FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Karen Korr for Nukk-Freeman & Cerra
karen@fullkorrpress.com
(619) 944-0650 (cell)
Chris Sisco
csisco@nfclegal.com
(973) 507- 7638 (direct)
SAN FRANCISCO (August 6, 2026): Employment law firm Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C. (NFC) has expanded its California presence with the opening of a San Francisco office led by Partner Lisa C. Hamasaki, an accomplished labor and employment attorney with more than two decades of experience representing employers throughout the state.
The San Francisco office is NFC’s first in Northern California and its second in the state, building upon the firm’s growing presence in San Diego. Hamasaki joins NFC after serving for more than five years as Managing Shareholder of Ogletree Deakins’ San Francisco office, where she provided strategic leadership while maintaining an active employment law practice.
“Our clients continue to expand their operations across California and throughout the country, and we are committed to growing alongside them in thoughtful, strategic ways,” said Kerrie R. Heslin, NFC’s Managing Partner. “Growth has always been about more than opening new offices — it is about bringing together exceptional attorneys who share our values and unwavering commitment to client service. Lisa embodies everything we look for in a leader, and her arrival not only strengthens our ability to deliver the responsive, practical counsel our clients expect throughout California, but also reflects our continued investment in building one of the nation’s premier management-side employment law firms.”
Hamasaki represents employers in labor and employment matters in state and federal courts, arbitration and proceedings before administrative agencies. Her litigation experience spans nearly all facets of California employment law, including claims involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, disability accommodations, leaves of absence, wrongful termination, defamation, and wage and hour issues.
“I am excited to join NFC and lead the firm’s expansion into Northern California,” said Hamasaki. “The firm’s collaborative culture and forward-looking, client-focused approach will serve clients throughout the state extremely well, and I am proud to be part of this important strategic step for NFC.”
In addition to her litigation practice, Hamasaki advises employers on day-to-day workplace matters and complex employment law issues. She is also a sought-after speaker and trainer, frequently presenting at conferences, client seminars, and industry events across the country on emerging employment law developments and workplace best practices. Hamasaki regularly educates employers and management teams on topics including harassment prevention, workplace investigations, disability accommodations, leaves of absence, wage and hour compliance, and other issues critical to maintaining compliant and productive workplaces. She earned her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and previously earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College.
Under the leadership of Stacy Fode, NFC’s San Diego office continues to strengthen its presence in California. Most recently, the office welcomed attorneys Shelby Harris, Maegan Madrigal, and Matt Seydel; a new legal professional; and two experienced paralegals relocating from the firm’s New Jersey office.
Recognized as a top Employment Law Firm, NFC provides a progressive, creative and forward-thinking approach to the practice of management-side employment law. Staffed with highly experienced employment attorneys and a robust support team, we deliver superior work product and incomparable client service. NFC attorneys have litigated thousands of cases and handled appeals at all levels in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Our substantive knowledge encompasses all areas of employment and benefits law. In addition, NFC has an entire team dedicated to designing and delivering hundreds of distinctive and sophisticated employment law trainings. We work vigorously to counsel our clients on the most effective preventative measures. NFC is currently recruiting talented attorneys at various levels for our growing West Coast office. Learn more about NFC and career opportunities with the firm at https://nfclegal.com.
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