Lara C. de Leon

Overview

Lara is an experienced trial lawyer who focuses her practice on employment law and helping companies navigate complex workplace challenges.

She represents employers across industries in litigation, administrative proceedings, and appeals, serving as a strong advocate in and out of the courtroom. For more than two decades, Lara has partnered with employers to address issues involving discrimination, retaliation, accommodations, and wage and hour compliance.

Lara also counsels clients on pay equity, harassment, and leave and accommodation matters, providing clear guidance on high-stakes employment concerns. Her background as in-house counsel for two large, multinational companies gives her a practical understanding of the issues organizations face and how to align legal strategies with business goals. Lara is also Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, reflecting her deep knowledge in labor and employment law and long-standing commitment to the field.

Lara frequently speaks on emerging employment law topics at local and national programs and in virtual forums. She continues to work closely with clients to reduce risk, resolve disputes, and build workplace practices that support compliance and long-term success.

Honors & Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America^® for Litigation - Labor and Employment (2024-2026)
BTI Consulting Group Client Service All-Star (2023)
Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law - Texas Board of Legal Specialization

About Me

Lara is blessed to have a very understanding family, including her husband of 25+ years, three children, and three pets. Lara is active in her community, volunteering her time with a local underperforming elementary school as a student mentor.

Experience

Representative Matters

Successfully argued and obtained full summary judgment in arbitration on claims of indemnity, breach of contract, and negligence arising from a FEHA action (2026).
Successfully argued and obtained favorable opinion from California Appellate Court, upholding lower court’s summary judgment dismissal of former employee’s claims of nonexempt misclassification, meal/rest period violations, and breach of commission agreement (2026).
Obtained full summary judgment in federal court on former employee’s claims of disability discrimination under the ADA based on employer’s application of safety regulations (2025).
Successfully argued and obtained favorable opinion from Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, upholding lower court’s summary judgment dismissal of former employee’s claims of disability discrimination under the ADA (2025).
Obtained Favorable Arbitration decision for a client against former employee’s claims of disability discrimination.
Obtained Jury Verdict in favor of client against employee’s breach of contract claims.
Obtained full Summary Judgment and complete dismissal of California state court matter involving claims of disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, wrongful termination, and misclassification.
Obtained full Summary Judgment and complete dismissal of California state court matter involving claims of pregnancy and lactation discrimination.
Obtained Partial Summary Judgment for client in federal court in connection with former employee’s claims of disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, failure to engage in the interactive process, wrongful termination and interference and retaliation in violation of the California Family Rights Act.
Obtained Summary Judgment and complete dismissal for client in a current employee’s state court lawsuit involving claims of age and religious discrimination, failure to accommodate religious practices, and retaliation.
Obtained Favorable Arbitration decision and subsequent judgment for client against a former employee’s claims involving disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, failure to engage in the interactive process, wrongful termination and interference and retaliation in violation of the California Family Rights Act.
Obtained Jury Verdict and dismissal for client in a state court lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and sexual battery.
Obtained Favorable Arbitration decision for a client against a former employee’s claims involving sexual harassment, sexual assault and retaliation.
Obtained appellate court reversal of trial court ruling denying motion to compel arbitration of employment claims.
Obtained Summary Judgment and complete dismissal of federal court matter involving claims of age discrimination and retaliation.
Obtained full Summary Judgment and complete dismissal of California state court matter involving claims of pregnancy and lactation discrimination.
Obtained full Summary Judgment and complete dismissal of California state court matter involving claims of disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, wrongful termination, and misclassification.
Obtained Jury Verdict in favor of client against employee’s breach of contract claims.
Obtained Favorable Arbitration decision for a client against former employee’s claims of disability discrimination.