May Jung Law Firm Employee Spotlight: Nicola Larmond-Harvey

We pride ourselves on bringing together a diverse and powerful group of team members. While we share core values and a passion for social justice, we’re made even stronger by the diverse thinking, expertise, and lived experiences that each person brings to the team. 

This blog series is designed to help you get to know each of them!

Meet Nicola Larmond-Harvey

Introducing Nicola Larmond-Harvey, R.N., M.B.A., J.D., a nurse attorney who passionately advocates for individuals facing disparities in the legal and healthcare systems. With a rich educational background, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Connecticut, a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from American Intercontinental University, and a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, Nicola’s dedication earned her the prestigious American Association of Nurse Attorneys award during law school. She practiced at Saunders & Walker, P.A., specializing in medical device and drugs Product Liability, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury until 2022. Nicola’s relentless pursuit of justice led her to be appointed by a federal judge to the Leadership Development Committee. Now at May Jung, she continues to advocate for change, combating racial inequalities and striving for equitable access to legal and healthcare resources.

Beyond her professional achievements, Nicola cherishes her role as a wife and mother of three. When not championing her clients’ rights, she enjoys reconnecting with her Jamaican roots and exploring diverse cultures and cuisines through travel. Nicola Larmond-Harvey’s exceptional journey and unwavering commitment make her a powerful force in the pursuit of justice and healthcare equity for all.

What attracted you to work at May Jung? 

Nicola: The May Jung firm provides me the opportunity to do work that addresses systemic inequalities, providing an opportunity to work on cases and issues that have the potential to bring about meaningful change and improve the lives of marginalized communities.

What’s your why? What–or who–motivates you everyday? 

Nicola: My “why” is to live in my purpose by serving and helping others. My life’s purpose is to serve humanity and make a positive difference in the world. My passion for advocating for others encompasses my family and extends to every client I am blessed to serve.

What is a childhood experience that helped shape who you are today? 

Nicola: I was born in a developing country, migrating to the USA at 13. Moving to America was a culture shock because I had never experienced racism in my birth country. Experiencing racism for the first time during my teenage years profoundly impacted my identity, leaving a lasting impression on my worldview, self-perception, and interactions with others.

Is there a personal experience or a specific moment that clarified your passion for working in law? 

Nicola: I worked as a Registered Nurse for several years and saw the disparate treatment received by people perceived as “poor.”  I developed an interest in understanding health insurance payment systems, leading to attending law school.

Is there a specific case or project you’ve worked on that had a profound impact on you personally? Why did it resonate with you? 

Nicola: The Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Litigation has impacted my legal practice. I was shocked by the lack of mandatory regulations and oversight regarding talcum powder and other cosmetic products. The ongoing litigation has also revealed the difficulties in holding manufacturers liable.

In your opinion, what sets May Jung apart from others in the field? 

Nicola: The partners and the team members at May Jung are distinguished by their passion for social justice due to their unique personal experiences and a strong desire to bring about positive changes for marginalized individuals. This perspective helps them approach each case differently and identify and address systemic issues contributing to social injustice, aiming for long-lasting change rather than temporary fixes.

How would you define the idea of social justice? 

Nicola: Social justice to me is fairness and equality in society, where all individuals have equal access to resources, opportunities, and fundamental human rights, regardless of their background, identity, or social status. Social justice embodies any advocacy to address and rectify societal systemic injustices and inequalities.

What values shape the way you approach your work? 

Nicola: My work is motivated by a desire to follow Jesus Christ’s values, which encourage love, compassion, and service to others. This example inspires me to approach my work with integrity, humility, and a focus on helping others.

Beyond your professional role, what are some personal interests or passions that influence the way you approach your work? 

Nicola: It is important to me that I treat everyone I encounter with the respect that I desire from others. And it’s my daily mission to leave others feeling positive with every encounter.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work? 

Nicola: I enjoy traveling and experiencing the foods of various cultures around the world.

Are there any specific areas of law that you’re particularly passionate about? How does that passion shape your work? 

Nicola: I enjoy working on healthcare-law-related cases because of the opportunity to impact law and policy that can change the healthcare delivery system.

What do you hope to achieve or contribute to the legal field during your career? 

Nicola: I desire that every case I am blessed to work on positively impacts the clients and influences the defendant to do things differently as it concerns specific populations.

If you had unlimited resources to solve one societal challenge, what would it be and why?  

Nicola: Reading is one of the gateways to success for individuals and a better society. I would promote literacy and help every child become a proficient reader.

If you could discover the answer to one question, what would you ask? 

Nicola: I would like to know what the key to human conscience is.

If you could have a meal with any living person, who would you choose and why? 

Nicola: Damian Marley’s lyrics in his music embody a unique perspective on people and society. I would enjoy breaking bread with him.

Imagine yourself in 20 years. What’s something meaningful you want to have achieved? 

Nicola: In 20 years, I desire to have impacted changes in healthcare laws that enable marginalized individuals to access better healthcare.

What’s the biggest opportunity for the May Jung team to seize? 

Nicola: May Jung should seize opportunities to engage in impactful and innovative work that addresses pressing social issues. By aligning our work with the needs of marginalized communities, we can make a meaningful difference in promoting justice, equality, and human rights for all.