(540) 659-2184 Nicole O’Neal
| Address: | 1671 Emancipation Highway Suite 204 Fredericksburg, VA 22401 |
|---|---|
| Phone: | 540-659-2184 |
Bio
Nicole O’Neal is a New England native, but after enlisting in the United States Navy in 2008, she was stationed in Gulfport, Mississippi and transferred to Hampton Roads, Virginia. Nicole completed two combat tours to Afghanistan, as well as an additional deployment to Japan focusing on humanitarian relief after the tsunami in 2011. She became interested in family law when she was promoted to a non-commissioned officer and her junior troops began approaching her with their family problems such as divorce, child custody and visitation, and the division of marital property (including military retired pay) upon divorce. She familiarized herself with Virginia family law, as well as the federal laws governing military divorce cases. She found the material challenging yet rewarding—which led her to pursue a career as a family law attorney. After eight years of active duty service, she attended the University of Richmond School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor, graduating with the Family Law Certificate “with Distinction.” Nicole’s practice is focused solely on domestic relations: she is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, and support cases. Nicole is known for her commitment to her clients, and is an aggressive and zealous advocate for their interests both inside and outside the courtroom. She represents clients in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford and surrounding areas.
Honors & Awards
Top 10 Family Law Attorneys Under 40 in Virginia, National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, 2020-2022
Virginia Rising Stars, Super Lawyers, 2020-2022
Clients’ Choice Award, Avvo, 2020-2021
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Star in Lieu of Third Award), 2015
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Star in Lieu of Second Award), 2013
Army Commendation Medal, 2013
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 2010
Professional Associations
Virginia State Bar (Family Law Section), Member, 2019–Present
Virginia Bar Association (Family Law Section), Member, 2019–Present
Virginia Women Attorneys Association, Member, 2019–Present
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (Family Law Section), Member, 2019–Present
Professional Experience
Butler Hodge Moss, P.L.C., Associate Attorney, 2020–Present
Livesay & Myers, P.C., Associate Attorney, 2019–2020
McGuireWoods, Richmond, Virginia, Project Associate, 2016–2018
Alex and Ani, Cranston, Rhode Island, Legal Intern, 2017
Boleman Law Firm, Richmond, Virginia, Legal Intern, 2016
Rhode Island Supreme Court, Providence, Rhode Island, Law Clerk Intern, 2016
United States Navy, Weapons Maintenance Supervisor (2010–2015), Weapons Maintenance Technician (2008–2010)
Bar Admissions
Virginia, 2019
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, 2019
Education
- University of Richmond School of Law, J.D., 2018, graduated with the Family Law Certificate “with Distinction.” Honors and Activities:
- Carrico Center Pro Bono Certificate; Richmond Journal of Global Law and Business; Moot Court; Veterans and Military Law Association.
- Old Dominion University, B.S. in Criminal Justice and Sociology (double major), cum laude, 2015 (completed all undergraduate coursework while on active duty).