Douglas W. Gillie

What really drives Marlene Nowlin? To put it simply, Marlene thrives on complexity, like:

• Complex litigation including class action defense
• Complex discovery involving review of voluminous documents and multiple parties
• Complex settlements involving contractors and other businesses issues
• Complex creditors rights law including receiverships and enforcement of rights in state and bankruptcy courts including relief from stay motions, judicial and nonjudicial foreclosure of liens, and defense of business liability claims
• Complex financial documents review and accounting issues — Marlene was a CPA formerly with KPMG — and presentation of complex financial and accounting evidence at trial and other proceedings

CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION

For contractors and subcontractors accused of violating various Business Professions Code provisions including fraud, breach of contract, owner claims of negligence, home improvement laws, and more, Marlene’s legal and business expertise is invaluable.  She regularly handles these matters, as well as mechanic’s lien foreclosure litigation in connection with commercial leases and tenant improvements, with beneficial results.

BUSINESS DISPUTES AND GENERAL CIVIL LITIGATION

Marlene’s extensive experience also includes class action defense of alleged consumer protection statute violations and violations of false advertising law on behalf of training providers and other businesses.

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION DEFENSE

Businesses of all types face employee wage and hour, wrongful termination, harassment, retaliation, discrimination, and other employee claims.  They need advice on employee policies procedures and handbooks, investigation of harassment and discrimination claims, and how to respond to demands from the DFEH, EEOC, and Labor Commissioner.  Marlene has conducted and managed internal investigations on behalf of many businesses in connection with a variety of disputes arising within the employer/employee relationship.  This includes successfully handling mediations, settlement conferences, arbitrations, and administrative hearings.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY and TRADE SECRET LITIGATION

The world of IP law continues to get more complicated.  Employees, former employees, and others charged with alleged misappropriation of company trade secrets and employee raiding face violations of nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements, work for hire agreements, and employment agreements by current and former employees and other parties.  Marlene has successfully represented banks, manufacturers, designers, and other businesses through trial, mediation, and arbitration including analysis and presentation of complex financial evidence.