Robert W. Nichelini (“Bob”) is Of Counsel to Rains Lucia Stern St. Phalle & Silver, PC (RLS), where he represents peace officers in administrative matters, disciplinary investigations, and critical incidents. His background in law enforcement policy development and professional standards, and his stature in the law enforcement community make him an asset to clients facing decertification under the Peace Officer Decertification Act (Senate Bill 2).

With 25 years as an attorney and a distinguished career in law enforcement, Bob retired from the Oakland Police Department as a Deputy Chief, with duties that included overseeing Internal Affairs investigations. He then served for 18 years as the Police Chief for the City of Vallejo. After his retirement from Vallejo, he worked for several years as an advisor to the Solano County Sheriff and performed sensitive Internal Affairs investigations. He is also a retired Colonel in the Air Force Reserve.

Bob has a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Oakland College of Law, a Master of Public Administration from John F. Kennedy University, and a Bachelor of Arts from San Francisco State University. He also holds Advanced, Supervisory, Management, and Executive Certificates from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, as well as an Instructor Credential in Police Science from the California Community Colleges.

In addition to his legal work, Bob has served as a public safety consultant and has assisted multiple California Sheriff’s Offices with internal inquiries and reviews.

Bob is admitted to all California Courts, the United States District Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and the United States Supreme Court.

Disclaimer: Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee.