About Robert
Robert Varian earned his law degree from the University of Maryland in 1979 after completing a bachelor’s degree at Lafayette College in 1974. He completed his formal education at a time when corporate and regulatory practices were changing rapidly, and he entered the profession shortly thereafter. Those early academic years provided the foundation for a long career in private practice.
He is admitted to practice in California and has spent his career in firm settings. He serves as a partner at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, where he participates in the firm’s work on matters that arise in that jurisdiction. His role as partner involves collaboration with colleagues across practice groups and managing client relationships at a senior level.
Colleagues describe him as experienced in guiding teams through complex legal work. Over the years he has taken on responsibilities typical of a partner: overseeing matters, counseling clients, and mentoring younger lawyers. His background — from law school through decades in practice — gives him a perspective shaped by both courtroom and transactional pressures.
He maintains an office in The Orrick Building, where he meets clients and conducts firm business. That location serves as his base for interacting with both in-house counsel and external clients who bring business and regulatory questions in the California market. He also participates in firm governance and contributes to internal planning and staffing decisions.
Outside the office, his professional path reflects steady involvement in the legal community. He has maintained professional memberships since the early 1980s, and he continues to engage with peers through those forums. Over time he has balanced client work with other responsibilities typical of senior firm lawyers.
Today he continues to practice as a partner at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP from The Orrick Building, handling matters for the firm’s clients in California.
