by Cali Franks
January, 2021

It may be the start of a new year, but DAYL’s One to Watch is honoring an attorney who has enjoyed many years of service with the organization.  Nicole Karam has used her passion for the law and for fitness to help DAYL and the Dallas community grow stronger.

Born and raised in upstate New York, Nicole received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and graduated summa cum laude from Albany Law School in 2015.  She then moved to Texas to start her legal career where she quickly became involved in DAYL.

Coupling her love of fitness with her passion for engaging in the community, Nicole has continuously served as Co-Chair of DAYL’s Wellness Committee and served as the Event Chair for the 2020 Freedom Run.  Recognizing the increased need for wellness initiatives, Nicole has been the driving force behind many virtual events geared towards keeping our community active, engaged, and connected.  Nicole is also credited with the great success of the first ever virtual Freedom Run held in September 2020, which attracted participants from all over the country and raised significant funds to support our front line and essential workers.

Nicole continues to be a star in DAYL through her participation in DAYL’s 2020 Leadership Class, where she is helping to mitigate the rise of homelessness in our community.  She is also working to expand our partnership with the Brain Performance Institute to provide invaluable mental health and wellness resources to our members.

Licensed in Texas and New York, Nicole is a fierce business litigator with Spencer Fane LLP, advocating relentlessly for her clients in and out of the courtroom.  Nicole has experience handling a wide array of commercial and environmental disputes across the country. More locally, Nicole focuses her practice on guiding clients through the eminent domain process, representing condemning authorities, as well as assisting property owners.  She has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers for her outstanding efforts for her clients.

Outside her legal work and community engagements, you will likely find Nicole outside enjoying the sun, tailgating at a sporting event, running around White Rock Lake, or hanging out at Oak Highlands Brewery.

Nicole is “fit” to be this month’s One to Watch because of her leadership, compassion, and continued commitment to DAYL and to our community. We cannot wait to see what Nicole does next!