Tracey Kennedy and Zach Hutton were named among the Daily Journal’s 2026 list of “Top Labor & Employment Lawyers” in California.
This marks Kennedy’s 12th appearance on the list. Among her recent wins, Kennedy secured favorable resolutions for the County of Orange in two jury trials alleging misconduct by District Attorney Todd Spitzer and certain county personnel, among other victories.
Throughout her 35-year legal career, she locates the turning points of her career not in the victories, but in the trials she has lost, saying “the defining moments are always after the trials and what I learned from each loss and what I need to do next time in my next case.”
Hutton, who defends employers against class, mass and representative actions across California and federal courts, was recognized for his recent victories including Bradsbery v. Vicar Operating Inc. Notably, in Bradsbery, Hutton represented, amici, the California Employment Law Council and The Employers Group, in an appeal addressing whether California law permits standing waivers of employees’ meal periods. The court of appeal ultimately held that advance, revocable waivers comply with the law.
See the full list of honorees here (a subscription is required).