Kerry Ashley Nicholson | Cobb Circuit, Post 5

Candidate Statement

Hi! I’m Kerry Nicholson, and I’m running for the State Bar Board of Governors, Cobb Circuit, Post 5. With more than 15 years in practice and over a decade of meaningful State Bar involvement, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to serving both the legal profession and our community.

My Bar service began with the Young Lawyers Division’s Public Interest Internship Program (PIIP), where I helped law students and recent graduates obtain funding for public sector internships. As co-chair, I modernized the application review process and established the PIIP’s annual awards ceremony to recognize grant recipients. I later expanded my leadership through the YLD Leadership Academy and by serving on the Executive Boards of four YLD presidents. Today, I continue my service as a member of the Georgia Bar Journal Editorial Board.

I am ready to bring this experience and dedication to Cobb County attorneys. As your representative, I will be an accessible and responsive advocate who ensures your voices are heard. I will work to strengthen our local legal community by promoting greater engagement with the State Bar, advocating for more affordable Bar meetings and supporting financial assistance opportunities for public interest, solo and small firm attorneys to attend Bar meetings.

I would be honored to earn your vote and serve as a strong, effective voice for Cobb County on the Board of Governors.

Education

• Mercer University (2007)
• Tulane University School of Law (2010)

Personal/Family

• Place of Residence: Cumberland
• Personal Interests: Recreational tennis, volunteering, professional sports, international travel, concerts, speakeasies and brunch
• Non-Legal Organization: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

• Legal Specialty: Trademark Law
• Work History Highlights
  • Senior trademark counsel, Thinkof, Inc., October 2025–present
  • Founder and principal attorney, Nicholson IP LLC, June 2024–present
  • Trademark and copyright associate, Cantor Colburn LLP, July 2023–May 2024
  • Trademark examining attorney, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), May 2018–July 2023
  • Attorney advisor, Social Security Administration ODAR, September 2012–May 2018
  • Personal injury and Social Security disability attorney, Foy & Associates, P.C., January 2012–August 2012
• State Bar of Georgia
  • Editorial Board member, Georgia Bar Journal (July 2021–present)
  • Board of Directors, Young Lawyers Division (July 2018–June 2022)
  • Co-chair, Public Interest Internship Program, Young Lawyers Division (July 2014–June 2017)
  • Graduate, Leadership Academy, Young Lawyers Division (2015)
  • Member, Intellectual Property Law Section
  • Member, Entertainment & Sports Law Section
• Other Bar Associations
  • Member, Cobb County Bar Association
  • Member, Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA)
  • Member, Gate City Bar Association
  • YLD scholar, American Bar Association (2017)

Main Issues Facing the State Bar/Position

A key issue facing the State Bar is fostering greater attorney engagement. Financial barriers often prevent public interest attorneys, solo practitioners and small firm lawyers from attending Bar meetings and fully participating in Bar initiatives. When segments of our profession are underrepresented, the Bar misses valuable perspectives that strengthen our collective voice.

As a member of the Board of Governors, I will advocate for practical solutions that expand access and encourage broader participation, including exploring ways to reduce the cost of Bar meetings and supporting financial assistance opportunities. A more engaged Bar promotes collaboration, enhances professional development and ensures the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of Georgia attorneys.