Robert R. Gower

Robert advises employers, fiduciaries, and service providers on the design, implementation, and ongoing compliance of qualified retirement plans and employee benefits programs. Based in San Francisco, California, he represents clients in matters involving Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, including compliance with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and guidance issued by the Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service.

With more than 15 years of experience, Robert counsels clients on a broad range of retirement plan matters involving 401(k) and profit-sharing plans, cash balance and defined benefit plans, multiemployer plans, and pooled employer plans. He works with plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and administrators to address operational and compliance challenges while supporting efficient plan administration.

Robert regularly assists clients with IRS and DOL correction programs, audits and investigations, prohibited transaction matters, controlled group determinations, and retirement plan issues arising in mergers and acquisitions. He also advises on fiduciary governance matters, including service provider arrangements, investment review and monitoring, fiduciary committee processes, and fiduciary training.

Known for providing practical and business-focused counsel, Robert helps clients navigate the evolving regulatory landscape affecting employee benefit plans and fiduciary responsibilities. He works closely with organizations to develop clear, actionable strategies tailored to their operational goals and compliance obligations.

In addition to his legal practice at Trucker Huss APC, Robert is active in the employee benefits community. He serves as the 2025–2026 President of the Western Pension & Benefits Council, is a member of the Thomson Reuters Practical Law EBEC Advisory Board, and is a founding member of the HR Executive Compliance Board. Robert has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer since 2020 and frequently speaks on retirement plan and ERISA compliance topics.