Education

Fairleigh Dickinson University​, B.A. – Psychology

Belmont University College of Law​, Juris Doctor

Professional Associations

New Jersey State Bar Association

Barry Croland Family Law Inn of Court

Bar Admissions

New Jersey

Nikki Caruso

Nikki earned her undergraduate degree with high honors from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Florham Park, NJ, where she majored in psychology. While at FDU, she was a member of the softball team and was named Academic All-MAC two times.  Nikki was also named MAC Freedom Player of the Year in 2016, was a two-time NFCA Scholar-Athlete and was a College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American. Nikki was inducted into the FDU Florham Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2022. Throughout her collegiate athletics career, she organized annual charity softball games and fundraisers. She also served as a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Nikki earned her Juris Doctor from Belmont University College of Law in Nashville, Tennessee in 2019. While in law school, she served as Managing Editor of the Health Law Journal and a Student Ambassador Mentor for first year law students. During her first year, she served as a judicial intern to the Honorable James M. DeMarzo, J.S.C., Morris Vicinage, Criminal Division. During her second year, she was employed with the Business and Legal Affairs Department at Country Music Television (CMT) where she handled contract negotiations for the CMT Music Awards, CMA Fest, and other in-house productions.

After graduating law school, Nikki served as Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable James M. DeMarzo, Presiding Judge, Family Part, Morris Vicinage. During her clerkship, Nikki also served as a mediator in the Special Civil Part.

Prior to joining MELD, Nikki was an associate attorney at O’Donnell McCoy Buerle, LLC where she specialized in civil litigation including personal injury, property damage and coverage matters for major insurance companies, public entities, and self-insureds. She also represented clients in a variety of municipal court matters including DUIs, traffic citations, and ordinance violations. Nikki also served as Special County Counsel for Morris County for civil commitment hearings and Alternate Municipal Prosecutor for Washington Township.

Nikki is born, raised, and currently resides in Morris County with her dog Suzie. Nikki has participated in sports her entire life, and when not in the office, you can find her on the basketball court, or softball or football field. She enjoys working out, especially a good spin class, and spending time with her family.