Nicole has represented clients in arbitration and litigation matters, administrative investigations, proceedings before state and federal regulatory agencies and self-regulatory organizations, and in state, federal, and appellate courts. Nicole has defended matters involving heath care fraud, environmental crimes, and qui tam actions.
Nicole is rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating for professional excellence and ethical standing. She has also been named as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers in Business litigation, an honor given to less than 2% of all of Florida’s practicing attorneys. Nicole has appeared frequently on CNBC, and on local television and radio, to comment on a variety of legal issues.
Nicole is very active in the community. Nicole serves as a Trustee for Pasco Hernando State College and she previously served as a City Commissioner for the City of Dade City. Nicole serves on the Board of the Federal Bar Association Federal Litigation Section and is a past Chair of the Section. Nicole is a Past President of The Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Though born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Nicole was raised here in the Tampa/Dade City area, where she currently lives with her husband William and her twin boys, Nicholas and Zachary.
Education
- Stetson University College of Law
J.D. magna cum laude, (Class Rank, 2nd)
Certificate of Concentration: Advocacy
Honors Program Graduate; Stanley Milledge Award Recipient;
Victor O. Wehle Trial Advocacy Award
National Order of Barristers
Member: Trial Team, Moot Court Board, and Stetson Law Review - University of South Florida
M.B.A. - University of South Florida
B.A., Finance
Admissions
- The Florida Bar
- U.S. District Court, Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
Experience
- Carlton Fields (Summer Associate/Law Clerk, 2003-2004)
- Fowler White (2004-2007)
- Shutts & Bowen (2007-2014)
Involvement
- Trustee, Pasco Hernando State College (2023-present)
- Dade City Rotary (Noon Club) Social Chair (2015-2017); President Nominee (2016-2017); President (2017-2018); Past President (2018-2019); Assistant Governor Area 5 (2018-2021); Secretary (2019-2022); Board Member (2016-2022)
- The Florida Bar Federal Court Practice Committee (Appointed 2015-2021);
- Federal Bar Association (National) Federal Litigation Section, Secretary/Treasurer (2016-2018); Board Member (2015-present); Vice Chair (2018-2020); Chair (2020-2022); Immediate Past Chair (2022-present).
- Fellow of the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association (2021-present)
- Federal Bar Association (Local) Tampa Bay Chapter, Member (2004-present); Board of Directors (2006-2008); Communications (2008-2010); Treasurer (2011-2012); Vice President (2012-2013); President (2014-2015); Immediate Past President (2015)
- Hillsborough County Bar Association Member (2004-present); Co-Chair of Young Lawyer’s Division Pro Bono Committee (2006-2008)
- Women Lawyers of Pasco (2016- present)
- City of Dade City Commissioner (2016-2020)
- The Tampa Connection Class of 2008
- Commission on the Status of Women (Pasco) (2016-2019)
- Merit Selection Panel, Middle District of Florida (2016-2017)
- Empowering Pasco’s Veterans (2019-2022); Secretary (2019-2022)
- Academy At The Farm PTO Board (2018-2022); Treasurer (2019-2022)
- Pasco Education Volunteer (2010-2011)
- Pasco High School Advisory Committee (2012-2014)
- Tampa Bay Inn of Court (2005-2007)
- East Pasco YMCA Board of Directors (2009-2013)
