Overview

Janae Castellani is Senior Counsel in Lozano Smith's Fresno office. She is a member of both the firm's Labor and Employment and the Facilities and Business Practice Groups.

Ms. Castellani assists clients through both Certificated and Classified employee discipline, including representing clients in employee dismissal proceedings. Ms. Castellani has experience advising school districts regarding the Brown Act, employee leave rights, negotiations, investigations and CalPERS and CalSTRS retirement issues.

Experience

Ms. Castellani has a wide range of experience in the litigation realm, including preparing discovery requests and responses, pleadings, and motions and has represented clients at various types of administrative hearings.

Ms. Castellani also has prior experience in representing city governments, including responsibility for code compliance, opposing Pitchess Motions, and obtaining Nuisance Abatement Warrants on behalf of the City.

Admissions

Ms. Castellani is admitted to the Eastern District of California, the Southern District of California and to practice in all California courts.

Education

Ms. Castellani earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School, where she was an articles editor for The Journal of College and University Law. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology from University of San Diego where she graduated magna cum laude. Ms. Castellani has received certification through ATIXA as a participant in Level 1 and Level 3 ATIXA Civil Rights Investigator Trainings.

Expansion of Opportunities and Incentives to Students Serving as Pupil Members of Governing Boards

By: Janae Castellani- 11/30/2023

No Vested Right to Retiree Benefits Where Plan Included Anti-Vesting Language

By: Wiley Driskill, Janae Castellani- 12/13/2021

Governor Newsom Relaxes Procedural Requirements for Hiring Retired Teachers

By: Janae Castellani- 09/27/2021

New Law Clarifies That Paid Administrative Leave is Creditable for CalSTRS

By: Thomas Manniello, Janae Castellani- 10/22/2020

Creditable Compensation for Paid Administrative Leave Under Review by CalSTRS

By: Thomas Manniello, Janae Castellani- 02/11/2020

Appellate Court Refuses To Enforce An Indemnity Provision Included In Consultant Agreement It Considers To Be Unfair To Consultant Plaintiffs

By: Janae Castellani- 12/26/2019

Final Rule Increases Minimum Salary Threshold For FLSA Overtime Exemptions

By: Gabriela Flowers, Janae Castellani- 10/21/2019