Hon. Vanessa A. Zecher (Ret.)

Hon. Vanessa A. Zecher (Ret.) has over 20 years of experience, both as an attorney and as a judge, overseeing the litigation of hundreds of family law cases. Judge Zecher has managed myriad family law cases, including high-asset property characterization and division, financial support and child custody. She has conducted countless judicially supervised settlement conferences, where she assisted families in resolving their disputes to let them move forward without the financial and emotional burdens of the court process. Judge Zecher strongly supports the ADR process and provides the judicial guidance and direction necessary to allow a family to take charge of its own resolution.

Judge Zecher is also a strong advocate of the arbitration process as a streamlined alternative to litigation in the judicial system. She brought her civil background to criminal court to assist in complex discovery (including e-discovery) and calendar management. By presiding over multiple, complex jury trials, including two capital cases, and supervising the criminal division, Judge Zecher has developed the skills to manage the arbitration process in the manner intended by the parties.

Prior to joining the bench, Judge Zecher founded her own law firm, primarily focused on family law matters, where she managed 15 employees. She continued service as a court-appointed civil arbitrator and early neutral evaluator in general civil matters. She also litigated employment matters in federal and state court representing plaintiffs and defendants. Prior to becoming a judge, she was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the Santa Clara County Family Court and as a pro bono attorney of the year in Federal court (Northern District).  Judge Zecher also served as a discovery referee and private attorney mediator in family law matters.