certified “Trainer of Trainers” in Interest-Based Bargaining, Roy provides knowledge and experience in conducting traditional and non-traditional bargaining approaches, and in IBB negotiations and trainings for bargaining teams.

As a litigator representing clients in many different venues, including state and federal trail courts, the California Court of Appeals and in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Roy brings a dynamic presence and a calm manner to the courtroom or around the negotiation table. He draws on an uncanny ability to secure and retain the attention and intention of decision-makers and opposing counsel. Fully aware of the interplay between the science and art in trial work, Roy is known as an outstanding trail lawyer. Yet he always demonstrates respect for all parties involved.

A strong proponent of alternative dispute resolution as an effective method for settling disputes, Roy has participated in hundreds of ADR proceedings. He also serves as a mediator for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, as well offering mediation services through the firm. In addition, every year Roy delivers a presentation for the School Employers Association of California (SEAC), on labor issues, post-impasse and strike matters, and other topics, and is a presenter at numerous education conferences.

In all that he does as an attorney, Roy has earned a reputation for examining issues from multiple perspectives, using analysis to generate better answers, and, as he puts it, “pressure-testing” proposals to see if they measure up. He has the utmost respect for educators and administrators and their dedication to the students they serve.