The Texas Whistleblower Act: What is it and What are Courts Saying?

Nichole Plagens Related Seminars and Products

Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP

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.

Francisco J. Valenzuela Related Seminars and Products

Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt & Kutchin, P.C.

Frank Valenzuela joined Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt & Kutchin, P.C. in 2007. His practice focuses on school litigation, employment litigation, and local government defense.

Prior to joining FHMBK, Frank worked as Associate Corporate Counsel for the Morgan Management Corporation, which operates Morgan Buildings and Spas, Inc. and related Morgan companies.

He and his wife moved back to Dallas from Miami in late 2005 and are enjoying raising their family in North Texas. Frank enjoys spending time with his family and friends and coaching soccer and baseball.

EDUCATION
University of Notre Dame Law School (J.D.)
University of Dallas (B.A., magna cum laude)
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES AND HONORS
Member, Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt & Kutchin, P.C.
Co-Chair/Member (2009-2011) -- State Bar of Texas Standing Committee on History and Preservation
Texas Rising Star 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Texas Monthly
LICENSED TO PRACTICE
State Bar of Texas - 2006
The Florida Bar (inactive) - 2003
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit - 2013
United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas - 2007
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas - 2009
United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas – 2014
United States District Court for the Western District of Texas – 2014
AREAS OF PRACTICE
School Law, Employment Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Local Government Defense