Attorney Profiles - Paul F. Nichols

Mr. Nichols is a principal in the firm of Nichols, Bergere, Zauzig & Sandler, P.C., in the Woodbridge and Tysons Corner, Virginia offices. He concentrates his practice on family law matters, including divorce, custody, child support, distribution of assets and determination of alimony, as well as related matters such as protective orders and criminal defense. As a litigator, his practice routinely sees him in all levels of our court system

Mr. Nichols' broad experience in all areas of the family practice provides a substantial benefit to his clients. He has had the good fortune to handle clients with a wide range of financial backgrounds, from those of modest means to clients whose incomes and assets are significant. His philosophy in handling any case is to litigate to the fullest if necessary, but to settle in an amicable way, if possible. He recognizes that “seek and destroy” is not a fruitful approach when there are children, careers, and other common interests that will bind two people together long after the ink is dry on a final divorce, and therefore, a more practical approach is oftentimes best.

Mr. Nichols graduated from Kings College in 1974 and received his law degree from the George Mason University College of Law in 1978. Mr. Nichols was admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1978 and in the State of Pennsylvania in 1987. He is also admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals Fourth Circuit, U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia, and the United States Tax Court.

Mr. Nichols is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, which is a national organization that has stringent requirements for membership, which includes “peer review” and testing. The qualification for membership of each fellow includes being recognized by the bench and bar in his jurisdiction as a leading practitioner in matrimonial law.

Mr. Nichols has received Martindale Hubbell’s highest rating (AV) for legal ability and ethics. Mr. Nichols is a past member of the Board of Governors of the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar (2001-2005). He is an active member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the Prince William County Bar Association, the Fairfax County Bar Association and the Alexandria Bar Association.

Currently, Mr. Nichols is a Neutral Case Evaluator in Fairfax County and a Conciliator in the Prince William County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Mr. Nichols has lectured on various family law topics to local bar associations in Northern Virginia, and throughout the state for the Virginia State Bar and Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.

Mr. Nichols has been selected by his peers to be included in “Best Lawyers in America” in the specialty of Family Law. Mr. Nichols has also been recognized by Washingtonian Magazine (December 2004 edition) among the top lawyers in Family Law in the Washington Metropolitan area.

Assistants

Dana Lynn	Renne Rogers