Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

In the Spotlight: Nicholas Grimes ’13

Nicholas Grimes ’13, a political science major and German studies minor while at Lycoming College, has achieved a remarkable milestone — graduating as valedictorian of Widener Commonwealth Law School's Class of 2025. Following his early graduation in December 2024 and successfully passing the February 2025 Pennsylvania Bar Exam, Nick has now joined the McCormick Law Firm as an associate attorney, ready to serve his beloved Williamsport community.

Your connection to Williamsport runs beyond your proud status as a Lycoming Warrior. Tell us what you love about this area, having grown up here.

I love the Williamsport area and community. You can enjoy top-tier cultural events at one of many theaters, enjoy some of the best food and breweries in the state, but in ten minutes be hiking the Appalachian Mountains or kayaking the Susquehanna River or one of its many tributaries. Williamsport is a rare gem that balances urban and rural life with an unmatched community spirit.

I also love Williamsport's rich baseball history, from minor league baseball to the annual MLB game held at historic Bowman field, to the Little League World Series held each summer. I spend time coaching with the Williamsport Area Little League. It’s so fulfilling to coach young men and women and teach them how to not only be great athletes, but, more importantly, great people, especially in the birthplace of Little League.

How did your Lycoming College background help shape your journey to becoming a licensed attorney?

Lycoming successfully prepared me for my post-graduate studies, with my major in political science and minor in German studies laying a solid foundation. The top-tier education I received put me well ahead of my peers when I entered law school. One of my favorite experiences as an undergrad was studying in Berlin, Germany, for a Mayterm with Drs. Larson and Cagle.

After graduating from Lycoming, I gained considerable experience by serving in local government as the elected Williamsport City Treasurer for seven years. I then transitioned to the role of administrator for the Keystone Central School District Tax Office. In these capacities, I was responsible for the collection and administration of $30-40 million in annual tax revenue for local governments.

I began my legal education in 2021 through Widener Commonwealth Law School's evening division law school program. I graduated early with summa cum laude honors, a pro bono distinction award, a legal research and writing award, and certificates in administrative/constitutional law, legislation, and business advising. I was selected as the valedictorian of the Class of 2025, a distinction I celebrated by delivering the valedictory address at the commencement ceremony.

Lycoming now offers a cooperative 3+3 law degree program with Widener University Commonwealth Law School. What are your thoughts on this?

Lycoming College and Widener Commonwealth are both remarkable schools. The faculty at both institutions are among the best in the nation, and the size of the schools allows and encourages you to have one-on-one interactions and mentoring with those distinguished faculty members. I encourage any Lycoming student interested in entering the legal profession to consider this collaborative program to follow the same path for success. The ability to obtain an undergraduate and law degree from such great schools in six years is a tremendous opportunity for students to take advantage of.

You recently joined the McCormick Law Firm as an associate attorney. Please tell us more,

I’m eager to continue my career and raise my family in Williamsport. McCormick is a general practice law firm with many specialties, including civil litigation and municipal law. McCormick has served as a staple in the Williamsport community since 1862 and is one of the largest firms in central Pennsylvania. I appreciate the firm's balance, allowing for challenging and meaningful work while maintaining a strong work-life balance. I’m honored to be part of McCormick, learning from a group of highly respected attorneys. I’ll have a wide practice area with specialties in business and tax law, municipal and school law, and civil litigation.

How do you give back to your community and the College?

Serving my community is one of the values that Lycoming College helped instill in me. Right now, my wife and I are both fortunate to be able to use our time coaching our children and other youth athletes in Williamsport. In addition to that, there are many other great Williamsport organizations that I have been blessed to be a part of and serve in various leadership roles in, including the West End Christian Community Center, Pine Street UMC, the Williamsport Area School Board, the Covation Center, and the local Salvation Army. I look forward to continuing my lifelong commitment to public service, the law, and the betterment of Williamsport and Lycoming College.

In the Spotlight recognizes members of our alumni community who are doing great things that have been influenced by their time at Lycoming College. Alumni Spotlight submissions are used at the discretion of the College and may be included in the monthly eNews as space and time permit. To participate, submit an Alumni Spotlight questionnaire.