Nicole A. Naleway

Nicole advises employers in all areas of labor and employment law, including but not limited to discrimination (on the basis of sex, race, disability, etc.), sexual harassment, retaliation, failure to accommodate, failure to engage in the interactive process, and wrongful discharge. Nicole zealously litigates and advocates for her clients in all complex labor and employment matters. Nicole has successfully defended her clients against allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination in state and federal court. Nicole’s experience includes:

• Obtained a complete dismissal by way of the Court granting a Motion for Summary Judgment on a criminal history and race discrimination case alleging violations of the Fair Chance Act;
• Successfully defended a disability discrimination lawsuit, wherein the Plaintiff’s counsel withdrew as counsel, and the plaintiff ultimately decided to dismiss the lawsuit;
• Second chaired a jury trial in Orange County Superior Court, assisting in obtaining a complete defense verdict;
• Successfully resolved sexual harassment claims on behalf of a construction company.
• Successfully handled and resolved numerous complex disability discrimination claims (including claims of failure to accommodate and failure to engage in the interactive process), for companies in industries such as manufacturing, security, banking, construction, hazardous waste disposal, staffing agencies, distribution, and software companies.

Nicole also advises clients on matters related to California Occupational Safety & Health Administration (Cal/OSHA). She advises clients both prior to and during inspections. Nicole has extensive experience in handling all aspects of litigating these cases.

Nicole regularly speaks and trains on recent employment law topics, including conducting investigations in the workplace, updates on Workplace Safety laws and enforcement, and how to handle workplace safety inspections by Cal/OSHA.

Nicole has received numerous accolades including, being named Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019-2021, 2023-2025), and recognized as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for Labor and Employment Law – Management (2026).