Jorge “Coco” PadillaAssociate

Jorge “Coco” Padilla

About

Coco Padilla is an Associate Attorney in the Las Vegas office, where he represents employees in workplace disputes and fights to hold employers accountable when workers' rights are violated. A Nevada native and the son of immigrants from Mexico and Peru, Coco understands firsthand the sacrifices many working families make to build a better future. That perspective drives his commitment to advocating for employees and helping them navigate some of the most challenging moments of their professional lives.

As one of the few Spanish-speaking attorneys in Nevada whose practice focuses exclusively on employment law, Coco is particularly passionate about serving the Latino and Hispanic community. He believes every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and is dedicated to ensuring employees have a strong advocate when facing unlawful treatment in the workplace.

Coco's practice focuses on plaintiff-side employment litigation, including claims involving workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, disability accommodations, and leave rights. He represents employees in matters arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other state and federal employment laws.

Before joining the firm, Coco represented employers and small businesses in workplace investigations and employment litigation. That experience provided valuable insight into how companies evaluate, defend, and litigate employment claims. Today, he uses that knowledge to help employees anticipate employer strategies and build stronger cases on their behalf.

Coco's legal career is also distinguished by extensive judicial experience. While attending law school, he was selected for the prestigious Sonia & Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program and interned for the Honorable Edgardo Ramos of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. He also interned for the Honorable Cristina D. Silva of Nevada's Eighth Judicial District Court prior to her appointment to the federal bench.

Following law school, Coco served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Bonnie A. Bulla of the Nevada Court of Appeals and the Honorable Nancy J. Koppe, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Nevada. These experiences provided him with a unique perspective on the judicial process and strengthened his skills in legal research, writing, and advocacy.

Coco earned his Juris Doctor from the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 2022. During law school, he demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, public service, and community advocacy. He founded the Immigrant Rights Coalition, served as Vice President of the Student Bar Association, served as Secretary of La Voz, the Latino law student association, and worked as Nevada Law Editor for the Nevada Law Journal.

In recognition of his dedication to serving others, Coco graduated with Highest Pro Bono Honors, received the Barbara Buckley Community Service Award, and was honored with the UNLV Outstanding Student Leader Rebel Award.

Today, Coco combines his personal connection to Nevada's working communities, his experience on both sides of employment disputes, and his extensive judicial training to advocate for employees throughout the state.