Early Life & Career
Nicola was born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. After attending high school in Bulawayo, Nicola worked as an assistant in the marketing department of a paper manufacturing company. However, the plan was always to further her education and so she attended Rhodes University where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce Degree as well as an LLB.
Legal Training
While in law school in South Africa, Nicola volunteered with the Domestic Violence Unit of the Legal Aid Clinic. While in the final year of law school, she also worked as a tutor, providing supplemental instruction to first-year law students in areas of torts and criminal law. After graduating from Rhodes University, Nicola went to work for a law firm in East London, South Africa. There, she clerked for the firm before joining the public law unit as a legal consultant, with the main focus of drafting by-laws for the local municipalities and local governments of the region. It was here that she developed a key interest and skills in writing and research. Wanting to further her knowledge, she then went on to obtain an LLM degree at Southern Methodist University. Nicola worked in immigration with a law firm in Fort Worth before attending nursing school.
Nursing Training
Nicola attended Brookhaven College, obtaining an associate’s degree in nursing. She received her Registered Nursing License in July 2013. She practiced as a psychiatric nurse at a Dallas Mental Health Crisis Unit and Substance Rehabilitation facility in Oak Cliff, Dallas for three years. It was there that she developed a passion for assisting vulnerable members of the community. Working in the crisis unit, Nicola was in charge of reviewing medical records to determine the appropriateness of acceptance of clients into the treatment facility, as well as referrals to higher levels of care, including referrals to higher levels of care, and acted, for a short time, as nursing director, before joining Smith Clinesmith LLP.
Career at Smith Clinesmith LLP
Nicola joined The Smith Clinesmith team in February 2017. She is a Senior Associate at Smith Clinesmith LLP, heading the pre-litigation department. With her advanced legal knowledge and experience as a Registered Nurse, Nicola is now able to provide for Smith Clinesmith LLP's unique perspectives and insights as a Legal Nurse Consultant. Her past careers and diverse knowledge make her an invaluable asset to the firm and to our clients.
To speak to Smith Clinesmith LLP about obtaining the legal help of these impressive professionals, call our offices today at (877) 976-8411.
