Nicole Heeder

I found my calling early on in my career. While earning my degree, I focused on enhancing employee rights by serving as a law clerk with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Atlanta. It was here that I was inspired to open a plaintiffs' employment law firm. Following my dream, I worked as a post-bar clerk for a solo practitioner before hoisting the sails of my own practice. Directly out of law school and without a single connection in California, I moved to San Diego and opened a law practice dedicated to bringing balance back to the workplace. Today, Law & [M]ocean is a thriving plaintiffs' employment boutique.

In my practice, I have settled, mediated and litigated a wide range of employment cases covering discrimination, retaliation, harassment, leave law violations, wrongful termination and wage theft. These cases tend to be very emotionally charged because of the personal nature of one’s employment. Some days are more difficult than others, but it is always worth it when I can vindicate the rights of an oppressed worker.

Outside of the office, I strive to make a difference in our community. Closest to my heart, I am a member of the California Employment Lawyers Association, where I write for CELA VOICE, a blog dedicated to informing the public of breaking news in employment law and educating readers on workers’ rights. For the last three years, I have also served as a director of the new lawyer division of the San Diego County Bar Association, where I am able to encourage the participation, education and professionalism of young attorneys. Next year, I will sit as chairwoman of our successor organization, the Forum for Emerging Lawyers, which will ease the integration of new lawyers into our general membership.

Reaching beyond the legal profession, I assist the Lawyers Club of San Diego’s Community Outreach Committee. This committee strives to improve the lives and status of women and children in San Diego through ongoing and special hands-on projects performed specifically by local attorneys.

In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors with my husband, Harry. We take every opportunity to appreciate this spectacular city, often hiking, camping and kayaking along the shore.