Nancy N. “Niki” Lubrano
Partner & Co-Chair of CDF's Class Action Defense Litigation Practice Group
About Niki
Experienced in defending against all types of employment claims through trial on behalf of employers of all sizes. Nancy N. "Niki" 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. Niki 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, Niki facilitates creative litigation strategies to achieve client goals efficiently.
Niki’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, Niki also regularly advises executives and human resources personnel on preventive measures to avoid litigation. Niki assists her clients in developing and implementing employment policies and practices to ensure compliance with state and federal workplace laws and regulations.
Areas of Practice
- Wage and Hour Issues
- Class Actions
- PAGA Litigation
- Wrongful Termination and Workplace Tort Litigation
- Workplace Solutions, Advice and Training
- EEO Litigation
- Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets
Education
California Western School of Law, J.D., 2009
- Dean’s list, 2009
California State University, Fullerton, B.A., English, cum laude, 2006
Publications
Pros and Cons as California Employers Rethink Forced Arbitration
Scheduling Employees To Work In California: Easier Said Than Done
Navigating Through California's Wage And Hour Laws - What Employers Should Know
Biden's Repeal of Trump-Era Gig Worker Rule Restores Multi-Factor Test
Don't Let the Name Fool You. The ABC Test Is Anything But Simple
Presentations
Wage & Hour Legal Update & Best Practices for California Employers
Navigating Employment Arbitration Agreements
Wage & Hour Legal Update and Best Practices for California Employers
Remote Workforce: How to Comply with California’s Strict Labor Laws
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)
Recognitions
Listed, Best Lawyers® - Labor and Employment Litigation (2027), Irvine, CA
Listed, Southern California Super Lawyers, 2023 - 2026
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
Related Case Results
CDF Successfully Enforces Class Waiver and Arbitration Agreement at Trial Court Level for National Lending Company
Plaintiff Can’t Invoke California Law To Pursue Class Wage Claims In Lieu Of Individual Arbitration
Aggressive Defense in Disability Discrimination Case Leads to Prompt Settlement
Defeat of Attorney General’s Claims to Recover Labor Code Penalties
Early and Assertive Defense in Wage and Hour Claims Eliminates Threat to Car Dealer
News
30 CDF Attorneys Named to 2027 Best Lawyers® and “Ones to Watch”® Lists
CDF Attorneys Named to the 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars® Lists
CDF Attorneys Named to 2025 Southern California Super Lawyers List
How To Ensure Compliance With California Overtime Laws and Federal Salary Thresholds
CDF Attorneys Named to 2024 Southern California Super Lawyers List
Pros and Cons as California Employers Rethink Forced Arbitration
Scheduling Employees To Work In California: Easier Said Than Done
Ten CDF Attorneys Listed as 2023 Southern California Super Lawyers
Navigating Through California’s Wage and Hour Laws - What Employers Should Know
CDF Prevents Employee From Pursuing Class Claims For Unpaid Wages
CDF Secures Victory For Employers In PAGA Claim
Biden’s Repeal of Trump-Era Gig Worker Rule Restores Multi-Factor Test
Blog Posts
2024 PAGA Reforms – Has the Landscape Changed?
California Supreme Court Slams the Door on Ride Sharing Employees’ Attempts to Disrupt PAGA Settlements
Class Is In Session on Exempt Classifications
The DOL’s New Guidance for AI and its Impact in the Workplace
Ninth Circuit Requires Federal Courts in California to Follow Adolph v. Uber
SCOTUS Set To Weigh In On Whether Courts May Dismiss Actions That Are Referred To Arbitration
Why CDF
Our clients can rest assured that our attorneys will protect their time, protect their dime and protect their peace of mind, so they can focus on maintaining productive and rewarding workplaces to remain competitive and successful in their marketplace. CDF - Attorneys you can Trust. Experience you can Trust. Results you can Trust.
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