08 Feb Nichole M. Plagens
Nichole M. Plagens
Attorney Bio
Nichole M. Plagens is an associate in the employment and labor law group. Nichole focuses her practice on the efficient and effective resolution of employment disputes. She concentrates on the defense of employers in employment litigation with experience defending against pre and post-suit claims brought pursuant to Title VII, ADA as amended, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, and the TCHRA. Nichole frequently prosecutes claims for breach of covenants not to compete and she represents clients regarding confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements.
Nichole has experience in claim investigation, preparing and defending witnesses for depositions, drafting legal motions, discovery requests, and responses, negotiating settlements and other substantive pleadings. She also provides advice and counsel to assist clients in minimizing the risk of litigation.
Nichole received her J.D. from the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. While in law school, she was selected as CLE Editor for the SMU Law Review Association and participated in the ABA Labor & Employment Trial Advocacy Team and the AAJ Student Trial Advocacy Competition. Prior to law school, Nichole earned a B.A. in political philosophy, graduating magna cum laude from the University of Dallas.
Representative Experience
- Represented clients and obtained summary judgment in state and federal courts in lawsuits alleging various forms of discrimination and retaliation;
- Obtained defense verdict in federal jury trial on Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) unpaid overtime claim.
Presentations & Published Works
Title VII v. TCHRA: Who Cares?, 2013 UT School of Law School Law Conference
The Basics of Qualified Immunity, 2014 State Bar of Texas Government Law Boot Camp
EEOC and LGBT: Advising Employers and Employees, January 2017, Dallas Bar Association Headnotes
Responding to EEOC and State Agency Charges, 2017 NBI Labor & Employment Seminar
2017 State and Federal Employment Law Update, 2017 NBI Labor & Employment Seminar
The Texas Whistleblower Act: What is it & What are Courts Saying?, 2018 Dallas Bar Association Labor & Employment Section CLE Presentation
Professional Associations & Memberships
American Bar Association
Dallas Bar Association
Dallas Young Lawyer’s Association
Dallas Regional Chamber Young Professionals
LEAD YP Class of 2020
DAYL Trial Skills Boot Camp Committee, Co-chair
Dallas Bar Association Labor & Employment Section
State Bar of Texas
Bar None Cast Member supporting the Sarah T. Hughes Diversity Scholarship, 2019-Present
Mock Trial Coach for SMU Dedman School of Law, 2014-2018