Biography
Nichole M. Plagens is an associate in the Dallas, Texas, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Her practice focuses on representing employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling.
Nichole’s passion for employment law began while in law school, where she was a member of SMU’s regional and national winning ABA Labor & Employment Trial Advocacy Teams. Since that time, she has spent most of her practice representing employers in all stages of litigation in the resolution of matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, family and medical leave, wage and hour disputes, breach of restrictive covenants, and enforcement of confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements. Nichole strives to partner with clients so that she can defend their interests in and outside of litigation. She frequently provides advice and counsel to clients on how to minimize the risks of litigation by drafting employment agreements, handbooks, and other employment-related documents to comply with federal, state, and local law.
While in law school, Nichole was the CLE editor for the SMU Law Review Association and competed in various trial advocacy competitions. Nichole also served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Reed O’Connor, United States District Judge, Northern District of Texas, and a judicial extern to the Honorable Jorge A. Solis, United States District Judge, Northern District of Texas.
Honors and Recognitions
- Texas Super Lawyers®, “Rising Stars” (2021 – 2022)
- The Best Lawyers in America©, “Ones to Watch: Labor and Employment Law – Management” (2021-present)
Pro Bono and Community Involvement
- Bar None Cast Member supporting the Sarah T. Hughes Diversity Scholarship
- Mock Trial Coach for SMU Dedman School of Law (2014-2018)
Speeches
- “2020 State and Federal Law Employment Update,” NBI Labor & Employment Seminar (Dallas, TX, November 2020) (presenter)
- “The Texas Whistleblower Act: What is it & What are Courts Saying?” Dallas Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section (Dallas, TX, March 2018) (presenter)