Nikki Lapine focuses primarily on defending employers and companies in employment and labor law matters and litigation. She also has extensive experience representing individuals and businesses in a wide array of matters related to insurance defense, including insurance coverage disputes and the defense of claims involving complex torts, commercial liability, and premises liability in state and federal courts.
Prior to first joining Wilson Elser, Nikki worked at a premier Houston-based civil defense firm, where she handled a sizable personal injury caseload and litigated numerous insurance defense matters. Before rejoining Wilson Elser, Nikki gained valuable in-house experience as a contracts manager and attorney at one of the nation’s largest, most well-respected companies providing electrical, plumbing, and HVAC installation services.
Areas of Focus
Employment & Labor
Nikki has experience handling cases with claims brought under Title VII, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, 42 U.S.C. §1981, ERISA, and state law fair employment practices statutes.
Life, Health, Disability & ERISA
Nikki represents insurers primarily in federal court litigation involving ERISA and non-ERISA disputes over disability and life coverage. Her experience as a licensed Texas insurance agent provides her with a unique insight into assessing clients’ liabilities and exposure, enabling her to craft effective defense strategies.
Complex Tort & General Casualty
Nikki is well versed in effectively handling complex tort and insurance claim disputes before state and federal courts across Texas. She has extensive motion practice, deposition, mediation, and trial assistance experience.
- South Texas College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2018)
- Transactional Law Practice Certificate
- President, Jewish Law Students Association
- CALI Excellence for the Future Awards: State and Local Government, Contract Building Blocks
- The Ohio State University (B.S. Hospitality Management, 2011)
- business-focused curriculum
- Texas
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
- Texas Bar Foundation Fellow
- Insurance Law Section of the State Bar of Texas