Gene is a Jacksonville native, having grown up in the Avondale area of town. He graduated from the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Jacksonville University majoring in Psychology and History.

He traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to attend Nova Southeastern University and graduated from their law program in 1998. While at Nova, Gene focused his studies on criminal defense, Constitutional law, and trial advocacy.

Upon graduation, Gene began his legal career under the guidance of Lou Frost at the Public Defender’s Office here in Jacksonville. As an Assistant Public Defender, Gene defended hundreds of clients charged with all types of offenses, from DUI to Armed Robbery, taking countless numbers of cases to trial.

Following several years at the Public Defender’s Office, Gene developed a private law practice focusing on civil and criminal litigation. While continuing his representation of criminal clients, Gene expanded his law practice to include the representation of physicians, corporations, and business professionals while with the local firm of Bullock, Childs, Pendley and Reed, and then with the statewide firm of Wicker Smith.

Fourteen years ago Gene began focusing almost exclusively on DUI defense and substance abuse offenses while working at the law office of David Robbins. In this practice, Gene learned the art of helping people start new beginnings when substance abuse had taken over.  While with Mr. Robbins’ office, Gene also continued to practice civil and commercial litigation, representing local businesses in their various litigation needs.  Six years ago he formed Nichols and Pina with his longtime friend Ted, assisting clients with all forms of criminal, personal injury, and family law issues.

Gene is the father of eleven year old twins. His wife, Caroline is a Jacksonville native and is a real estate attorney and a law professor at Florida Coastal School of Law. Gene is an active community volunteer, serving his children’s Day School, where he served ten years on the Board of Directors, and his Church, where he serves as a former Vestry Member and legal counsel. Over the years, Gene has been involved with several local philanthropic groups, including the Duval County Teen Court Program and Prisoners of Christ Ministry.  He speaks yearly to high school students about the choices and consequences of alcohol, illegal drug use, and the illegal use of cell phones and pictures.  He is invited to speak regularly at Florida Coastal and serves as an adjunct professor, teaching Advanced Criminal Procedure.  He currently serves the Board of Trustees of Angels for Allison.www.angelsforallison.org  Otherwise, he can be found on the golf course, running carpool to music lessons or at the swimming pool with his twins.

Gene can be reached in the office (904) 353-3300, his cell (904) 614-6510 or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.