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Nicole Biros-Bolton is an associate in Ross & McBride’s Human Rights Group where she acts on behalf of people facing discrimination based on race, disability, age, pregnancy, or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code. She also represents clients who have experienced wrongful termination, sexual assault, and bullying or harassment in schools.
As a feminist social justice lawyer, Nicole is passionate about matters related to gender identity and expression, and gender-based violence including partner violence, sexual harassment, and sexual assault.
Her practice is supported by 20 years of experience working as a front-line counsellor and advocate for women, children, and gender-diverse individuals who have experienced violence, trauma, and abuse. She believes that justice and equity are non-negotiable and always worth fighting for, and she pursues these goals for her clients.
She places a great value on strong communication with her clients, who benefit from her combination of solid legal expertise and natural empathy. She uses her ability to listen, assess a situation, and help clients feel heard by ensuring their personal story remains at the centre of their legal matter.
Nicole has provided advocacy and support within the criminal justice and family legal systems, working at the Victim Witness Assistance Program and the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, supporting survivors of gender-based violence. In the UK, she worked as a researcher, trainer and advocate in a hospital program for pregnant women experiencing violence, assessing risk, developing concrete safety plans and advocating for services.
For several years, she managed the Advocacy and Human Trafficking Programs at Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre in Toronto, regularly speaking at conferences and to media on the issues facing youth who are trafficked in Ontario.
Outside of her practice, Nicole is an active volunteer in the legal community. She is the Chair of the Hamilton branch of the Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund (LEAF), a board member for Parkdale Community Legal Services, a member-at-large on the Ontario Bar Association Constitutional, Civil Liberties and Human Rights Executive, and a member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Professional Development Committee. She also participates in a free monthly legal clinic at the YWCA, advising on topics like settlement, employment matters and gender-based violence.
While not working to promote social justice, you can find Nicole with her spouse and three wonderful children, dancing and cooking up a storm.
Learn more, visit Nicole’s LinkTree
My advice for Women's Network attendees
Your vulnerability and life experience are strengths. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be powerful and successful if you are emotional.