NICOLE COTE, ESQ.
Nicole practices statewide in Michigan and Ohio in the areas of student and educator rights and employment litigation. Nicole is dedicated to advancing justice and protecting the rights of individuals and families through skilled, compassionate advocacy.
Nicole is also a guardian ad litem in Ohio to independently investigate cases of abuse, neglect, and dependency to ensure children’s best interests are prioritized and their safety and stability are protected.
Prior to joining Abdnour Weiker, Nicole worked as a staff attorney with a legal aid where she successfully litigated multiple bench trials, hearings, and was known for her trauma-informed approach to advocacy and high level of trial preparation.
Early in her career, Nicole was a Justice for All Fellow with the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation where she launched a pioneering legal program serving consensual sex workers and survivors of human trafficking to prevent exploitation of their human rights.
Nicole has always been passionate about advancing human rights and ensuring fairness within the justice system. While in law school, she was one of five individuals selected nationwide to travel to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she observed the 9/11 military commission proceedings. That experience deepened her commitment to protecting the fundamental right of every individual to humane and equitable due process and access to justice.
Beyond her legal practice, Nicole enjoys baking with her sourdough starter, Jane Dough, and training for road races. She has completed four full marathons and participates in an annual Turkey Chase 5K each Thanksgiving. Nicole resides in Southeast Michigan with her fiancé and their dog, Clementine.
Education
The University of Toledo College of Law; J.D.
Western Michigan University; B.A.
Bar Admissions
Ohio
Michigan
Court Admissions
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
Practice Areas
School Law, Student Rights, Educator Rights, Educator Licensure, Civil Litigation
Affiliations
Detroit Bar Association
Toledo Bar Association
Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association (EDMIBAR)
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
Recent Representative Cases*
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Negotiated a settlement of back wages for the unpaid labor of an educator who had worked several years of additional hours without full compensation.
Achieved the outcome of "No Action" (the equivalent of a dismissal by the Ohio State Board of Education) for a Principal following a licensure investigation regarding a sealed criminal record.
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Successfully obtained a determination in favor of manifestation at a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder on a 504 who had received over 10 non-consecutive out of school suspensions in one school year. During the MDR, the team identified needs for an updated safety plan, adopting an IEP, and additional supports.Successfully obtained a determination in favor of manifestation at a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) for a child with emotional impairment who had been accused of making a threat of violence in her classroom.
Successfully represented a 9th grade student, who was accused of physical violence against another student, in an expulsion disciplinary hearing before his school board. Obtained a reduced discipline of a short term suspension.
Successfully overturned the erroneous ejection of a student-athlete through the OHSAA, securing full reinstatement of his eligibility and a reduction of his suspension.
Successfully advocated for, and obtained, a student’s eligibility determination to be autism spectrum disorder after the school repeatedly resisted to accept that disability.
Negotiated a gradual re-entry into school for a non-verbal kindergartener with autism who had been removed from school by her mother due to allegations of abuse onto the child by that student’s paraprofessional. The paraprofessional was moved to another district, and the student was able to come into the school for short periods of time to develop tolerance and overcome anxiety.
Worked with a local district to complete a functional behavioral assessment and implement a positive behavioral intervention and supports plan to address behavioral concerns for a student with autism.