Meet The Paycheck Warrior
Your advocate in the fight against wage theft and workplace injustice
Robert E. DeRose
The Paycheck Warrior
Admitted to Practice:
- Ohio Bar (1991)
- Pennsylvania Bar (2005)
- Federal Courts Nationwide
Over 30 Years Fighting for Workers' Rights
As "The Paycheck Warrior," I've dedicated my career to fighting for employees who have been cheated out of their hard-earned wages. From unpaid overtime to minimum wage violations, I take on employers who violate federal and state labor laws.
My practice focuses on handling wage & hour/overtime issues, employment matters, and consumer claims. I'm a native of Western Pennsylvania and a 1988 graduate of Washington and Jefferson College with a degree in Economics. I graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1991, where I was active in workers' rights issues.
I was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1991 and the Pennsylvania Bar in 2005, and I'm admitted to practice before numerous federal district and circuit courts of appeal across the nation.
Why I Fight
Every worker deserves to be paid fairly for their labor. When employers cut corners on wages, they're not just breaking the law - they're stealing from working families. I fight because someone has to stand up to powerful employers and demand accountability.
Professional Leadership & Service
Former President, Ohio Association for Justice
Former President, Workers Injury Law and Advocacy Group (WILG) - National organization representing workers and their families
Former Board Member, Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation
Former Board Member, Diane Crawford Cervical Cancer Foundation
Current Board Member, Chapter Advisors for Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, University of Dayton
Academic & Teaching Experience
Adjunct Faculty Member, Capital University Law School - Employment Law
Frequent Lecturer & Author on Fair Labor Standards Act
Guest Lecturer at Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, University of Arkansas School of Law, University of Dayton School of Law, Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit School of Law
Publications:
Co-author, 2005-2006 Ohio Workers' Compensation Law (West Group)
Editing author, The Fair Labor Standards Act (American Bar Association)
Practical Law Contributor on FLSA and Ohio Wage Act
Professional Recognition & Awards
Best Lawyers in America - Since 2011
Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Ohio - Since 2007
Ohio Super Lawyer - Cincinnati Magazine - Since 2005
Top 50 Lawyers in Columbus - Columbus CEO Magazine - Since 2012
Columbus' Lawyer of the Year in Employment Law - U.S. News and World Report - 2022, 2023
Professional Memberships:
Melvin Belli Society (Member)
Ohio State Bar Foundation (Fellow)
College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (Fellow)
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Court Appointed Mediator, United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association