Julie E. Nichols is Bodman’s full-time Pro Bono Counsel. In conjunction with the Pro Bono Committee, she coordinates all aspects of the firm’s pro bono program and manages the firm’s relationships with numerous legal clinics and referring organizations.

Julie has extensive experience representing pro bono clients and coordinating the activities of volunteer pro bono counsel. Before joining Bodman, she worked for seven years as a supervising attorney and pro bono manager with Legal Services of Eastern Michigan where she handled all manner of civil cases, assisted clients, prepared pleadings and court documents, supervised outside attorneys, and coordinated civil cases with the private bar.

She also spent many years in private practice, most recently as a Partner in the Insurance Coverage Group of a highly respected Michigan-based business law firm.

Julie served as a law clerk to Judge Cornelia G. Kennedy of the U.S. Court of Appeals and to Justice Patricia Boyle of the Michigan Supreme Court. She was the Executive Editor of the Wayne Law Review and earned several academic honors, including the Ira J. Spoon Award and Scholarship, the Board of Governors Scholarship, and the Dean’s Scholarship.

Julie is a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Access to Justice Policy Committee.

Pro Bono

• State Bar of Michigan 2025 A Lawyer Helps Pro Bono Honor Roll (100+ Hours of Service)

• Julie Nichols Assisted Client in Divorce from Abusive Spouse

Julie Nichols represented Ms. B., a domestic abuse survivor, in her divorce from her abusive ex-husband. With both civil and criminal court appearances, Ms. B. bravely faced her abuser and was granted her freedom. She now has new housing and a full-time job as she rebuilds her life.

• Julie Nichols Helps Transgender Pro Bono Client in Name Change

Julie Nichols counseled Ms. M., a pro bono client in their successful name change process. Ms. M., who is transgender, had a criminal record and the court set the name change matter for an evidentiary hearing. Julie filed a brief in support of the name change and worked with a leading advocate and expert to present evidence at the hearing. The name change was granted thanks to Julie’s hard work, and Ms. M. is ready to start her new life.

Related News

• 11/03/2025Pro Bono Spotlight: Julie Nichols Assisted Client in Divorce from Abusive Spouse
• 09/04/2025Bodman PLC and 29 Firm Attorneys Recognized in State Bar of Michigan’s 2025 Pro Bono Honor Roll
• 07/18/2024Bodman PLC and 28 Firm Attorneys Honored by State Bar of Michigan for Pro Bono Service
• 11/13/2023Julie E. Nichols Joins Bodman PLC as Pro Bono Counsel