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PETER J. NICKITAS, ESQ

* * * . * * * . 3 4 4 5 P E T E R J N I C K I T A S @ M A C . C O M P E T E R J. N I C K I T A S – L I N K E D I N S T . P A U L, MN 5 5 1 1 6

P R O F I L E S U M M A R Y

Dedicated and seasoned professional with a multifaceted skill set spanning diverse areas such as writing proficiency, public speaking, governance guidance, research, current events analysis, meeting organization and chairing, and extensive trial advocacy. Demonstrates exceptional communication mastery, persuasive writing, and analytical thinking. Adept at developing and presenting compelling arguments with a deep understanding of legal strategy and critical thinking. Proven track record as a successful trial lawyer, coupled with expertise in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and providing strategic governance advice. Recognized for efficient meeting organization and leadership. S K I L L S

• Writing Proficiency

• Public Speaking

• Governance Guidance

• Research Skills

• Current Events Analysis

• Meeting Organization

• Chairing Meetings

• Trial Advocacy

• Legal Research

• Communication Mastery

• Persuasive Writing

• Analytical Thinking

• Argument Development

• Editing and Proofreading

• Negotiation Skills

• Time Management

• Public Relations

• Legal Strategy

• Critical Thinking

• Storytelling Abilities

C O R E C O M P E T E N C I E S

• Exceptional Writing Skills: Proficient in crafting compelling and articulate written content across various genres, demonstrating a mastery of grammar, style, and tone.

• Effective Public Speaking: Demonstrated ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively in public forums, with a knack for engaging diverse audiences and adapting communication style to suit different contexts.

• Governance Guidance: Extensive experience providing strategic advice and guidance on governance matters, showcasing a deep understanding of legal and ethical principles and the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

• Current Events Analysis: Keen awareness of global and local current events, coupled with the ability to analyze and interpret their implications across various sectors, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making and commentary.

• Meeting Organization and Chairing: Proven expertise in efficiently organizing and leading meetings, ensuring productive discussions, clear agendas, and effective time management, fostering collaboration and achieving desired outcomes.

• Experienced Trial Lawyer: Seasoned in the practice of law, particularly in the courtroom, with a track record of successful trial outcomes. Possesses a deep understanding of legal procedures, evidence presentation, and persuasive advocacy. P R O F E S S I O N A L W O R K E X P E R I E N C E Licensed Life, Accident and Health Insurance Producer May 2023 – Present MN License #40532994

• Lead the acquisition and maintenance of life, accident, and health insurance licenses, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards.

• Actively participate in a rigorous in-training program to enhance proficiency in insurance product knowledge, sales techniques, and client relationship management within the esteemed Globe Life/American Income Life Insurance Co.

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a diverse range of insurance products, including life, accident, and health insurance, to effectively advise clients on tailored coverage solutions based on their unique needs and circumstances.

• Ensure strict adherence to regulatory guidelines and compliance standards, playing a pivotal role in licensing processes, renewals, and ongoing education to stay abreast of industry changes and maintain licensure.

• Cultivate and sustain strong client relationships through effective communication, needs analysis, and personalized insurance solutions, contributing to a positive client experience and bolstering customer satisfaction.

• Collaborate with sales teams to drive revenue growth and meet organizational objectives, leveraging a dynamic skill set and ongoing training to contribute to the success of Globe Life/American Income Life Insurance Co. National Judge Advocate Oct 2019 – Present

Jewish War Veterans of the United States

• Oversee key legal efforts to update the organization's Constitution and By-Laws, and drafting its inaugural policy addressing harassment.

• Lead the creation of the organization's first-ever policy against harassment, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment within the Jewish War Veterans.

• Play a pivotal role in the comprehensive review and redrafting of the Jewish War Veterans' Constitution and By-Laws, ensuring alignment with contemporary legal standards and organizational goals.

• Provide strategic legal guidance to the organization, contributing to the ongoing advocacy campaign aimed at the removal of swastikas and references to Adolf Hitler from the headstones of German POWs in a United States Veterans' Cemetery.

• Contribute expertise to the JWV's advocacy efforts, resulting in the ongoing removal of offensive symbols and language, further reinforcing the organization's longstanding commitment to opposing all forms of bigotry since its founding in 1896. PETER J. NICKITAS, ESQ

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Attorney, Band Member Legal Services Sep 2019 – Mar 2023 Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

• Provided comprehensive legal representation for enrolled members of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in a diverse range of cases, including state criminal, family court, probate, and civil matters.

• Successfully advocated for clients in tribal court proceedings, specializing in child protection, guardianship, probate, criminal, and civil cases.

• Demonstrated expertise in handling state criminal cases, family court proceedings, and civil litigation on behalf of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members.

• Ensured effective legal counsel by navigating the intricacies of both state and tribal legal systems, addressing the unique legal needs of the clientele.

• Maintained a high level of professionalism and ethical standards throughout the representation of clients, contributing to the overall success of Band Member Legal Services.

Nickitas Law Office, Solo Practitioner Jul 1992 – Sep 2019 MN/WI; Minneapolis/St. Paul

• Played a key role as second-chair counsel in the triumph of a class action lawsuit advocating for prisoner rights related to Hepatitis C from 2015 to 2019.

• Served as plaintiffs' counsel in the landmark Minnesota marriage equality case, leading to the legislative implementation of marriage equality in the state in 2013.

• Collaborated as co-counsel in a significant legal battle that resulted in the correction of benefits denied to a veteran over a period of 28 years.

• Contributed as co-counsel and counsel in successful litigation against police brutality, securing multiple six-figure settlements for plaintiffs with the City of Superior, Wisconsin, and the City of Minneapolis.

• Maintained an extensive solo legal practice spanning over two decades, demonstrating a commitment to high-impact cases and achieving favorable outcomes for clients.

P R O F E S S I O N A L M E M B E R S H I P S

• Member, State Bar of Wisconsin; member of Indian Law Section

• Member, American Association for Justice

• Member, Wisconsin Association for Justice

• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

• Member, American Civil Liberties Union

• Member, National Lawyers Guild, past President, Minnesota Chapter (three terms) and past Midwest Regional Vice President, 1998 – 1999 E D U C A T I O N

J.D., University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 1990 B.S., Political Science, U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 1982

• Graduated with Distinction

M I L I T A R Y E X P E R I E N C E

• Honorable Discharge, U.S. Naval Reserve, 1992

• Honorable Discharge, U.S. Navy, 1987

• Lieutenant-Commander Select, 1991

• United States Naval Reserve, 1987 – 1992; commanding officer of U.S.S. Knox (FF 1052) mobilization unit, 1990 – 1992, Fargo, N.D.; United States Navy, Military Sealift Command, Mediterranean, 6th Fleet, Naples, Italy, 1985-87

• U.S.S. Caron (DD 970), 1983 – 1985; served as Navigator and Engineering Department Division Officer; combat veteran of Grenada (1983) and Lebanon (1983 – 1984); qualified Officer of the Deck and Engineer Officer of the Watch M I L I T A R Y H O N O R S A N D A W A R D S

• Navy Commendation Medal, 1987

C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E

• National Judge Advocate, Jewish War Veterans of the United States, 2019-

• Commander, Jewish War Veterans, Department of Minnesota, 2010 – 2019

• Master Mason, Lake Harriet Lodge #277, Minneapolis; Master of the Lodge, 2012-2013

• Member Scottish Rite Masons, Valley of Minneapolis

• Member Zuhrah Shrine, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Secretary, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, Upper Midwest Chapter

• Eagle Scout and past Scoutmaster

PETER J. NICKITAS, ESQ

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S P E C I A L Q U A L I F I C A T I O N S

• Veterans Benefits Accreditation Continuing Legal Education

• Microsoft Word Basic

• Microsoft Word Intermediate

• 67 WPM typing

• General Class Amateur Radio Operator (Lapsed)

L A N G U A G E S

• Modern Greek • Italian • French • Russian • Spanish R E F E R E N C E S

Available upon request.

Contact this candidate