Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in?
KL: I specialize in management-side employment law, which means I advise, counsel, and represent employers in employment law-related disputes and matters. We represent both private and public employers.  

Q: What aspects of the daily job of being a lawyer interest you the most?
KL: It is truly an amazing opportunity to be able to work alongside business owners and other management personnel to assist the organization in reaching its business goals and to protect the company from risks of liability. I love learning the ins and outs of the organization and truly understanding how they operate so the legal advice I provide is catered to the business. I’ve worked with organizations in various industries, including logistics, technology, healthcare, and education.

Q: Why did you decide to attend law school?
KL: To begin, I really enjoy advocating on behalf of another. Additionally, I realized in college that I have an affinity toward reading and writing. 

Q: What types of cases do you handle?
KL: I defend employers in lawsuits and Charges of Discrimination brought by employees and former employees who are asserting employment law claims, such as wrongful termination, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, leaves of absence disputes, and wage and hour matters. I also advise and counsel employers on personnel matters such as hiring, firing, paid sick leave, and medical marijuana, and I prepare employee handbooks.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments your career?
KL: Absolutely crushing (in a good way!) the opening statement in an evidentiary hearing before the U.S. Department of Labor in a matter brought pursuant to a whistleblowing statute, for which we ultimately prevailed.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
KL: My boss inspires me. She is the managing partner of our firm, she is an excellent advocate and orator, she has honed her persuasive writing skills, she is always courteous to others, and at the same time, she is raising three genuine, well-rounded children. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
KL: Don’t think you need to fit a cookie-cutter image of what the “stereotypical lawyer” looks like. Create your own image and style. In addition, don’t think you need to act how the “stereotypical lawyer” would act. To be effective, be authentic, speak with confidence, and be yourself.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
KL: I try and get enough sleep each night, and I make sure to exercise on a regular basis. 

Five Things About Attorney Katya Lancero

1. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time? 
Dance and exercise classes, whether it is cardio party, yoga, bachata, bare, Zumba, or aqua fit!

2. What’s the most amazing adventures have you’ve ever been on?
Learning to white water kayak with my dad in Northern California and learning to do a “roll” on the kayak, where you flip under water, and then use your oar and the water as a lever to flip yourself back up.

3. What would you sing at Karaoke night? 
Any song by No Doubt!

4. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? 
I grew up doing gymnastics, and so gymnastics is my favorite sport to watch. Lately, I’ve also gotten into swimming laps.

5. Would you rather cook or order in? 
I would rather cook. Although I am just learning to cook, I see that cooking is an excellent way to wind down after work and show your love for someone else.