Jones Day's Rick Bergstrom Two-Time BTI Client Service All-Star
Rick Bergstrom, a partner in Jones Day's Labor & Employment Practice and based in the Firm's San Diego Office, is named a BTI Client Service All-Star in 2026, marking the second time he has received this prestigious distinction. The BTI Client Service All-Star award is based solely on recognition by corporate counsel across the United States for the delivery of excellent client service.
A fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, for more than 30 years, Mr. Bergstrom has successfully defended clients in class actions, California Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) actions, whistleblower cases, and individual lawsuits involving claims for overtime, misclassification, pay equity, failure to provide meal and rest periods, misappropriation of trade secrets, violation of privacy laws, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. His recent achievements include prevailing on an evidentiary motion to strike the remaining PAGA claims on manageability and judicial estoppel grounds after defeating two motions for class certification. The ruling was affirmed on appeal and is the first order striking PAGA claims affirmed by a California court of appeal in this context. Mr. Bergstrom also testified before Congress concerning whistleblower protection laws and the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Garcetti v. Ceballos.
BTI lists five primary reasons for lawyers being named to the "All Stars" list, including:
1) Pivot Without Missing a Beat: BTI Client Service All-Stars recognize shifting priorities early, adapt seamlessly and keep matters moving – often before clients ask.
2) Act at CEO Speed: They cut through complexity and deliver practical, business-ready advice clients can confidently take straight to their CEO.
3) Drive Business Outcomes: Understanding that legal advice creates the most value when it advances business success, BTI Client Service All-Stars align recommendations with clients' strategic and business objectives.
4) Stay Three Steps Ahead: They prepare clients for tomorrow's challenges through continuous insight, education, and foresight to make sure their clients feel informed, prepared, and ahead of what's coming.
5) Turn Obstacles into Opportunities: When conventional thinking reaches a dead end, BTI Client Service All-Stars find a new path forward. They challenge assumptions, rethinking traditional approaches and solving problems others accept as roadblocks.
