
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. 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.
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
Court Not So SLAPP Happy Over Hospitals' Action Against Doctor
Managing Independent Contractor Class Action Is All About Right To Control
Workplace Violence - Do As I Do, Not As I Say
Employee's Self-Diagnosis Insufficient to Save His Medical Leave Claims
A Little Sexual Harassment Isn't Enough
Truth or Consequence
Armedariz Decision Protects Independent Contractors' FEHA Rights, Too
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, Southern California Super Lawyers, 2023 - 2025
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
