Born and raised in Utica, NY, Nicholas A. Passalacqua understands the challenges his clients face. But more importantly, he understands how to fight for them. As the founder of Passalacqua & Associates, LLC, Nick has built a reputation as a relentless trial attorney with a deep commitment to justice, strategic advocacy, and client-centered representation.
From a young age, Nick’s passion for the law was evident. His legal journey began in high school as a Mock Trial competitor, continued at Sacred Heart University, where he founded and led the school’s first collegiate Mock Trial Team, and ultimately led him to Michigan State University College of Law, where he was a distinguished member of the Moot Court & Trial Advocacy Board and a graduate of the prestigious Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute—one of the nation’s most selective trial programs.
With over a decade of experience litigating complex criminal and civil cases, Nick is a skilled trial lawyer, well-versed in both New York State and Federal Courts. He is known for leveraging cutting-edge courtroom technology to present compelling arguments and maximize case outcomes.
At Passalacqua & Associates, LLC Nick has cultivated a highly skilled team, providing elite-level personal injury, criminal defense representation. His ability to break down complex legal issues, build airtight trial strategies, and fight aggressively for his clients’ rights makes him a trusted advocate in even the most high-stakes cases.Outside the courtroom, Nick is a dedicated leader and mentor in the legal community. His vision for training the next generation of trial lawyers is evident in the firm’s structured “Trial Lawyer Development Program” for developing litigation talent. He is also a strong believer in giving back, ensuring that every client receives not only top-tier representation but also the personal attention they deserve.
Practice areas
- Criminal Defense
- Personal Injury
- DWI Defense
- Federal Attorney
Education
- Sacred Heart University – Dual B.S., 2007
- Michigan State University College of Law – J.D., 2010
Bar & Court Admissions
- New York State (2011)
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York (2011)
Professional Memberships & Leadership
- Oneida County Bar Association
- New York State Bar Association
- Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association
- New York Academy of Trial Lawyers
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- National College for DUI Defense
- First New York Member of Intoxalock Ignition Interlock’s National Attorney Advisory Board
Landmark Results
- K.L., N.L. v. Town of Lee (Believed to be the largest playground liability award in New York State History; $3.2M)
- Beck v. Town of Groton
Past Legal Experience
- Associate Attorney – Getnick, Livingston, Atkinson & Priore, LLP (2010 – 2012)
- Intern – Wayne County District Attorney’s Office, Detroit, MI (2009)
- Clerk – Hon. Bernadette T. Clark, NYS Supreme Court Justice (2008)
Additional Certifications & Licenses
- Certified in Criminal Law & Trial Advocacy
- Licensed New York State Real Estate Broker
- Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Broker