Karen L. Nicolson '89

Segment Synopsis: Nicolson grew up on Long Island with both of her parents and younger brother. Her mother's experience growing up in Germany influenced her principles of justice. When Nicolson was 12, she was recruited as a volunteer and met her very first lawyer. He showed her first-hand how his job worked, and it formed her desire to work within legal services. Later, she picked UB Law School because there weren't many other public options.

Keywords: Choice of Law; Choosing UB Law School; Family; Mother; Role Models; Value of Education

Subjects: EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY

Segment Synopsis: After beginning at SUNY Stony Brook, Nicolson continued her educational experience at the University at Buffalo. She met other law students in the dorms and it created a very helpful connection. Once she moved off campus, she began to intern at the neighborhood legal services and the center for elder law and justice. She met her husband in law school during her second year and they got married two years after graduation.

Keywords: Choice of Law; Choosing UB Law School; Community Involvement; Family; Internships; Legal Education; Relationship with UB Law; Relationships; Spouse

Subjects: EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY; UB LAW AS STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: Nicolson worked in her organization for 30+ years and made $16,000; her husband Tom supported the two of them financially. She is heavily committed to her work because she is passionate to fill the need for legal services. Moving to a bigger, higher paying firm never occurred to her. She offers advice to younger students that don't take advantage of all the opportunities UB has to offer (clubs, networking events, etc.), because she didn't. Her classes and professors stuck out to her more than extracurricular.

Keywords: Advice; Career / Professional Experience; Classes; Spouse; Undergraduate Education; Value of Education

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; EDUCATION; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW AS STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: Nicolson was heavily prepared for her legal profession, especially after taking a class on administrative law and other clinic programs. UB preparing students for public interest law creates a tremendous source of pride for her. She also notes that students coming out of UB law are all so passionate about justice.

Keywords: Character and Values; Law Courses; Law Firms; Legal Education; Public Education Law; UB Preparation; Value of Education

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: Nicolson found a job right after graduation with the help of UB. She witnessed some discrimination in the legal profession, though today it's more subtle. In her autobiography, Nicolson notes that has been the CEO for 18 years. She came back from her maternity leave when her director retired. This was during the time of unionization, so within some turbulence, she was promoted.

Keywords: Academic vs. Career Success; Accomplishments; Career / Gender; Career / Professional Experience; Discrimination / Prejudice; Distinction; Family; Law Firms; Self Improvement

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER; CAREER: LEGAL; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: The firm grew exponentially because Nicolson found amazing lawyers to work with locally. Her mission is to use the legal system to help her clients live with independence and dignity, with a focus on older adults. Her favorite part of her job is to work with younger attorneys and watch them grow. She stands by her advice to meet as many people as you can and continue to network. Nicolson is a part of multiple committees and boards that she is proud of; helping the Weinberg campus is one of her favored projects, along with her distinguished alumni award.

Keywords: Advice; Alumni; Community Involvement; Law Firms; Law Students; Mentors; Peers; Perceptions; Relationship with UB Law

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: Nicolson believes that so much more is expected of law students today compared to her college days. Besides her work, for fun she likes to meditate and garden. Her job is so public, so she likes to relax in private. Lastly, if she wasn't a lawyer, she would be a professor or lobbyist. She is happiest when she is helping and listening to others.

Keywords: Occupations; Satisfaction; Teaching Law

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE