A native of Saginaw, Monica Nuckolls received her bachelor of arts degree, with honors, in Business Administration from Michigan State University, and her law degree from University of Michigan Law School where she was involved in a number of different activities and organizations including the Christian Legal Society and Black Law Student Alliance. She also served as an editor for the Michigan Journal of Race and Law.
A professor at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School for 12 years, Nuckolls teaches Torts and Equity and Remedies. She currently serves as the chair of the Torts department and as a faculty adviser to the Christian Legal Society. She is a Michigan State Bar Foundation Fellow and an Oakland County Bar Foundation Fellow, and a member of the Michigan Center for Civic Education board of directors. Committed to giving back to the community, she has co-authored several books aimed toward teaching young people about the law. A resident of West Bloomfield, she is married and has three sons.
By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
What would surprise people about your job?
Teaching law is an incredibly satisfying career. I always tell people it is much more than a profession – it’s a calling. There is no greater joy than to help a student understand, appreciate, and challenge the law all at the same time.
Why did you become a lawyer?
The legal system is what we use to right wrongs in our society. I wanted to be a part of that.
What’s your favorite law-related book?
The Bible – It’s amazing how many examples of both tort and criminal law you find in the Old Testament.
Who is your law role model – real and/or fictional?
My father, the Hon. M.T. Thompson Jr. He is a retired judge and I learned a lot watching him over the years.
If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be?
No one – I love my life and wouldn’t give it up even for a moment.
What advice do you have for someone considering law school?
Make sure it is something you want to do. You should never pick a career based on what others think you should do. Once you’ve decided, be prepared to work hard and give it your all.
What’s your proudest moment as a lawyer?
Receiving the State Bar of Michigan Champion of Justice Award, given to me for work I’ve done with my father in an effort to educate young people about the law.
What do you do to relax? Spend time with my family.
What other career path might you have chosen? Physician.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self?
Stay focused and keep working hard – it will all pay off in the end.
Favorite local hangouts? Emagine movie theater and Great Lakes Crossing Mall.
Favorite website? www.cooley.edu.
Favorite music? Gospel music
What is your happiest childhood memory?
I was very blessed to have an incredible childhood so I have lots of fond memories of family gatherings and playing with family and friends.
What do you wish someone would invent?
A cure for all diseases.
What has been your favorite year so far and why?
2017 – Each year keeps getting better and better. The best is yet to come.
What’s the most awe-inspiring place you’ve ever been?
West Africa – My experiences there taught me how to be thankful for all things.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I was 16 when I graduated from high school.
If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be?
Jesus; my deceased maternal grandmother; my deceased paternal grandfather.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Stay focused on God and everything else will fall in place.
Favorite place to spend money? The mall – I love to shop.
What is your motto? Never give up.
Which living person do you most admire? My parents.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Being a mother of three phenomenal boys.
What is the most unusual thing you have done?
I almost went bungee jumping once. However, I backed out once I got to the top, got all strapped in, and realized how far up I was.
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