Candice Zee helps her clients manage the complex terrain of labor and employment law. Responsive, collaborative and practical, she partners closely with HR and management to resolve a wide range of workplace issues, from labor disputes to complex employment litigation.
With extensive experience in both employment litigation and traditional labor law, Candice defends employers against claims of harassment, wrongful termination, discrimination and retaliation. She also negotiates collective bargaining agreements with unions and advises clients on unfair labor practice charges and provides union avoidance training.
Whether representing non-profit hospitals, fast food franchises, or retail employers, Candice brings a common-sense, cost-effective approach to litigation and takes pride in helping employers minimize liability during settlements. Clients rely on her to handle emotionally-charged cases with poise and precision, helping them identify practical solutions to difficult employment challenges.
Candice is an excellent attorney. She provides practical advice on complex employment and labor matters.
Experience
- Defended Adventist Health Hanford in a lawsuit alleging age, race, disability discrimination and whistleblower retaliation. Obtained summary judgment, which was affirmed on appeal, on all claims by proving the termination was justified due to HIPAA violations.
- Represented a non-profit hospital in arbitration against claims of age and disability discrimination. Secured a complete victory through summary judgment in arbitration and successfully confirmed the award in civil court.
- Defended a manufacturing client in a labor arbitration involving the termination of a 13-year employee for drinking on-the- job. The termination was upheld by an arbitrator, who ruled in favor of the employer after finding just cause.
Credentials
Education
- Loyola Law School Los Angeles, J.D., 2003
- University of California, Los Angeles, B.A., cum laude, 2000
Bar Admissions
- California, 2003
Court Admissions
- US Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit
- US Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
Affiliations
- Member, Corporate Counsel Women of Color
- Member, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
- Member, Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles
Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America® – Litigation: Labor and Employment (2023-2026)
- Chambers USA (California) – Labor & Employment, Band 6 (2025)
- Los Angeles Business Journal – Women of Influence: Attorneys (2024)
- Los Angeles Daily Journal – Top Labor & Employment Attorneys (2024-2025)
Insights & Events
Blogs
AB 288: California Attempts to Step In as Federal Labor Enforcement Stalls
October 14, 2025
News
76 Vedder Price Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Best Lawyers® in America
August 21, 2025
News
Vedder Price Shareholders Cheryl Sabnis and Candice Zee Named Top Labor and Employment Lawyers by the Daily Journal
July 30, 2025
News
Vedder Price Recognized in Chambers USA in 2025
June 5, 2025
Speaking Engagements
Vedder Works Employment Law Series Rosemont, IL
May 15, 2025
Speaking Engagements
Vedder Works Employment Law Series Chicago, IL
April 10, 2025
News
Vedder Price Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Rapid Response Team
February 25, 2025
Blogs
Recent Litigation in California Challenges New Captive Audience Meeting Bill
January 23, 2025
