Overview

Ligia “Mona” Nicolae (pronounced: Lee-Gee-Ah Nickel-Eye) is an Associate in Lozano Smith's Sacramento office. Ms. Nicolae is a litigation attorney who represents clients across a broad spectrum of public agency law. Her areas of expertise include labor and employment, intellectual property, facilities and business, contracts, and litigation.

Ms. Nicolae regularly advises clients on intellectual property matters related to trademark and copyright registrations, licensing, assignments, enforcement, and strategic counseling. She has successfully argued against Trademark Examiners’ Likelihood of Confusion rejections, securing multiple trademark registrations for her clients. Ms. Nicolae's proficiency extends to drafting various IP-related contracts, including works-made-for-hire agreements, licensing agreements, assignment of rights, data access and use agreements, and service agreements.

Additionally, Ms. Nicolae routinely advises public agency clients on labor and employment matters related to employee discipline, classified and certificated dismissals, workplace investigations, and wrongful employment action complaints. She also provides strategic counsel on preventative measures and compliance strategies, helping clients minimize legal liability and foster positive workplace environments.

Ms. Nicolae's practice further encompasses advising public agency clients on California Public Records Act compliance, assisting them in navigating the intricacies of responding to public records requests.

Experience

Prior to joining Lozano Smith, Ms. Nicolae honed her legal acumen through significant public service experience. She served as a certified law clerk at the California Department of Justice in the Employment Law Division under the leadership of Kamala Harris. She also served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Jaime R. Roman at the Sacramento County Superior Court, assisting with criminal proceedings of domestic violence cases and completing a nationwide study of domestic violence laws and batterer treatment requirements in every state in the United States.

Education

MMs. Nicolae earned her Juris Doctor with a concentration in intellectual property law from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. While at McGeorge, she earned a Mediator's Certificate of Training. She also earned a Certified Litigation Management Professional designation from the Litigation Management Institute. Prior to law school, Ms. Nicolae earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in German and French from the University of California, Davis.

Four Bills Affecting Student Attendance Requirements

By: Ruth Mendyk, Alyssa Bivins, Ligia Nicolae- 01/09/2024