Overview

Denise Tran-Nguyen is an experienced litigator who represents employers in all types of employment-related litigation before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. Denise’s experience includes defense of employment discrimination, retaliation and harassment claims as well as wage and hour class actions and private attorney general representative actions. Additionally, Denise counsels clients on workplace privacy and information security.

Denise has handled cases in state and federal courts, as well as the administrative level, including the following:

  • Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a private government contractor regarding claims of whistleblower retaliation and wrongful termination
  • Represented national retailers in employment-related matters ranging from wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and trade secret misappropriation to wage and hour claims including failing to pay final wages
  • Represented employers in wage and hour representative actions regarding failure to provide meal periods, rest breaks, and business expense reimbursements
  • Defended a large insurance company before the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing regarding claims of disability discrimination, harassment, and retaliation
  • Represented several employers before the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement involving wage and hour disputes
  • Represented various employers in the retail, restaurant, and technology industries in employment-related matters, including defense of threatened employment litigation, representative actions, terminations and discrimination lawsuits

During law school, Denise served as a judicial extern for the Hon. Judge Janis L. Sammartino of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. She was the chief executive editor for the San Diego International Law Journal. Denise also externed at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and the Attorney General’s Office of the California Department of Justice – Employment & Administrative Mandate Section. 

Professional & Community Affiliations

Member

San Diego County Bar Association

Member

Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego

Recognition

Named, Ones to Watch

The Best Lawyers in America®

2021-2025

Named, Super Lawyer

Super Lawyers

2022

Recipient, CALI Award in Excellence for Highest Grade in Community Property

University of San Diego School of Law

Recipient, High Pass for Highest Grade in Legal Research and Writing

University of San Diego School of Law

Speaking Engagements

California Privacy Rights Act in the Face of Uncertainty: How to Advance Your Organization’s Compliance Program While Awaiting Final Regulations

September 22, 2022

California Privacy Rights Act Workshop: Practical Steps for Compliance with Human Resources Data

Littler Executive Employer Conference

May 4, 2022

2021 California Virtual Regional Employer Conference

Sacramento, CA

October 28, 2021

Education

  • J.D., University of San Diego School of Lawcum laude
  • B.S., University of California, Los Angeles

Bar Admission

California

Courts

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of California