Robyn H. Hansen
Shareholder
Experience
Industries
“I truly care about my clients and solving their problems. I want them to know that I am on their team to help them be successful.”
Robyn Hansen
About
Biography
Robyn is a seasoned attorney who brings over 35 years of experience counseling employers across a range of industries with respect to a broad spectrum of legal obligations. She guides employers in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that create and maintain a positive work environment while ensuring compliance with relevant laws. A skilled litigator and advocate, Hansen vigorously defends her clients in claims filed against them with both federal and state agencies, and in state and federal court. In every step, Robyn supports clients with the legal tools and perspectives they need to create the best outcomes. As she works, her goal is to help her clients proactively address and resolve issues effectively and efficiently.
Robyn has deep legal talents in an array of employment-related topics. Whether she is supporting a university, advising a medical institution, or beyond, she helps each client look at their specific situation and find a path forward. She provides legal representation and support in addressing issues arising in the employment context such as discrimination and harassment claims, non-competition disputes, defamation claims and wrongful termination claims. No matter her clients’ priorities, she remains well-versed in a variety of legal responsibilities relating to federal and state governing statutes such as:
- American with Disabilities Act
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- Employment Retirement Income Security Act
- Family and Medical Leave Act
- Fair Labor Standards Act
- Federal Civil Rights Acts
- Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended
- Virginia Human Rights Act
In addition to employment law, Hansen has a wealth of experience in the laws governing the public sector, non-profit institutions, and small businesses. Thus, she has experience related to the following statutes:
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- Section 501C3 of the Internal Revenue Code
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972
- Virginia Freedom of Information Act
- Virginia Conflict of Interest Act
- Virginia Public Procurement Act
Outside of the office, Robyn has many diverse interests. One of her favorites is spending time with her family. She has been married for more than 30 years to her husband Paul, and they have three adult children, Kristen, Lauren, and Nick, as well several demanding but lovable pets. She enjoys reading and writing, and often uses her writing to help and encourage others in their spiritual journeys. Robyn is a foody and loves all aspects of cooking and baking, from grinding wheat to bake bread to creating delicious, healthy meals for family and friends. Some of her favorite pastimes are traveling, yoga, walking, and swimming.
Professional Highlights
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Has experience as a litigator in both state and federal courts at the trial and appellate levels on a myriad of employment cases including contract disputes, defamation, and beyond
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Represents physicians and other practitioners on claims brought before the Department of Health Professionals
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Has experience with non-qualified deferred compensation plans, ERISA qualified retirement plans, employee benefit plans, Rabbi Trusts, and compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code
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Has extensive experience representing employers before various governmental agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Labor, among other entities
Recognition
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Top Lawyer, Coastal Virginia Magazine, Labor & Employment
2015, 2024 -
Best Lawyers in America® in Employment Law - Management, 2022-2024
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"Legal Elite", Virginia Business Magazine, Labor/Employment Law
2005-2007, 2011-2013, 2016-2023 -
Virginia Super Lawyer Rising Star, Employment & Labor Law
2008-2009, 2012
Favorite Books
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Man's Search for Meaning
Victor Frankel -
We Were the Lucky Ones
Georgia Hunter
Background
Education
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Marshall Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary
J.D., 1983 -
College of William and Mary
B.A., Economics and History, 1978
Admissions
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Virginia Supreme Court
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U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
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U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
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U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Involvement
Professional Affiliations
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Virginia State Bar
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Virginia Bar Association
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American Bar Association
Community Service
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Lackey Clinic Board of Directors
Chairman 2019 – 2022, Board Member 2017 – 2022 -
YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas
Board Governance Committee, Member (2017-2022)
Metro Board, Past-President, President, Vice President, Secretary, and Member (2004-2017)
Newport News Branch Board, Chairman, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Member (1998-2004) -
Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula Board of Directors
Board Member, Past Secretary/Treasurer, and Vice President -
Heart for Orphans
Former Board Member and Secretary -
Street Missions and Restoration Team Board of Directors
Former Secretary -
The Volunteer Center of the Virginia Peninsula Board of Directors
Former Member -
City of Newport News Retirement Plan and Health and Welfare Plan Board of Trustees
Former Member -
Newport News Bar Association
Former Secretary and Treasurer -
Marshall Wythe School of Law, College of William and Mary
Former Adjunct Professor
Publications
Robyn H. Hansen In The Media
- AI Shouldn't Replace the "Human" in Human Resources Daily Press, August 2023
News by Robyn H. Hansen
News About Robyn H. Hansen
- Thirty-Two Sands Anderson Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America®
- Coastal Virginia Magazine Recognizes Five Sands Anderson Attorneys as Top Lawyers
- Twenty-Seven Sands Anderson Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America®
- Sands Anderson Elects New Shareholders
- Forty-Four Sands Anderson Lawyers Named to 2022 Virginia Business Legal Elite
- Robyn H. Hansen Named by Virginia Lawyers Weekly as a “Leader in the Law”
- Twenty-Three Sands Anderson Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America®
- Twenty-One Sands Anderson Attorneys Named as 2022 Best Lawyers in America®
- Forty Sands Anderson Lawyers Named to 2020 Virginia Business Legal Elite
- Sands Anderson Grows Employment Law Group