Her Story
About Nicole
Nicole Angelo, Esq. is an Associate Immigration Counsel with the Law Offices of Stephen Santucci, P.C., bringing a diverse background in law, education, coaching, and advocacy to her legal career. Before entering the legal profession, Nicole earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Caldwell University, with a minor in Sport Management. As a college student, she played basketball and initially envisioned a career in sports broadcasting. Her professional path later expanded into coaching women’s college basketball at Binghamton University, where she also pursued graduate studies. She ultimately followed her interest in law, earning Juris Doctor degrees from Florida Coastal School of Law and Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law.
Nicole’s legal experience includes family law, judicial work, legal research, litigation support, and client advocacy. Before transitioning into immigration law, she worked as a Family Law Paralegal with McKINNON LEGAL and as a Family Law Intern/Paralegal with Gerlach Legal, where she supported matters involving divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, paternity, and domestic violence. She also served as a Judicial Intern with the Broward County Clerk of Circuit and County Courts and completed a Family Law Legal Internship with the Nova Southeastern Children and Families Law Clinic. Across these roles, Nicole developed experience in drafting pleadings and motions, conducting legal research, preparing discovery and trial materials, assisting with case strategy, and communicating with clients navigating sensitive legal matters.
Beyond her technical legal experience, Nicole is deeply motivated by mentorship, advocacy, and service to others. She considers one of her greatest professional accomplishments to be becoming the supportive person she needed when she was younger, a purpose she has carried into her work as a coach, educator, advocate, and attorney. Her journey into the legal profession was marked by significant perseverance, including multiple LSAT attempts, years of law school, four bar examinations, months of interviewing, and nearly 200 job applications before securing her current position. Her volunteer work as an LGBTQIA+ advocate with The Trevor Project and Youth Pride Association further reflects her commitment to supporting and advocating for others. Today, Nicole brings resilience, compassion, and a strong commitment to helping people to her work in immigration law.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to God, whose faith has guided me through difficult seasons and continues to support my overall well-being. I am also grateful for my village, especially my parents, who made countless sacrifices to support me, and Linda Cimino, who gave me the opportunity to play collegiate basketball on a full scholarship and became a lifelong mentor. I am equally thankful to my current law firm for taking a chance on me after I faced nearly 10 months and more than 200 job applications following the bar exam. These experiences have strengthened my resilience, gratitude, and determination to succeed.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from my college basketball coach and lifelong mentor, Linda Cimino: whenever I walk into a room, I should know that I belong there. That lesson has stayed with me throughout athletics, teaching, and law, especially when navigating male-dominated environments. I remind myself that I have worked hard, prepared myself, and earned my place at the table. I also live by the resilience expressed in the quote, “It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward,” which reminds me to stay determined and keep moving forward through setbacks.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering immigration law is simple: know that you belong. Walk into every professional space with confidence in your education, preparation, abilities, and work ethic. Trust what you bring to the table, especially in environments where women may be underrepresented, and never let uncertainty diminish your confidence or sense of purpose.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in immigration law is its constantly evolving nature, particularly as policies and procedures change between presidential administrations. I see an important opportunity in educating clients, helping them understand their options, navigate a complex legal system, and feel more secure. Ultimately, I view immigration law as an opportunity to serve people, support families through difficult circumstances, and help them work toward stability and togetherness.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are dignity, humanity, equal respect, and treating every person with compassion. I believe in looking beyond differences, biases, and stereotypes to recognize the humanity in everyone. I also value diversity and inclusion, as well as building genuine relationships, because the way we treat people can leave a lasting and meaningful impression.
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