The National Restaurant Association announced on Apr. 28 that Robin Repass has been appointed as Executive Director and Chief Legal Counsel of the Restaurant Law Center, an independent public policy organization representing the food service industry in court.
This appointment comes at a time when restaurant operators face ongoing legal and regulatory challenges. The Restaurant Law Center works to ensure that the interests of America’s restaurant operators are represented before courts and regulatory agencies, supporting laws and regulations that allow restaurants to grow, create jobs, and contribute to economic development.
Repass brings significant experience in litigation and public policy, particularly focused on workplace safety, employment law, and regulatory compliance. She has led coalitions involving trade associations, government officials, outside counsel, and industry leaders to protect business interests in hospitality and foodservice. Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association said: “The Restaurant Law Center is the center-point for the National Restaurant Association's work correcting unfair marketplace practices and regulatory overreach impacting the restaurant industry. Robin has an exceptional breadth of experience and knowledge that make her the right leader for the RLC. With more than 20 years engaged as inhouse and outside legal counsel, and her extensive understanding of policymaking and commitment to coalition building, she is the courtroom advocate the restaurant industry needs safeguarding our place as engines of opportunity, connection, and economic growth.”
Repass said: “I am excited to step into a role protecting the restaurant and foodservice industry as the Executive Director and Chief Legal Counsel of the Restaurant Law Center. Restaurant operators face an unrelenting wave of legal and regulatory challenges, and having an independent organization solely dedicated to fighting for them in courts matters enormously. I'm honored to lead this work alongside an exceptional board and our law firm partners, and I look forward to expanding RLC's impact on behalf of operators across country.”
Prior to joining RLC, Repass was a partner at Fisher & Phillips where she led workplace safety matters for employers nationwide including those in restaurants; she also held senior roles at Amazon advising on global workplace safety compliance initiatives; earlier positions include leadership roles at Ogletree Deakins and Tesla.
The National Restaurant Association enhances community development through economic contributions from restaurants according to its official website. It represents one of America's largest private-sector employers according to its official website by advancing policies through advocacy efforts according to its official website. Its reach extends nationally through partnerships with state associations according to its official website, influencing policy at all levels according to its official website. The association provides legislative advocacy along with workforce training programs while serving as a key supporter for restaurants nationwide according to its official website.
