Nicole Wrigley

Practice Areas

Nicole Wrigley is a nationally recognized lawyer and trusted strategic advisor, serving as Vice Chair of Benesch’s Litigation Practice Group and its Trial Practice Group. With twenty years of experience steering some of the country’s most significant and high-profile cases, Nicole leads “bet the company” litigation and counsels clients through their most pivotal legal and business challenges. Nicole’s litigation and trial practice is both broad and deep. She has advocated for plaintiffs in some of the largest defamation matters in U.S. history—including claims over $2 billion—while also defending Fortune 100 companies in multibillion-dollar securities fraud claims, high-profile class actions, complex MDLs, and nine-figure business disputes. Nicole’s record includes securing precedent-setting summary judgments, winning directed verdicts in billion-dollar trials, and vindicating clients in closely watched disputes that shape industry standards.

Clients describe Nicole as “a creative and aggressive, but practical advocate,” known for “an outstanding work ethic” and a “commanding presence in front of a jury.” She has served as national and coordinating counsel for leading corporations, representing individuals and organizations in trade secret misappropriation, defamation and disparagement, contract disputes, securities fraud, consumer fraud, and product liability matters. Beyond the courtroom, Nicole is a sought-after advisor on crisis management, media strategy, and litigation avoidance. She guides executives through interactions with the media, providing practical insight that minimizes risk and protects reputations.

Nicole’s industry experience is diverse covering areas that include technology, manufacturing, food & beverage, healthcare, and financial services, reflecting her ability to tackle intricate legal challenges across sectors.

Publications

Nicole is recognized nationwide not only for her litigation success but also for her thought leadership in the legal profession. She regularly delivers presentations and CLEs at premier conferences, including:

• “On the Frontline, Legal’s Role When Crisis Strikes”

• “Justice in the Age of Disinformation: Leveraging Legal Strategies to Safeguard Elections”

• “AI Litigation and Legislation: New Trends and Practical Takeaways”

• “Understanding Your Risk Tolerance & Preparing for Shifting Business Priorities”

• “Business Collaboration and the Risk of Trade Secret Litigation”

• “A Media Report Slammed Your Product—Should You Sue?”

• “Tips from the Trenches: Women Trial Lawyers in Action”

• “Federal Preemption and Product Liability: Where Are We Now?”

Nicole’s perspectives have made her a “go-to” resource for clients, peers, and the broader business and legal communities, helping shape legal strategies and policy trends nationwide.

Personal

Nicole is deeply committed to public service and has an active pro bono practice. She has represented clients in a wide array of matters, including:

• Class actions on behalf of prisoners in the Illinois Department of Corrections system

• Advocacy for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and Chicago public school teachers

• Representation of individuals in immigration and divorce proceedings

• Recipient of the Outstanding Pro Bono Commitment Award from the Intercultural Montessori Language School

Nicole currently serves as a lawyer advisor for the Future Justice Lawyers Program of Chicago Appleseed and the Chicago Council of Lawyers. Her dedication to her community also extends to her former service on the Associate Board of the American Cancer Society and as a Director for Seven Generations Ahead, a leading sustainability organization.

Education