Founding Partner Nicole Crites began her legal career all the way back in high school when she participated in Volusia County's Teen Court Program. This program is designed as a diversionary program for juvenile defendants with minor criminal charges. Nicole 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 Alachua County. Having not even started law school yet, 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, help the children of families going through tough times.
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.
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 businesses, complicated child custody matters, 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, Nicole recognizes this approach is not always feasible for certain litigants and has developed an assertive and confident style of litigation 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 which only serves to drive up costs and instead focuses her calm demeanor and patience to formulate 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 three dogs, two kids, and loving spouse.