“At first, I think people thought it was weird, like, ‘Why are you here? Are you giving out legal advice?’ “ Russell recalled, laughing. “And, no, we’re not answering legal questions. We’re there to hangout and get to know folks, giving out free swag and shaking hands.”

Born in Eau Claire and growing up in Green Bay, Nicolet Law’s Midwestern roots aren’t for show, and that natural pull towards family, friends, and community, isn’t either. A music lover since childhood, staying up past bedtime to listen to the local radio show’s Top Nine at Nine, Russell still plays acoustic and electric guitar today, and recognizes music as a universal language.

“As a law firm and as lawyers, we generally come across folks when they’re at tough points of life or in their family’s lives,” he said. “Festivals are a place where people come together and you forget about your problems, about work, and you enter this different atmosphere. It’s a place you hangout with friends, meet new people, and maybe have a drink.”

“I think for just about everyone, music is just one of things that brings people together.”

With a focus on personal injury, Nicolet Law is literally focused on the wellbeing of others. It is no surprise then that the firm’s community efforts align with and reflect that sentiment as well. Beyond its support of arts and music festivals, the firm offers a biannual student scholarship and has donated thousands of dollars to organizations like Feed My People, toy drives, and more.

Growing up in Wisconsin, Russell and his family helped out at their local food pantry, and the experience continues to drive him to support food insecurity efforts, especially for youth. “Everybody comes across hard times at some point, you just don’t know when it’ll be you that’s in a tough spot,” he said.

With the steady growth of Nicolet Law over the years, the firm is also in the business of bringing folks together internally. Its team has grown to about 90 members, expanding to upwards of 20 office locations across the Midwest, including its Eau Claire office. As a firm, Nicolet Law has won roughly $300 million for its clients.

“I think society has realized that when people get injured or their family members experience an injury, the toll is larger than just financially,” Russell said. “After being injured, your day-to-day life changes: you miss work; medical bills roll in; there’s the potential for lifelong disabilities; and it affects the people you love. What’s more important than your quality of life? Really, nothing.”

When you’re in a tough spot, Nicolet Law is just a call away. When you see the Nicolet Law booth at the next area music festival or event, make sure to swing in and say hello!

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