Nikeva Bailey

A distinguished name in criminal defense, Nikeva Bailey brings extensive legal advocacy and prowess to the Hampton Roads region. After obtaining early experience as a Law Clerk with The Honorable Betty J. Lester and The Honorable Rhys S. Hodge, Nikeva transitioned into an impactful legal career. As an Assistant Public Defender, she zealously advocated for indigent clients, mastering plea negotiations, trial preparations, and case investigations. Founding Niki Bailey Attorney at Law, she focused on serious felonies and traffic cases, building a strong reputation for legal excellence. Her tenure at well-known firms like Sacks & Sacks, P.C., and The Cooper Law Firm further honed her courtroom skills. During her career, Nikeva has also embraced academia, teaching paralegal studies and criminal justice at Bryant & Stratton College. With a comprehensive understanding of both criminal and family law, she recently added Guardian Ad Litem certification to her credentials. Known for unwavering dedication and a keen legal mind, Nikeva remains committed to justice and client advocacy throughout her extensive career.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

SACKS & SACKS. P.C.

Associate Attorney, May 2022 – January 2023

Covering cases across the Commonwealth for the Lead Attorney. While primarily requesting continuances; also conducted bail hearings and various substantive motions, conducted misdemeanor and traffic trials. Trained in Personal Injury law.

OFFICE OF THE NORFOLK PUBLIC DEFENDER, Norfolk, VA

Part-Time Attorney, December 2021 – September 2022

Conducted trials, hearings and appeals on Misdemeanors.

NIKI BAILEY ATTORNEY AT LAW, Norfolk, VA (Formerly, The Bailey Law Group, P.C.)

Owner, September 2012 – April 2021

Established as a sole proprietor, with a primary focus on serious felonies and traffic matters, to include filing appropriate motions, identifying legal issues, and preserving the record. Obtained some appellate experience arguing before the Virginia Court of Appeals. Practiced some family law, and recently became certified as a Guardian Ad Litem.

THE COOPER LAW FIRM, Hampton, VA (Formerly Bullock & Cooper, P.C.)

Associate Attorney, September 2011 – September 2012

Represented clients in criminal, specialized civil and family law matters in general district and circuit court; to include traffic offenses, petitions and uncontested divorces. Resolved matters through trials, mediations and negotiations. Engaged in Community Outreach.

BRYANT & STRATTON COLLEGE, Hampton, VA

Adjunct Instructor, May 2011 – May 2014

Taught paralegal studies and criminal justice, utilizing text and digital media, while incorporating Bloom’s Taxonomy and the Socratic method. Taught students how to draft pleadings and other legal documents. Introduced court procedures by observation, mock exercises and guest speakers currently employed in the legal field. Also allowed internship opportunities in my office.

OFFICE OF THE HAMPTON PUBLIC DEFENDER, Hampton, VA

Assistant Public Defender I, September 2006 – April 2011

Represented indigent persons in criminal matters. Met with clients often at correctional facilities; reviewing discovery and conducting individual investigation with our private investigators. Performed extensive legal research and writing in preparation for bench and jury trials. Engaged in plea negotiations as trial alternatives, appreciating true value in oral and written communication techniques.

THE HONORABLE RHYS S. HODGE, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, St. Thomas, VI

Law Clerk, September 2005 – August 2006

Observed pre-trial and in-chambers conferences, proceedings, bench and jury trials. Conducted legal research and drafted judicial opinions applying local and federal laws to a gamut of matters involving civil, criminal and jurisdictional issues. Prepared orders and assisted in deciding current and post-conviction relief. Received formal training and conducted Small Claims dispute mediation.

THE HONORABLE BETTY J. LESTER, J.S.C., Criminal Division, Newark, NJ

Law Clerk, September 2004 – September 2005

Observed Court. Conducted legal research and drafted judicial opinions regarding procedural and substantive criminal law. Learned the importance of general motion practice to include the application of sentencing factors and guidelines, Rules of Evidence and Rules of Court; as well as the constitutional implications of non-jury fact finding and the general practice of law.