Zaneta
Seidel

Growing up as the daughter of immigrants in the Bay Area, a mecca of multiculturalism, Zaneta learned early on how to navigate and appreciate the differences in people’s backgrounds, identities and experiences. She brings this conscientiousness to her work, to help others resolve conflict and bridge gaps in their interactions with and understanding of each other.

Zaneta believes we cannot fix what we do not face. She takes pride in doing investigations and conflict resolution trainings. She sees this work as an integral part in helping people have hard conversations, reach uncomfortable self-realizations, show empathy and take accountability for their impact on others — work we should all do individually and as a society to bring about change.

Experience

Zaneta has conducted more than 80 investigations involving allegations of discrimination based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation and religion as well as allegations of sexual assault, sexual harassment, retaliation, bullying and other misconduct. More than 30 of her investigations have included allegations reported against high-level executives and elected officials.

Zaneta has also conducted climate assessments and served as an ombudsman to help organizations understand and address workplace concerns of their employees. Zaneta also speaks to other investigators about the impact of race in workplace investigations, to promote cultural competency in our profession. Finally, she conducts Conflict Resolution and Effective Communication training for workgroups.

In law school, Zaneta served on the Columbia Human Rights Law Review and interned with UNHCR in Geneva, Switzerland. Before becoming an attorney investigator, she practiced business litigation for eight years, first with Baker & McKenzie’s New York Office and then with Bartko Zankel Bunzel & Miller after she returned to the Bay Area.

Outside the Office

To relax and recenter, Zaneta cherishes drives along the California coast with her husband and their dog, exploring secluded beaches, enjoying fresh seafood and catching golden sunsets after a good game of backgammon.

Zaneta also finds joy sitting around her Dad’s dinner table with her talkative family and sharing good belly laughs with her girlfriends.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” — James Baldwin