Nicole M. Crites

Nicole began her legal career in high school when she participated in Volusia County, Florida’s Teen Court Program, which is designed as a diversionary program for juvenile defendants facing minor criminal charges. She volunteered as a teen prosecutor and went on to win Prosecutor of the Year in her county.

Nicole’s commitment to service continued into adulthood, when she became a volunteer Guardian ad Litem for Florida’s Eighth Judicial Circuit, in Alachua County. Even before starting law school Nicole had plenty of experience making court appearances, speaking to judges, and confronting uncomfortable truths in pursuit of the best interests of the children she served. It was through these experiences that Nicole solidified her desire to help families going through tough times, and more specifically, to help the children of these families.

Nicole received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 2011 and went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. While in law school, Nicole participated in the prosecution clinic and worked in the Domestic Violence Unit of the State Attorney’s Office in the Eighth Judicial Circuit, seeking justice and, most importantly, safety for the victims of domestic violence. It was through this clinic, as well as working for a private firm, that it became clear that the years Nicole spent inside of a courtroom before attending law school had given her an advantage, as Nicole’s ease and comfort addressing the court and advocating was well advanced for her years. Unlike other recent law school graduates, who stumbled through objections, Nicole was calm, determined, never wavering, and a force to be reckoned.

After being admitted to the Florida bar and working in domestic relations in Florida, Nicole decided to move closer to her family in Atlanta. Nicole continued to work in domestic relations law after her move and has frequently litigated complex matters involving trusts, closely held business entities, complicated child custody matters, litigants with narcissistic personality disorder, and equitable division of assets whose value is difficult to ascertain.

Nicole fervently believes that it is best for children if their parents can resolve issues through a collaborative and non-adversarial approach. However, she recognizes that this approach is not always feasible for certain litigants and has developed an assertive and confident style in the courtroom.

Nicole understands that there is wisdom in the Art of War and that a long-term strategy, not short-term tactics, leads to the best results for clients. Nicole doesn’t engage in foolishness that only serves to drive up costs and instead focuses her calm demeanor and patience on formulating a strategy designed to get her clients to the end of their litigation with favorable results.

Nicole worked as a professional chef while in undergraduate school and law school, and has brought those skills home. When she is not being a lawyer, she enjoys cooking five-star meals and being home with her children and dogs.

Guest Lecturer at Emory University College of Law

2025-2026 Super Lawyers Rising Star