Nicholas D. Poper

Associate

Los Angeles
T +1.310.979.8412
F +1.310.820.8859

Overview

Nick Poper represents employers in the defense of class actions and single-plaintiff matters in state and federal courts, arbitrations and administrative proceedings. His experience includes cases involving wage and hour issues, Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims, wrongful termination, discrimination and workers’ compensation discrimination.

Nick advises and counsels employers on a wide array employment-related concerns, including wage and hour laws and regulations; hiring, performance and termination/layoff issues; and arbitration, employment and severance agreements.

Select Experience

  • Regularly defends employers in class actions and representative PAGA actions involving wage and hour disputes, independent contractor and salaried exempt classification issues, and unfair competition.
  • Favors the use of electronic data strategically to reduce or dispose of wage and hour claims.
  • Represented a municipal water district in defense of lawsuit brought by a former high-level executive involving allegations of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Prepared motion for summary judgment that resulted in favorable settlement within weeks at fraction of plaintiff’s initial demand.
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Experience

  • Regularly defends employers in class actions and representative PAGA actions involving wage and hour disputes, independent contractor and salaried exempt classification issues, and unfair competition.
  • Favors the use of electronic data strategically to reduce or dispose of wage and hour claims.
  • Represented a municipal water district in defense of lawsuit brought by a former high-level executive involving allegations of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Prepared motion for summary judgment that resulted in favorable settlement within weeks at fraction of plaintiff’s initial demand.
  • Day-to-day management of class action involving approximately 60,000 putative class members involving the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Responsible for taking and defending depositions and preparing motions related to class certification.
  • On behalf of an international interpretation and translation services provider, obtained dismissal of Ninth Circuit appeal in a case involving wage and hour, discrimination and wrongful termination claims.
  • Developed and implemented state-wide wage and hour audits for clients in hospitality, manufacturing, and auto industries.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • Southern California Super Lawyers "Rising Star" (2020 to 2021, 2023)

Pro Bono

  • Provided employment counseling to a national nonprofit organization.

  • Obtained a finding of no cause from the Department of Fair Employment and Housing on behalf of a Northern California nonprofit organization in case alleging discrimination and retaliation.

Prior Positions

  • California Office of the Attorney General
    • Los Angeles: Certified Legal Intern (2012)
    • Sacramento: Legal Extern (2012)

Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
  • California

Education

  • J.D., Business Law, University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, 2013, with distinction; Deans' Honor List (2010 to 2013); Traynor Honor Society; McGeorge Global Business & Development Law Journal, Associate Comment Editor
  • B.A., Political Science, University of California, San Diego