About Niki
Experienced in defending against all types of employment claims through trial on behalf of employers of all sizes. Lubrano takes an aggressive defense approach whether the case involves a single plaintiff alleging wrongful termination, harassment and/or discrimination, or if it is a multiparty, class action matter. Lubrano has extensive experience defending against wage and hour class action claims and is one of the few attorneys who has litigated PAGA claims through trial. As the laws that affect employers continue to evolve, Lubrano facilitates creative litigation strategies to achieve client goals efficiently.
Lubrano’s practice strengths include navigating her clients through the many employee-friendly laws that make doing business in California difficult for employers. She engages in immediate fact investigation in all types of cases to achieve early case assessment and to position clients for the best possible result in every case.
As part of her client counsel, Lubrano also regularly advises executives and human resources personnel on preventive measures to avoid litigation. Lubrano assists her clients in developing and implementing employment policies and practices to ensure compliance with state and federal workplace laws and regulations.
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Areas of Practice
Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) Litigation
Class Actions
Wage and Hour Issues
Workplace Solutions, Advice and Training
Wrongful Termination and Workplace Tort Litigation
Education
California Western School of Law, J.D., 2009
California State University, Fullerton, B.A., English, cum laude, 2006
Publications
“How To Ensure Compliance With California Overtime Laws And Federal Salary Thresholds,” Co-Author, HR.com’s Payroll, HRIS, Time & Attendance Excellence, July 2024
"Pros and Cons as California Employers Rethink Forced Arbitration," Co-Author, Law360, March 2023
"Scheduling Employees To Work In California: Easier Said Than Done," Workforce Management Time & Attendance, February 2023
"Navigating Through California’s Wage And Hour Laws - What Employers Should Know," HR.com, March 2022
"Biden's Repeal of Trump-Era Gig Worker Rule Restores Multi-Factor Test," Co-Author, Bloomberg Law, June 2021
“Don’t Let the Name Fool You. The ABC Test Is Anything But Simple," Co-Author, Staffing Industry Analysts, February 2020
"Court Not So SLAPP Happy Over Hospitals' Action Against Doctor," California Employment Law Letter, August 14, 2017
"Managing Independent Contractor Class Action Is All About Right To Control," California Employment Law Letter, August 11, 2014
“Workplace Violence - Do As I Do, Not As I Say,” California Employment Law Letter, July 15, 2013
“Employee’s Self-Diagnosis Insufficient to Save His Medical Leave Claims,” California Employment Law Letter, April 9, 2012
“A Little Sexual Harassment Isn't Enough,” California Employment Law Letter, November 7, 2011
"Truth or Consequence," California Employment Law Letter, July 11, 2011
"Armedariz Decision Protects Independent Contractors’ FEHA Rights, Too," California Employment Law Letter, March 28, 2011
Written Opinions
Nixon v. AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC, 67 Cal. App. 5th 934 (2021)
Levanoff v. Dragas, 65 Cal. App. 5th 1079 (2021), rehearing denied (July 14, 2021)
Presentations
"Wage & Hour Legal Update & Best Practices for California Employers," Co-Presenter, CDF Webinar Series, March 2024
"Navigating Employment Arbitration Agreements," Panelist, Perrin's California Employment Law Update and Litigation Conference, March 2024
"Wage & Hour Legal Update and Best Practices for California Employers," Co-Presenter, CDF Webinar Series, August 2023
"Remote Workforce: How to Comply with California’s Strict Labor Laws," Co-Presenter, Clear Law Institute, May 2023
Professional Affiliations/Leadership/Awards
Listed, Southern California Super Lawyers, 2023 - 2024
Listed, Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2015 - 2019
Member, Association of Business Trial Lawyers, Orange County Chapter, 2017 - 2018
Member, Lex Romana
Member, Italian American Lawyers Association
CDF Labor Law LLP
- Co-Chair, CDF's Class Action Defense Litigation Practice Group, 2022 - present
