Education
Chapman University School of Law (J.D., 2008), magna cum laude
Senior Symposium Editor, Chapman Law Review (2007-2008)
California State University, Fullerton (B.A., 2005), summa cum laude
Bar & Court Admissions
State Bar of California
California State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Central, Northern and Southern Districts of California
Services
Overview
Kenneth Zielinski represents local and national employers throughout California. Employers routinely seek his creative advice and strategies in resolving a wide range of employment-related matters efficiently. Before his legal career, Kenneth was a member of the U.S. National Cycling Team, during which time he competed in races worldwide.
Litigation
Wage and Hour Class Actions & PAGA Representative Actions: Kenneth regularly represents employers in defending against wage and hour class actions and California Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”) representative claims. Among the types of claims Kenneth has defended against include allegations of meal period and rest break violations, failure to pay wages, unreimbursed business expenses (e.g., cell phones and uniforms), inaccurate wage statements, unlawful rounding, and failure to provide paid sick leave.
Employment Litigation: Kenneth has successfully represented employers in employee misclassification (exempt/non-exempt), harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, misappropriation of trade secrets, and unfair competition cases in state and federal court. In addition, he represents employers before state and federal administrative agencies, including the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the U.S. Department of Labor.
General Employment Counsel
Kenneth also provides counseling and guidance to employers regarding all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including wage and hour compliance, discipline and terminations, accommodating disabilities, managing leaves of absence, and developing and implementing legally compliant personnel policies.
Experience
News and Insights
Related Posts
April 29, 2014 | Rutan 4One1 Spring 2014 Newsletter
February 18, 2014 | Employment And Labor Department At Rutan, LLP Achieves String Of Trial Victories
Publications
Publications
- "Let's Arbitrate - Or Not: Advantages and Disadvantages of Employment Arbitration," Orange County Business Journal, October 2015
Awards & Affiliations
Memberships & Associations
- Orange County Bar Association
- Orange County Bar Association, Business and Corporate Section Board Member (former)
- Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Half Moon Lane Community Association Board Member (former)