Robert R. Wennagel

Robert is an experienced employment law attorney with a focus on advising companies how to navigate complex employment compliance issues, including how to avoid costly wage and hour litigation, creating and scaling up “best practice” handbook policies and HR practices, and mitigating risk from independent contractors and contingent workforces. Prior to joining Constangy, he worked in-house for a decade at a staffing firm and with a large HR software company. Robert provides strategic guidance on numerous employment matters, including implementing new HRIS and payroll systems, recruitment, employee relations, high-risk separations, reductions-in-force, and disability accommodations.

In addition to his extensive employment law experience, Robert has a strong background in data privacy and artificial intelligence issues in the workplace. He advises clients on ethical AI implementation and has been instrumental in managing bias audits for new AI software and creating accountability frameworks to ensure responsible AI practices.

Robert holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Data Privacy and an MBA, underscoring his commitment to data protection and strategic business solutions. He has also contributed to publications on AI regulation and fairness, demonstrating his dedication to fostering ethical standards in employment law.

Certifications

• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) for United States law (US) through the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) for European law (E) through the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)

Robert was born and raised in Houston, Texas, before moving to Southern California to attend UCLA. He enjoys outdoor sports, including rock climbing, trail running, and chasing his children when they try to run away from home. 

• “Be in the Know: 2024 Employment Law Forecast,” UKG & LinkedIn Learning, December 2023.
• “Employment Compliance Updates for 2023,” UKG Aspire 2023. 
• “Compliance Complexities,” UKG eSymposium 2023. 
• “Government Affairs: Legislative, Regulatory, and Judicial Issues that Impact Employers and Employees,” Industry Insights Digital Summit 2023. 
• “Navigating Compliance in Retail, Hospitality, and Food Service,” Industry Insights Digital Summit 2023. 
• “Employment Compliance from Coast to Coast: Updates, Trends, and What to Expect in 2023,” UKG Aspire 2022.
• "Dark Systems: Reprogramming Artificial Intelligence Regulations to Promote Fairness and Employment Nondiscrimination," 39 Santa Clara High Tech. L.J. 1, August 2022.
• “Remote Employees: A Compliance Watch List,” UKG HR & Payroll eSymposium 2022. 
• “Be the Next Employer of Choice in the Food Service Industry,” UKG webinar 2022.
• “Reviewing 2021 Compliance Updates: When the Only Constant is Change,” UKG eSymposium 2021.
• “Compliance in the Time of COVID,” UKG eSymposium 2021.