Nicole is an alum of the Law & Society program and was recently named Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2026.
What did you study at Jefferson?
I majored in Law & Society with a minor in psychology.
Where are you from originally?
Hartford, CT.
What was the best part of your time at Jefferson?
Being among the first graduates to major in Law & Society—helping shape a new program and community—was the best part of my time at Jefferson.
What has having a Jefferson degree done for you and how has it prepared you for your career?
My Jefferson degree —especially as part of the founding Law & Society cohort — trained me to think critically across disciplines, write clearly under pressure, and turn complex facts into practical solutions. Project-based courses and close faculty mentorship sharpened my research, public-speaking, and client-centered problem-solving skills. That combination prepared me for law school, for the demands of litigation, and for the leadership required to build and operate my own family law firm. It also gave me the teaching mindset I use today in the classroom at UIC Law.
What are you doing now?
I am a family law attorney in Chicago, Illinois and I own and operate my own family law firm, NMS Family Law. I am also an adjunct professor at UIC Law teaching family law.
What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?
Fun fact: I once swore that if law didn’t work out, I’d be a background dancer for Sean Paul.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to our current students?
Cultivate two assets: agility and relationships. The ability to pivot when plans change — and the relationships you maintain — will carry you farther than any single credential. Your reputation will arrive before you do.