Fernando A. Vicente

Fernando A. Vicente is a devoted advocate and advisor to his clients. He is trusted for his judgment and perspective and praised for his client-centered service and solutions. He is a creative problem solver with a practical approach to litigation. Whether it’s the first or the hundredth case he has defended, Fernando believes in taking the time to understand his clients’ needs and their story. 

He is a Senior Counsel in the Los Angeles office and a member of the Employment Law and Class Action practice groups.  In his practice, he focuses exclusively on the defense of private employers in all facets of employment matters, including single plaintiff claims, and wage and hour class actions.  In his practice representing public employers, Fernando developed expertise in handling issues particular to public entity employment.

Prior to practicing law, Fernando pursued a career in diplomacy and the foreign service. He is a recipient of the prestigious Woodrow Wilson National Foundation Fellowship, a scholarship for minorities in public policy and foreign affairs and has a master’s degree in international relations. His professional background gives him a unique insight and perspective in representing employers in this diverse jurisdiction.

Admissions

• California
• U.S. District Court, Central California
• U.S. District Court, Southern California

Memberships

• Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, Member
• Hispanic National Bar Association, Member

As a skilled writer and advocate, Mr. Vicente has a proven track record of obtaining cost effective dismissal of claims, including: 

• Prevailing on appeal of order granting summary judgment on DFEH claims for race and national origin harassment for failure to exhaust administrative remedies, by employee of public school district.

• Obtaining granting of motion to dismiss of Section 1983 claims for civil rights violations, by employee police officers against city policy department.

• Obtaining granting of summary judgment on DFEH claims for race, national origin, religion, and disability discrimination, by employee of public school district.

• Obtaining granting of anti-SLAPP motion to strike and award of attorney’s against employee of city government.

• Obtaining granting of summary judgment on DFEH claims for disability, age, and race discrimination, by police officer employee against city policy department.

• Obtaining granting of anti-SLAPP motion to strike and award of attorney’s against employee of public school district.

• Obtaining granting of summary judgment on DFEH claims for disability and race discrimination, by police officer employee against city policy department.

• Obtaining granting of summary judgment on Title VII claims for disability discrimination, by police officer employee against city policy department.

• Obtaining granting of summary judgment on DFEH claims for race and age discrimination, for failure to hire by applicant to public school district.

• Obtaining granting of summary judgment on DFEH claims for aiding and abetting discrimination, for failure to exhaust administrative remedies by employee of public school district.

• Obtaining granting of petitions for writs of mandate representing the respondent employer public school district.

Published Opinions

• Wasti v. Superior Court, 140 Cal. App. 4th 667 (2006), Representing Petitioner.

Education

J.D., Boston University School of Law, 2002

M.A., International Relations, Syracuse University, Maxwell School Of Citizenship and Public Affairs, 1996

B.A., Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles, 1995

Honors

Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch distinction in Labor and Employment Law - Management (2024)

• Spanish