Profile photo of Kathleen "Kathy" Seidel, Esq.

Kathleen "Kathy" Seidel, Esq.

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
San Francisco, CA, United States

About

With over three decades of legal practice, Kathleen Seidel has developed extensive expertise in resolving complex disputes. Her background includes serving as a partner at a prominent law firm where she specialized in employment litigation and counseling. Since transitioning to full-time dispute resolution, she has successfully mediated hundreds of cases involving diverse legal issues, ranging from individual workplace grievances to large-scale class actions and commercial conflicts.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Employment & Labor Insurance Personal Injury & Torts Real Estate & Property

Professional Experience

Neutral
JAMS
Partner
Steefel
Levitt & Weiss (now Manatt
Phelps & Phillips
LLP)
Associate
Steefel
Levitt & Weiss

Publications Leadership

  • Frequent speaker on employment law developments and mediation strategies for the Bar Association of San Francisco
  • Author of various articles regarding workplace investigations and effective dispute resolution techniques
  • Panelist for continuing legal education programs focusing on wage and hour class actions

Positioning Takeaways

A seasoned employment specialist with a background in high-stakes defense litigation, offering a balanced and pragmatic approach to mediation and arbitration.

License & Certifications

  • State Bar of California
  • United States District Court
  • Northern District of California
  • United States District Court
  • Eastern District of California
  • United States Court of Appeals
  • Ninth Circuit

Education

J.D.
University of San Francisco School of Law
1982
B.A.
University of California, Berkeley
1977

Distinction

Known for her deep subject matter expertise in California employment law and her ability to navigate highly emotional workplace disputes.

Reputation

Ms. Seidel is regarded by legal professionals as a persistent and prepared neutral who maintains a calm demeanor while pushing parties toward realistic resolutions. Counsel frequently cite her thorough understanding of both the legal merits and the practical business realities of litigation.