Helen I. Zeldes

Helen I. Zeldes is a nationally acclaimed class action attorney and partner at Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes, LLP. With over two decades of legal experience, she represents plaintiffs in high-stakes litigation involving consumer fraud, employment violations, deceptive practices, and civil rights abuses. Her leadership has secured justice for millions across the country.

Ms. Zeldes earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law in 2000. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis. Her commitment to public interest law began early, with scholarships and editorial leadership in human rights-focused legal publications.

Throughout her career, Ms. Zeldes has led or co-led numerous groundbreaking cases, including the $25 million Trump University settlement, the Apple power adapter and Sony VAIO defect class actions, and the Cambridge Analytica-related Facebook privacy lawsuit. She is currently Co-Lead Counsel in In re Toll Roads Litigation, a major privacy rights case affecting millions of California drivers.

Before joining her current firm, Ms. Zeldes founded successful plaintiff litigation practices. They held senior roles at Milberg Weiss (now Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd), where she litigated nationwide class actions involving annuity fraud, racial discrimination in insurance underwriting, and antitrust violations in the medical waste industry.

Recognized as a San Diego Super Lawyer from 2017–2019 and 2021–2024, Ms. Zeldes has also been nominated for prestigious awards by the National Association of Women Business Owners and the San Diego Business Journal. Beyond her legal work, she serves on nonprofit boards like the Berry Good Food Foundation and Think Dignity, advocating for food justice and the dignity of underserved communities.

Helen I. Zeldes is licensed in California and Hawaii and admitted in all federal courts in both states. She continues to champion systemic change through complex litigation that holds corporations and institutions accountable, while ensuring meaningful remedies for everyday people harmed by powerful entities.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes, LLP

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California at Davis
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges