Dean Nicky Boothe Named on “2026 Notable Women in Law” List by Crain’s Chicago Business
dean boothe profile
Dean Nicky Boothe has been named a 2026 Notable Woman in Law by Crain’s Chicago Business, an honor she describes as both deeply personal and reflective of UIC Law’s growing impact. Today, as one of fewer than 30 Black women serving as law school deans nationwide, she understands both the visibility and responsibility that accompany her role.
“Some may assume that a role like this is simply the product of diversity, but no one arrives here alone,” she stated. “It is the result of preparation and perseverance, and maybe more importantly, a community of mentors, colleagues, family, and students who make the work possible. As a Black woman serving as dean, I understand that representation matters deeply, both for those who see themselves in me and for those who may not. It is a profound responsibility, and one I carry with gratitude and determination as part of the legacy UIC Law both deserves and demands.”
Born in Jamaica and moving to New York as a pre-teen, Dean Boothe did not initially envision a career in law. Once dreaming of becoming a doctor, she eventually found her path through litigation: discovering a passion for advocacy and courtroom work.
After establishing her legal career, she transitioned into academia, teaching law students to represent children in dependency court. What began as a one-year sabbatical became a calling.
Leadership was not part of the original plan, but after stepping into an academic dean role and later being appointed interim dean at Florida A&M University School of Law she embraced the opportunity to expand her impact beyond the classroom.
Her leadership centers on collaboration, access, and student success: expanding pathways for students and reinforcing the institution’s mission as Chicago’s only public law school. In her time as dean, UIC Law has continued to strengthen experiential learning opportunities and expand access to legal education in Chicago’s communities. This includes launching the Rising Attorney’s Inclusive Summer Experience program for undergraduate students within her first year, an initiative that has already impacted more than 150 students.
Despite her achievements, Dean Boothe speaks candidly about imposter syndrome.
“There are still moments when I look around a room and think, ‘Am I supposed to be here?’” she shared.
To combat this, she grounds herself in faith and mentorship, reminding herself that belonging is not accidental. She also utilizes a practical legal approach to managing self-doubt: identify intrusive thoughts as either fact or hearsay.
“If it’s fact, you can rely on it,” she says. “If it’s hearsay, it’s inadmissible and must be discarded.”
Dean Boothe’s advice to young women entering the legal profession is to be prepared, trust your preparation, and do not let external perceptions override internal truth. Guided by this philosophy, she continues working to expand access and opportunity at UIC Law.
Dean Boothe Quote
I hope people say that I never lost sight of the transformative power of legal education and that I believed it could shape not only skilled lawyers, but courageous leaders. I hope our students leave here not only understanding the world as it is, but confident in their ability and their responsibility to make it more just, more compassionate, and more hopeful than they found it.
| Dean, UIC School of Law