Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Collins.
Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I know it’s cliché, but I was that child in kindergarten who very loudly and proudly let everyone know I would be a lawyer when I grew up; there was never any second thought about it. I participated in any legal programs that were available from a young age. I was part of a mock trial program while I was in high school, sponsored by a local law firm, and I fell in love even more with the idea of being a lawyer!
I studied Urban Studies at Cornell University (you really can study anything undergrad before entering law school), and obtained a minor in Law and Society. After graduating from Cornell, and the summer before I started my studies at the University of Virginia School of Law, I participated in the Sponsors for Educational Opportunity’s Law Fellowship Program, a program where historically excluded law students receive access to career development, and internship opportunities and spent the summer in-house at a global bank in New York.
After law school, I worked as an attorney at a law firm in New York City before moving to Dallas nearly 11 years ago! In Dallas, I have grown my practice, my network, and my volunteerism in this community that I love; honestly, it was the best decision I ever made moving here!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Anyone who has gotten to this age (chuckle) has faced some trials and tribulations. I feel very blessed for my village and my support system that continues to build me up and give me solid advice as I progress through my career.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am litigation counsel at a fintech company. I take pride in working closely with my peers to understand the needs of the company and the customer and working with a team that really goes the extra mile to provide amazing service. No day is the same in my role and I feel so blessed to still be in this career, I love what I do!
How do you define success?
Everyone’s definition of success varies, but I think as long as someone is fulfilled, truly, in the work they do, how they feel around people they love and care about, that they are healthy and happy; they’ve reached a level of success that no one could argue with.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: thenicoleeason
