Nichola Tracey-Fleury

I attribute my success to faith and resilience, along with the example set by my parents. My mother is an immigrant who worked incredibly hard to become a teacher and eventually earned her doctorate, showing me the power of education and determination. My father is a minister who instilled in me strong values, faith, and the importance of serving others. Watching their dedication and sacrifices taught me to keep pushing forward, even when the path isn’t easy. Their example, along with my children who inspire me every day, is what motivates me to keep striving and never give up on my dreams

One of the most important lessons I learned in law school is that you have to advocate for yourself—you are your first client. The way you show up, how you present yourself, and how you share your story all matter. People can only see what you put out into the world, so it’s important to be intentional about your voice and your presence. That’s why I’m not afraid to use platforms like LinkedIn to highlight my journey and uplift others. If I have tools available to help tell my story and connect with people, I’m going to use them. 

If you’re hoping to become a lawyer one day, my biggest advice is simple: never give up and always stay true to who you are. Along the way—whether it’s through your career, motherhood, or life in general—it’s easy to lose sight of yourself. But it’s important to reconnect with the person you started as, remember your purpose, and hold on to your “why.” When you stay grounded in who you are and why you started, it will guide you through every challenge.

One of the biggest challenges in the legal profession is representation. Right now, only about 5% of attorneys in the United States are Black, and just 2% are Black women. That reality shows how much work still needs to be done. My hope is that more Black women will pursue careers in law and help change those numbers. Many people are discouraged by the barriers—such as the cost of education, the time commitment, and access to resources—but increasing representation in this field is incredibly important.

At the same time, there are meaningful entry points into the legal profession. Becoming a paralegal is a great path for anyone interested in law. It provides valuable insight into how the legal system works and allows you to develop skills you might not gain in a traditional administrative role. You get a firsthand look at how attorneys think, strategize, and move cases forward, which can be both rewarding and a powerful stepping stone for those considering law school.

I believe it starts with having a strong moral compass—knowing right from wrong, guided by values like the Ten Commandments. It’s about being kind and treating people well, even when they don’t always treat you the same way, and meeting others where they are. Work ethic is equally important—showing up, giving your best, and being consistent will take you far. And above all, family is everything. For me, my priorities are clear: God, family, and education, in that order