Many aspiring lawyers crave status or big paydays. Some achieve that goal through connections or a prominent family name. But what if you have neither and genuinely seek to help people? That’s the battle Russell Nicolet faced. As a first-generation attorney, he turned a love for justice, advocacy, and service into a thriving personal injury law firm, Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers.
A High-Stakes Path to Injury Law
Imagine standing outside a banquet hall. All you see is an elite group feasting to their heart’s content. You’re hungry; no, you’re starving, but no one will let you in. That’s what the legal world can feel like for someone without ties to the profession.
What’s the price of entrance into this lofty society? In many cases, it’s being born into a well-connected family of attorneys. With that comes a wealth of legal knowledge passed down through their family tree.
However, Nicolet’s entry into the field didn’t come with a silver spoon or a safety net. He entered law school with no prestigious family name, access to wealth, or inside connections. On top of that, he would eventually specialize in personal injury. It’s a high-stakes niche where losing a settlement or verdict could worsen the suffering of people with life-changing injuries. Fortunately, Nicolet was up to the task.
A Self-Taught Start in Law
As a young lawyer, Nicolet spent long hours in the Washington County Law Library. He studied case law and absorbed every resource available. That was a good start, but he needed more guidance. He found mentors and argued cases in court to level up his legal prowess.
However, the local knowledge pool could only take him so far. It was time to look beyond the Midwest. Nicolet began attending legal training in Florida, Georgia, New York, and California. “I started learning and training with some of the best injury law attorneys in the world,” he says. He soaked up their knowledge to get better results for his clients.
A Firm That Scales with Integrity
Nicolet started his firm with the simple goal of helping people who’ve been hurt. That goal hasn’t changed, but the scale has. What began as a solo practice has become a multi-state law firm with dozens of employees across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota.
The secret behind this expansion? The simple answer is old-school values. Nicolet Law’s culture is built around service, not status. He’s not looking to rack up billable hours. For Nicolet, legal work is a calling, not just a career.
The firm attracts lawyers who share that mindset. To that end, Nicolet continues to mentor young attorneys. He offers them a hand up, just as his mentors did for him during his early years.
Justice as a Driving Force
Nicolet doesn’t talk about personal injury law like a business. Instead, he talks about it as a mission, a duty, a responsibility. His clients come to him injured and traumatized. They’re vulnerable, overwhelmed, and need help.
The focus for Nicolet is seeking justice. That means holding insurance companies accountable. It also means standing up against corporations that have harmed people. A mission-first mindset guides his decisions.
This approach is a win-win for his firm and clients. Nicolet has been recognized as a SuperLawyer and listed among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Additionally, his team has won some of the largest verdicts and settlements in their respective counties. “However, my most notable highlights have been results for the great people whom I have had the honor to represent,” he says.
A Voice for the Overlooked
Russell Nicolet is a reminder that law can still be a force for good. He’s not driven only to win cases. Instead, his driving force is giving a voice to those who deserve to be heard. “I see my firm, Nicolet Law, growing and helping more and more people,” he says.
Have you been injured? Do you feel the system is stacked against you? If so, Nicolet Law offers more than legal representation. The firm has a team that views your case as a calling and won’t stop fighting until justice is served.
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.
