Nicole Wrigley
BENESCH
VICE CHAIR, TRIAL PRACTICE GROUP

Nicole Wrigley has litigated some of the largest and most high-profile cases in the country. She represented the plaintiffs in the largest defamation case in U.S. history, the defendant in one of the largest auditor liability cases ever tried, and Fortune 100 companies in multi-billion dollar securities fraud claims.

Her unmatched experience in these “bet the company” cases led Benchmark Litigation to select Nicole as part of its “Under 40 Hot List” for Commercial Litigation in 2017.

Nicole’s litigation and trial practice is diverse, ranging from nine-figure business disputes to multibillion-dollar class actions to complex MDL proceedings, where she has served as national and coordinating counsel for industry-leading companies. Her subject matter expertise is likewise diverse. She has represented individuals and companies in litigation involving product liability, breach of contract, tortious interference, securities fraud, defamation and disparagement, negligence, professional liability and mass tort, and CERCLA.

The results that Nicole and her teams achieved in these cases and others not only served the best interest of her client but, on several occasions, also changed the law with precedent-setting decisions. Regardless of the stakes involved, in cases large and small, Nicole approaches litigation as a zealous and respectful advocate. Her clients have described her as “a creative and aggressive, but practical advocate” and as having “an outstanding work ethic.” She has been described by opposing counsel as having a “great presence in front of a jury.”

Nicole’s clients also seek out her expertise outside of litigation. She has counseled clients in a variety of industries on interacting with the media and crisis management. She advises companies and individuals regarding their interactions with federal regulators and responding to government inquiries, and Nicole is often sought out by her clients to assist with the development of internal strategies and procedures to avoid litigation.

An Illinois native, Nicole is committed to giving back to her community. Her pro bono practice has included class actions for prisoners in the Illinois Department of Corrections system, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, and Chicago public school teachers. She has also represented individuals on a pro bono basis in immigration, custody, and divorce proceedings.

Nicole previously served on the Associate Board for the American Cancer Society and as a director for Seven Generations Ahead, a sustainability organization.