Biography

Nikki’s practice focuses on emissions compliance, global product stewardship, plastics, and the circular economy.

Nikki supports clients across all sectors in achieving their emissions compliance goals. Nikki works with air pollution regulations arising under the Clean Air Act and state and local air pollution statutes. Nikki advises clients on rulemakings, permitting, audit disclosures, negotiations with agencies, and other areas of regulatory compliance relating to air pollution. Nikki also counsels many clients on obligations stemming from the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act.

Nikki leverages her experience with automotive OEMs to counsel clients in the transportation sector on emissions compliance questions.  Nikki was extensively involved in the Department of Justice-appointed Independent Corporate Compliance Monitor and Audit matter in connection with the Volkswagen AG diesel emissions proceedings. During this experience, Nikki gained tremendous insight into complex corporate compliance management systems and the automotive product development process, including domestic and international vehicle emissions certification regimes. Nikki uses this insight to advise clients in the automotive and aviation industries on compliance with complex federal and state-level regulatory schemes.

Nikki counsels clients on compliance with plastics and circular economy laws. Nikki advises multinational companies and trade associations in the chemicals, plastics, and electronics sectors about emerging regulatory and non-regulatory circular economy initiatives to divert waste from landfills and promote resource efficiency. Nikki advises companies on compliance with expanding extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws governing the management of used and end-of-life plastic products and plastic packaging, postconsumer minimum recycled content requirements, and requirements governing transboundary shipments of plastic waste under the Basel Convention.

Before joining B&D, Nikki clerked for a mid-Atlantic law firm's civil litigation practice group. She also worked as a Law Clerk in the Environment & Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and as an Honors Law Clerk in the Airports and Environmental Law Division of the Federal Aviation Administration.

During her time at American University Washington College of Law, Nikki was Editor-in-Chief of the Sustainable Development Law & Policy Brief, a Research Dean’s Fellow, and a student attorney representing small business owners and tenant associations on corporate and commercial matters related to the operation, transactions, and compliance.

Nikki maintains an active pro bono practice focused on LGBT individuals seeking asylum.

Education

  • University of Maryland - College Park  (B.A., 2016)
    • Government & Politics
    • Minors in Environmental Studies and Spanish
  • American University  (J.D., cum laude, 2019)
    • Sustainable Development Law and Policy Publication, Editor-in-Chief
    • Pace University National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, Competitor

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia

Professional Affiliations

  • Environmental Law Institute Emerging Leaders Initiative

Honors & Awards

  • Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, High Honors Recognition (2021)
  • Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll (2022)

Languages

  • Spanish (proficiency)