Nicole Noonan, Esq., CEO of Novitas US
NICOLE NOONAN’s BIO
Nicole Noonan, Esq., CEO of Novitas US, is a nationally recognized divorce expert. Crowned the “Fairy Godmother of Divorce” by the New York Post’s Julia Marsh, Nicole is an advocate for the protection of women and their rights. Nicole is a frequent featured speaker on Bloomberg’s “Talking Stock with Pimm Fox”. She has been featured on Good Morning America, Bloomberg TV, and WLNY’s “The Couch”
Recognized by New York Magazine as New York’s Women Leader’s in the Law 2014, Nicole holds a BA from Boston College and a JD from Seton Hall University School of Law. As a former matrimonial attorney, Nicole is very familiar with the issues facing the non-moneyed spouse. She remains a member of the New Jersey Bar.
In the Spotlight Interview
1. You are CEO at Novitas US. Please share with us your path to this role.
Nicole: While it is important to speak up and be heard, it is equally, if not more important to listen. This great advice as instilled in me by my mentor, Judge Douglas Fasciale, during my clerkship with him in Family Court. What really started me on my path was recognizing the value of listening. While practicing family law, my listening skills opened my eyes to the disparity of the money/non-moneyed spouse during family law proceedings. Hearing about the need to help level the disparity, I wanted to get involved. I wanted to be involved with a company that is well established and also “listen” to the needs of clients. I asked and again listened to top attorneys and financial advisers, who is the best at leveling the playing field for the non-moneyed spouse, the overwhelming answer was Novitas.
2. Take us through a typical day, start to finish.
Nicole: Time management is an essential part of my day. I have colleagues in the UK and clients throughout the United States. I make sure to start my day early so that if there are issues that need to be addressed with the UK, this can be done quickly. My day can also run late since we do work on the west coast. There is a lot of travel involved as well, but on a typical day in New York City where we are based, I begin each day with a scan of all latest emails and current news. This is followed by an early morning workout at Physique 57. I make a call to the UK to touch base. I head out to my morning appointments with attorneys. This could take me to anywhere in New York or New Jersey. If I am able to, I meet a client for a late lunch. I follow up with phone appointments, prepare information to be sent out to new applications. The evenings usually include a Bar Association or charity event.
3. What was the best advice you received when you joined Novitas US?
Nicole: Novitas has worked with well over 400 firms in the UK. They have perfected the process. Novitas UK director and founder Jason Reeve has a wealth of knowledge in this area. His experience is invaluable and something I utilize almost everyday.
4. What are your strategies for building awareness of your organization, short and long term?
Nicole: My goal is to bring awareness of divorce funding. While it is utilized across Europe, divorce funding is new to the US. My goal is not only to maintain our position as the market leader, but also to build awareness of the entire concept.
5. What is your proudest achievement?
Nicole: Becoming the first attorney in my family. We have a number of other professionals, but I was the first attorney and certainly the moment I felt most honored and cherished is when Judge Fasciale swore me in as a new lawyer and my grandmother, my hero, held the bible.
6. What are your top 3 book recommendations?
Nicole: a. ‘ Thrive ‘ by Arianna Huffington
b. ‘Lean In ‘ by Sheryl Samberg
c. ‘The “It” Factor’ by Leesa Rowland
7. What charitable causes are most meaningful to you & why?
Nicole: American Heart Association is a cause I have been involved in for a number of years. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. It also hits close to home since heart disease runs in my family. Next summer, I will be co-chairing the American Heart Association Hamptons Heart Ball on Long Island.
8. Who has been most influential toward your accomplishments, professional & personal?
Nicole: I have two wonderful people that are inspiring to me both personally and professionally, Judge Douglas Fasciale and my grandmother Alice Pyne. Judge Fasciale taught me the value of listening and treating all people with the dignity and respect they deserve. My grandmother taught me the value of hard work and determination.
9. What advice (for the first 90 days of launch) would you give to an entrepreneur starting a business venture within this industry?
Nicole: Some ventures can be started without a lot of capital, however this is not one of them. Since this is new to the United States, seeking out partners with experience is essential to development in this type of field.
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