Madeline Zepeda

I was born and raised in San Francisco. My father is an immigrant from El Salvador and my mother is from the Bay Area. In elementary school, my father, a truck driver, had a massive heart attack that turned our world upside down. I watched my parents embark on new careers to support our family; my mother became a firefighter in San Francisco, and my father opened his own insurance agency. They exemplified bravery and a strong work ethic.

I was the first in my family to go to college. After graduating from UC Riverside, I worked as a legal assistant for a few years before attending law school at the University of San Francsico. While at USF, I interned for the Alameda County Public Defender. I fell in love with the work and cause. After law school, I worked as a public defender for 11 years, advocating for indigent clients in a system designed to harm them. I loved the pace of the job, my clients, and the thrill of advocating in the courtroom. It was an honor to represent those clients and fight for their rights.

In 2024, I decided that I was ready for new challenges. I left my job and took some time off to travel in Mexico. I decided that I wanted to represent plaintiffs. I see a lot of similarities between being a PD and a plaintiff's attorney. Both fight for small clients in systems that are not designed to benefit them.

What motivated/inspired you to become an attorney?

I have always been an advocate. Prior to law school I volunteered as a rape crisis counselor at SFWAR. I love to connect with people, and I wanted to be in a position where I could help people feel empowered and protected.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I love making clients feel like their voice matters, and that I'm going to do whatever I can to fight for them.

What are your hobbies and interests? What do you like to do when you're not working?

I enjoy reading fiction, listening to podcasts, and going to the beach. My partner and I love to travel and try new restaurants.