Two Embarcadero Center Suite 1900, San Francisco, CA USA 94111
Kendra Chapman is a trusted advocate for employers navigating the complex and ever-evolving landscape of labor and employment law. With extensive experience in both high-stakes litigation and proactive counseling, Kendra is known for delivering practical, business-focused solutions that help clients achieve their organizational goals while managing legal risk. She routinely represents employers in sophisticated matters, including high-stakes class and representative actions, as well as individual and collective claims brought under the California Labor Code and the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). Kendra has a strong track record of defending clients in these challenging disputes, often resolving cases efficiently through mediation, dispositive motion practice, or favorable settlements.
Kendra’s practice also encompasses robust representation in administrative proceedings before key regulatory agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the California Civil Rights Department, and the California Labor Commissioner’s Office. She is adept at guiding employers through investigations, charges, and hearings, ensuring that her clients’ interests are protected and that compliance obligations are met.
In addition to her litigation and administrative work, Kendra brings significant experience representing management in union labor arbitrations. She advocates for employers in disputes arising under collective bargaining agreements and provides strategic counsel during grievance and disciplinary proceedings, helping clients maintain effective labor relations and uphold workplace standards.
Beyond advocacy in contested matters, Kendra is a trusted advisor to employers seeking to comply with California’s stringent and ever-evolving employment regulations. She provides strategic counsel on employment policies, best practices, and compliance with the California Labor Code and Wage Orders, equipping clients to avoid costly disputes before they arise.
Kendra’s commitment to client service extends to conducting thorough workplace investigations into internal complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. She is also a frequent presenter of compliance trainings, including AB 1825 anti-harassment trainings, helping employers foster respectful and legally compliant workplaces.
Active in pro bono service, Kendra represents victims of crime in immigration matters, supporting their efforts to obtain lawful permanent residency and reflecting her broader dedication to justice and community service. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition as a Northern California “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers magazine from 2019 to 2026, and as one of the “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” in Management Labor and Employment Law and Labor and Employment Litigation by The Best Lawyers in America® from 2022 to 2025.
Kendra is committed to guiding employers through California’s legal landscape with clear, actionable advice and a proven track record of results, ensuring her clients remain focused on their business goals while navigating even the most complex workplace challenges.
Experience
Represented manufacturer in California employment class/representative actions filed in California Superior Courts alleging claims brought under the California Labor Code and Private Attorneys’ General Act. We were able to successfully resolve these matters through mediation and assist client in implementing compliant policies and practices.
Represented telecommunications company in lawsuit filed in California alleging violations of the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the California Labor Code. We were able to successfully argue that Plaintiff’s state law claims were preempted and defeated Plaintiff’s request for extraneous discovery through targeted motion practice. The court ultimately granted summary judgment on all of Plaintiff’s claims.
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News Releases
University of California, Hastings College of the Law J.D. (2013) Concentration in International Law, CALI Award
University of Colorado at Boulder B.A. (2009) Psychology and Philosophy, Dean's List
California (2013)
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
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