Nicki Gersch was part of the Comerica legal team that won the 2025 DFW Corporate Counsel Award for M&A Transaction of the Year related to the bank’s $10.9 billion merger with Fifth Third Bank. In this Q&A with The Texas Lawbook, she discusses the traits she seeks in outside counsel, what outside counsel need to know when working with her and more.
Texas Lawbook: Tell us a little about your family and growing up.
Nicki Gersch: I grew up in New Mexico, where my mom was an artist and my dad was a city planner. We enjoyed hiking in the mountains, skiing and great Mexican food.
Lawbook: Any lawyers in your family?
Gersch: My dad and uncle were both lawyers, though neither of them practiced law in the traditional sense.
Lawbook: When did the idea of being a lawyer first pop up for you?
Gersch: I started seriously thinking about being a lawyer during my senior year of college. I really like analytical challenges, as well as social interaction, and the legal profession seemed like a great way to enjoy both of those things.
Lawbook: Have you had any life impacting events that impacted you as a person or your career?
Gersch: I studied abroad my junior year at a French university. I lived in a French dorm, and all my classes were in French, so I was truly immersed in the experience. I loved learning about new cultures, making friends in a different part of the world and overcoming unique challenges. Those experiences impacted how I view the world and led me to really appreciate differences.
Click here to read the story of the 2025 DFW M&A Transaction of the Year as Lawbook reporters Allen Pusey and Mark Curriden provide the behind-the-scene details of how the Comerica team got the deal done.
Lawbook: What led each of you to go in-house and, separately, what led you to join Comerica?
Gersch: I decided to go in-house because I felt that it would be very satisfying to become deeply immersed in a company, including involvement in strategic decisions, rather than primarily working with many companies on a deal-by-deal basis. I had worked with financial institutions when I was a partner at a law firm, so when the opportunity at Comerica arose, it seemed like a great choice. It has been a fantastic place to practice law, and I have never regretted the decision.
Lawbook: When and how did you first get involved in the Fifth Third Bank deal and what was your specific roles?
Gersch: As Comerica’s corporate secretary and as the senior deputy general counsel leading M&A, I have been involved in the deal from the very beginning. My team was heavily involved in the merger agreement, due diligence and integration planning.
Lawbook: What have been one or two of the biggest challenges you have faced on the deal and how did you overcome those challenges?
Gersch: Leading my team through change has been one of the biggest challenges, given all the uncertainty the merger created for colleagues. I have tried to keep them informed as appropriate and to let them know that we are all in this together. My team has been amazing, rising to the occasion.
Lawbook: What was your best day at Comerica?
Gersch: There are many great days at Comerica, but I love seeing people dress up at Halloween, because it brings out peoples’ personalities. A lot of groups will wear team-themed costumes, which is great fun too.
Lawbook: What do you look for in hiring outside counsel?
Gersch: I look for counsel that is highly responsive, has the right expertise for the matter, and will work to find solutions.
Lawbook: What does outside counsel need to know about working with you?
Gersch: The counsel I work with keep me up to date on matters they’re working on and provide a high-quality work product.
Fun Facts: Nicole Gersch
- Favorite book: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. This book was really touching and stayed with me long after I read it.
- Favorite music group: Def Leppard
- Favorite movie: About a Boy
- Favorite restaurant: Burritos at Chiloso
- Favorite beverage: Orangina (tastes like orange juice and Sprite)
- Favorite vacation: Egypt