Mr. Nichols earned a Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, in Computer Engineering (Electrical Engineering track) from Texas A&M University. He received a Lechner Graduate Merit Fellowship and went on to receive a Master of Science degree in Computer Science, also from Texas A&M University. He earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was Publications Editor of the Texas Intellectual Property Law Journal and received the Judge Wilson Cowen Endowed Scholarship in law. Mr. Nichols is licensed to practice law in Texas as well as represent patent applicants before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Recognizing the value of advanced technical training to the practice of intellectual property law, Mr. Nichols continues his formal technical education by attending the University of Texas at Dallas and working toward a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science. Before establishing his own practice, Mr. Nichols worked for several years at a Dallas-based IP boutique firm. He has prepared and successfully prosecuted numerous applications spanning a broad range of technologies, including computer architecture, storage systems, compilers, networking, analog microelectronics, cryptography, and error correction codes.

A published author in computer science research, Mr. Nichols is a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and IEEE Computer Society.

Mr. Nichols is active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors of North Collin County Habitat of Humanity, where he also volunteers his legal and computer expertise.

Mr. Nichols is a licensed amateur radio operator with full privileges on all amateur bands ("Extra" class). He is particularly active in QRP (minimal power) radio equipment operation and design.