Rooted in North Texas Values
Nicholas Palmer’s story begins right here in North Texas. Raised in the DFW area, Nicholas learned early the importance of fairness, hard work, and service to others — values that would guide his entire legal career.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas, graduating magna cum laude and named Criminal Justice Student of the Year. That foundation inspired his lifelong commitment to understanding how the law affects real people — from victims seeking justice to public servants protecting their communities.
After earning his Juris Doctor from Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law, where he graduated in the top 15% of his class and was inducted into the Woolsack Honor Society, Nicholas returned home to Texas with one goal: to serve the people of his community through the fair and faithful application of the law.
From the Courtroom to the Counsel’s Table
Nicholas began his legal career serving North Texans who needed help most — providing legal guidance to families and individuals through Legal Aid of Northwest Texas. There, he helped victims of domestic violence, tenants facing eviction, and families navigating complex legal challenges. That experience grounded him in the human side of the law — how justice can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Soon after, he joined the City of Dallas Attorney’s Office, where he has devoted more than a decade and a half to public service. Nicholas rose through the ranks from Assistant City Attorney to Executive Assistant City Attorney and Chief of the Appellate Section, a position in which he now leads a team representing the ninth largest city in the United States before state and federal appellate courts.
Through his work, Nicholas has argued before the Texas Supreme Court, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court — ensuring that Dallas taxpayers and public institutions are represented with excellence and integrity.
A Career Built on Expertise — and Integrity
Nicholas is one of the rare attorneys in Texas to be Board Certified in both Civil Appellate Law and Labor & Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization — credentials held by fewer than one percent of attorneys statewide.
But for Nicholas, expertise has always been about service, not status. His career reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that every case, every argument, and every decision honors the rule of law and the public’s trust.
Public Servant, Not Politician
Nicholas has never sought personal recognition or political ambition. Instead, he has dedicated his career to serving others — representing the people of Dallas with honesty, humility, and professionalism. His philosophy is simple:
“Justice should never depend on politics. It should depend on preparation, fairness, and fidelity to the law.”
As a career public servant, Nicholas understands that every appellate case isn’t just about legal precedent — it’s about people, principles, and the community’s confidence in a fair judiciary.
Investing in the Next Generation of Lawyers
Beyond the courtroom, Nicholas has spent years mentoring young attorneys and law students. He has taught Client Counseling at the University of North Texas College of Law and served as a moot court and mock trial coach at SMU Dedman School of Law.
Under his guidance, teams have earned national recognition, and many of his former students now serve as attorneys and judges across Texas.
Through continuing legal education seminars and professional presentations, Nicholas has trained hundreds of lawyers on appellate practice, ethics, and government law — helping raise the standard of advocacy in Texas courts.
A Steady Hand for the Fifth Court of Appeals
With over 15 years of courtroom and appellate experience, Nicholas Palmer brings the depth, balance, and professionalism North Texans deserve on the Fifth Court of Appeals. His record reflects more than just experience — it demonstrates a lifetime of service in the pursuit of justice.