2019 Hall of Fame Inductee Robert T. Yahng Class of 1967

Robert T. Yahng is a social science teacher at the Salesian College Preparatory High School, serving inner-city students in and near Richmond, CA.  His credentials also include teaching Honors/AP Economics and U.S. Government to high school seniors for over 18 years and co-authoring five U.S. History and U.S. Government high school texts.  In Spring 2019, Robert taught microeconomics at Berea College and has served on the Berea College Board of Trustees since 2002, currently serving as Chairman.

Born in China, and raised and educated in Kentucky, Robert graduated with a B.A. in History from Berea College in 1963 and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1967.  After graduating, he served in the United States Air Force, receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Captain in 1972. 

 

Robert joined Baker & McKenzie Law Firm as an associate in 1976, where he founded the Firm’s Taipei office; and assisted with the start-up of their Shanghai office.  He served several terms as managing partner of Baker & McKenzie Law Firm’s San Francisco/Palo Alto offices and several terms on their Policy Committee.  Robert is a former member of the Kentucky Bar Association and State Bar of California. 

During his legal career, Robert authored articles, conducted seminars, and gave speeches for the AMA, AEA, and the Asia Society on international business legal practices.  As public governor of the Pacific Stock Exchange from 1999-2002, Robert was involved in reorganizing the Pacific Stock Exchange business model, which was later adopted by the New York Stock Exchange.

Following his retirement from Baker & McKenzie Law Firm in 1998, Robert was the Chairman of American Bridge through 2013.  American Bridge is an industry leader known for its construction of complex steel structures, especially bridges such as the original Bay Bridge, built in 1936, and newly completed Bay Bridge in 2013.

Robert and his wife, Tina, reside in San Francisco, CA.  They have 2 children.