About Eugene Nichols

Gene is a Jacksonville native, having grown up in the Avondale area of town. He graduated from the Episcopal School of Jacksonville and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Jacksonville University majoring in Psychology and History. He traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to attend Nova Southeastern University and graduated from their law program in 1998. While at Nova, Gene focused his studies on criminal defense, Constitutional law, and trial advocacy.

Upon graduation, Gene began his legal career under the guidance of Lou Frost at the Public Defender’s Office here in Jacksonville. As an Assistant Public Defender, Gene defended hundreds of clients charged with all types of offenses, from DUI to Armed Robbery, taking countless numbers of cases to trial. Following several years at the Public Defender’s Office, Gene developed a private law practice focusing on civil and criminal litigation.

While continuing his representation of criminal clients, Gene expanded his law practice to include the representation of physicians, corporations, and business professionals while with the local firm of Bullock, Childs, Pendley, and Reed, and then with the statewide firm of Wicker Smith. Fourteen years ago Gene began focusing almost exclusively on DUI defense and substance abuse offenses while working at the law office of David Robbins. In this practice, Gene learned the art of helping people start new beginnings when substance abuse had taken over. While with Mr. Robbins’ office, Gene also continued to practice civil and commercial litigation, representing local businesses in their various litigation needs. Six years ago he formed Nichols and Pina with his longtime friend Ted, assisting clients with all forms of criminal, personal injury, and family law issues.