Nicole Bolick

Nicole graduated from Kent in 2020 with a degree in Law. She has since returned home to Canada, where she is working as an Associate Lawyer specialising in family law, wills and estates. She also sits on the University of Kent in Canada Alumni Association Board managing prospective student relations.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

I returned to Canada to write my final exams for the LLB program during the peak of COVID. After completing these, I began the NCA (National Committee on Accreditation) exams to transfer my law degree to Canada. While doing these exams, I began working as a legal assistant at a small law firm in Ottawa. Once my exams were completed, my legal assistant job turned into articling and studying for the bar exams.

After about two years of exams, and 8 months of articling, I was finally a lawyer. I began working at Galarneau and Associates in June 2022 as an Associate Lawyer in family law, wills, and estates law and continue working there to this day. 

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I am an Associate Lawyer, and thus have the benefit of controlling my work schedule. I generally work from the office, but at times will work from home, which is a nice balance.

My work days in the office consist of a mixture of initial client meetings to obtain new clients, drafting materials for and managing current clients, and the administrative side of being a lawyer, which includes docketing my time, billing, collecting on the bills, and scheduling appointments.

There is never a dull moment or a lack of work and tasks in my day. 

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

A career highlight has been having the opportunity to represent and advocate for my clients in court. I have a passion for advocacy and really enjoy the process of advocating on their behalf. 

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

I not only obtained my LLB at Kent, but I also gained a great deal of practical advocacy skills through the moot programs. Kent helped me develop skills in critical and analytical thinking in the law, gave me many opportunities to meet professionals in the legal field and network, and connected me to a great network of Canadian students - whom I have been in contact with to support me on my journey to becoming a lawyer in Canada. 

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Don't be afraid to ask for help and guidance - the process of becoming a lawyer in general is not easy, let alone if you are coming back to Canada with a degree from another country.

Do your research online, reach out to people who are doing what you hope to do and ask them how they got there, you will be surprised as to how willing people are to help. 

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

I have many great memories at Kent. One of my favourites was joining RaG (Raise and Give) at Kent, where I had the opportunity to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation and climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It was such an amazing and challenging experience with a great group of people from Kent. 

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

No! I had such a great experience both academically and socially. I really enjoyed the opportunities I had working in the alumni office, and for the law school as the moot and mock trial coordinator. Outside of academics, I loved living in the town of Canterbury and travelling around Europe on weekends and during holidays.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

One of the associate lawyers at the law firm I work at went to Kent as well. I am also still in touch with a few other alumni via social media. 

What are your future ambitions?

I want to continue to work and advance my career as a lawyer practicing family law, wills and estates law in Ottawa, while balancing my personal and social life, including my travel bug!