James Zahradka, Class of ’98

James Zahradka ’98 is Supervising Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice. He specializes in civil rights related issues in law enforcement, immigration, worker health and safety, housing, and consumer protection. Previously, he was Supervising Attorney at the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, where he focused on civil rights; fair housing and lending; affordable housing; and consumer, disability, and education rights. He has also been a Staff Attorney for California Indian Legal Services. After law school, he clerked for the Alaska Supreme Court.

What originally drew you to public interest and civil rights law?

Growing up, my parents emphasized the importance of public service; my dad was a local elected official and worked at a non-profit hospital, and my mom was a public school teacher. Even though I grew up in a homogenous small town in the Midwest, they made a point to expose me to people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and the importance of working to ensure that folks get treated fairly. I became interested in the law after my third-grade teacher told me I’d make a good lawyer because I liked to read and argue (!) and the two interests jelled once I learned more about civil rights law.

Is there one case that has particularly stayed with you?

I’ve been fortunate to work on a number of very compelling cases over the years, but one that has stayed with me from my days in the non-profit sector at the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley involved a group of tenants at a severely dilapidated set of homes in downtown San Jose. These homes were literally steps away from the gleaming headquarters of multi-billion dollar tech corporations, but at the same time a world away, as the families and individuals who lived there were at the margins of society. They were working-class Latine people, many of whom spoke little to no English and had almost no leverage to force their landlord to make their homes habitable. The blight was truly unbelievable in 21^st Century Silicon Valley, with collapsing stairwells, exposed electrical fixtures, vermin, mold, and trash overflowing in their back yards. When the properties were sold to an out-of-state company that wanted to develop them, we had the opportunity to get relocation assistance for the tenants. After months of negotiation, including an all-night mediation session, we were able to get relocation funds and time for the tenants to secure new, safe housing. This was a particularly meaningful case for me as it brought together a lot of the legal and policy work that I had been doing regarding fair housing, habitability, and equitable redevelopment, and the clients were a deeply inspiring group of people with courage and grit who stood up together to powerful interests. 

What do you do when you aren’t working?

I am an avid runner, and currently assistant coach for the San Leandro High School cross-country team, which two of my sons have run on (including my youngest currently). Our team has over 120 student-athletes of all abilities, from youth who have never run before to some who will likely qualify for the state championship, so it keeps me very busy during the fall. I also ran my third Boston Marathon earlier this year. In addition to running, I play golf with my sons, father, and friends, and am trying to get back into playing guitar after my law school rock band days (see below).

Why did you choose to attend King Hall?

I was admitted to two public California law schools—King Hall and the Law School Formerly Known as Hastings. Visiting the two schools was a study in contrasts, as the “vibe” (as the kids say) was completely different; I loved the “chill” atmosphere at Davis, with the college-town feel, farmer’s market, being able to bike everywhere, etc. But the main reason was the school’s emphasis on clinical programs and its strong civil rights program and tradition.

What is your favorite King Hall memory?

Playing with my classmates in the best cover band in King Hall history, Pay My Rent, at three Cardozoramas, house parties, and the Silo! Bill, Russ, and Seth helped make those challenging years (particularly first year) a lot of fun and we brought our classmates together for a lot of nights to blow off steam.

How have you stayed involved with King Hall?

I’ve been able to attend a few reunions and several lunches here in the East Bay, hosted by former dean Kevin Johnson. I also assiduously look for King Hall grads when we are bringing interns on board.

Of what are you proudest?

Probably the body of work of which I am proudest would be defending the rights of immigrants here in California and across the nation during the Trump Administration. Under Attorney General Becerra, we took on dozens of discriminatory and harmful policies that President Trump adopted, most prominently the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows people brought to the United States as children to remain here and work or study without fear of deportation as long as they pass a stringent background check. I was fortunate enough to be tapped to lead our trial court team in our litigation in the Northern District of California, where we obtained the first preliminary injunction against this action. Ultimately, we prevailed at the United States Supreme Court as well. I also had the opportunity to draft numerous amicus briefs opposing policies relating to asylum and other programs providing relief to immigrants in need of protection, vindicating our Nation’s proud history of providing safe harbor to refugees. And I was also part of the trial and appellate teams working on our litigation against President Trump’s diversion of funds and construction of the Border Wall, including a successful argument at the Ninth Circuit. This work had and continues to have a positive impact on millions of immigrants, their families, and their communities, and I am very proud to have played a part.

Do you have any advice for current law students?

While academic studies are foundational and critical, make sure to take advantage of the incredible clinical programs offered by King Hall, which allow you to get a taste of what the legal profession is really like. Also, take classes with professors with whom you jibe, even if you think the subject matter may be “meh.” Finally, keep a balance between your studies and personal life, including getting exercise and positive social activities with family and friends.