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Vanessa Franco Chavez earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law in 2009 and was admitted to the California State Bar that same year. Vanessa holds a B.A. degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to joining KDG, Vanessa litigated for The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and was also a staff attorney for the Eviction Defense Network in Los Angeles. Her practice at KDG concentrates on employment and class action litigation. Vanessa has served as lead counsel for individual and corporate clients in a wide range of civil litigation in federal, state, and administrative forums, including wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, defamation, WARN Act, credit reporting, and contract disputes. She also regularly provides counsel and advice to clients’ human resources personnel, managers, and executive teams on contract, employment, and wage and hour laws.
Practice Focus
- Business
- Employment
- Class Action Litigation
- Employment Counseling
Languages
Bar Admissions
- State Bar of California, 2009
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, University of California at Los Angeles, 2001
- Juris Doctor, University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law, 2009
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Volunteer, 2015 – Present
- Board Member, 2019 – Present (Vice Chair)
- Kern County Bar Association
- Board Member, 2022 – Present
- Kern County Young Lawyers Section, 2012 – 2018
- Kern County Women Lawyers Section, 2012 – Present
- Res Ipsa Loquitor, Editing Committee, 2013 – 2014
- Goodwill Industries of South-Central California, Board Member, 2017 – 2023
- National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Participant, 2011 and 2015
- Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, Member, 2021 – 2023
- Los Angeles County Bar Association, Member 2010 – 2012
- Eviction Defense Network, Board Member, Treasurer, 2011 – 2012
Community Involvement
- Leadership Bakersfield, Class of 2016
- California Mock Trial, Volunteer Attorney Coach, 2012 – 2014
- Junior League of Bakersfield, Member, 2012 – 2017
- Koreatown Tenant’s Defense Network Clinic
- Volunteer 2010 – 2012
- Clinic Coordinator 2012
Professional Experience
- Klein, DeNatale, Goldner, Cooper, Rosenlieb & Kimball, LLP, 2012 - Present
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles 2011 - 2012
- Eviction Defense Network, 2009 - 2011
