Nicole L. Karas
Education
- J.D., DePaul University College of Law, summa cum laude, Order of Coif
- B.A., Valparaiso University
Admissions
- Supreme Court of Illinois
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New Law Tightens the Rules on Coursework for Teacher Salary Advancement
Public Act 104-0795 limits the continuing education coursework that Illinois school districts and other public educational employers can recognize for teacher salary advancement. Here’s what qualifies, what doesn’t, and what employers have discretion to decide.
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Public Act 104-0854: Changes to E-Bike and Micromobility Device Legislation
Effective January 1, 2027, Public Act 104-0854 overhauls Illinois’ e-bike and micromobility rules — creating new device categories and clarifying which local governments can (and can’t) regulate them. Read on for what this means for your institution.
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Assessing Data Centers: New White Paper Provides Illinois Framework
A new independent white paper by David M. Chudzik of Kidder Mathews offers Illinois assessing officials and taxing bodies a defensible framework for valuing data centers — an asset class with billions in cumulative property tax revenue at stake. Robbins Schwartz is presenting the framework at assessor conferences, Board of Review meetings, and PTAB proceedings statewide.
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Seventh Circuit Considers a Firefighter’s First Amendment Right to Post Offensive Content on Facebook
On July 16, 2026, the Seventh Circuit affirmed the termination of a Chicago firefighter over offensive Facebook posts, offering key guidance for public employers on regulating employee social media under the First Amendment.
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Federal Court Invalidates Illinois Tuition and State Aid Provisions for Undocumented Students
On July 24, 2026, a federal court ruled key Illinois statutes granting in-state tuition and aid to non-citizen students unconstitutional and preempted by federal law. The ruling is stayed until August 7, 2026, pending a possible appeal.
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Get to Know Niki!
Niki is an experienced trial lawyer who defends government officials and governmental entities against civil rights, employment, and tort claims, including municipal entities, school districts, police departments, and park districts.