Nicole Russo
Nicole’s passion for workers’ compensation defense began as a law clerk during her second year of law school, when she was drawn to the niche that allowed her to dive into litigation so quickly—she tried her first case just three months after being sworn in as an attorney.
- Over 20 years of leadership experience in workers’ compensation defense
- Recognized as a Leading & Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyers
- Graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law
Nicole Russo
Attorney in Chicago, IL
Nicole V. Russo, partner at Heyl Royster, brings over two decades of leadership to workers’ compensation defense throughout Illinois. Based in Chicago, Nicole drives strategic vision, fosters collaboration, and delivers innovative solutions in complex litigation. She has managed more than 50 cases through trial, from arbitration through the appellate court, earning a reputation for relentless client advocacy.
Nicole advises a diverse range of employers—including self-insured companies, municipalities, healthcare facilities, and labor-intensive industries—by minimizing risk and negotiating settlements in challenging cases. She has won multiple "zero" trial awards before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, saving clients from significant costs tied to lost time, medical expenses, and disability claims.
Collaboration guides Nicole’s practice. With experience partnering with self-insured clients and supervisory teams, she draws on insider insights to craft informed, effective defense strategies—a major asset in the unique landscape of workers’ compensation law, where formal discovery is limited.
Outside work, Nicole supports her daughters’ softball and dance teams and enjoys family time in Southwest Florida. She volunteers and fundraises for community groups, including the Joliet Chapter of Pink Heals, Minooka High School Boosters Club, and Stone City Travel Softball Organization.
Practices
Credentials
Education
J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law
B.A., University of Illinois at Chicago, cum laude
Licensure(s) and Admission(s)
State Courts of Illinois
Professional Affiliations
Illinois State Bar Association
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association
Community Involvement
Pink Heals, Joliet Chapter
Minooka High School Boosters Club
Stone City Travel Softball Organization
Presentations/Publications
“Strategies for Navigating a Claimant - Oriented Jurisdiction”, Self-Insured Employer Presentation (2021)
“Subpoena Enforcement”, In-Office CLE (2015)
“Workers Comp 101”, HR.com (2016)
“Illinois Workers’ Compensation Basics”, City of Joliet Union Heads (2024)
“Investigation Strategies for Disputing ‘Causation’”, Client Presentation (2020)
Awards/Recognition
- Emerging Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media℠, 2015-2020
- Leading Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media℠, 2021-2025
Public Profile
Nicole V. Russo, partner at Heyl Royster, brings over two decades of leadership to workers’ compensation defense throughout Illinois. Based in Chicago, Nicole drives strategic vision, fosters collaboration, and delivers innovative solutions in complex litigation. She has managed more than 50 cases through trial, from arbitration through the appellate court, earning a reputation for relentless client advocacy.
Nicole advises a diverse range of employers—including self-insured companies, municipalities, healthcare facilities, and labor-intensive industries—by minimizing risk and negotiating settlements in challenging cases. She has won multiple "zero" trial awards before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, saving clients from significant costs tied to lost time, medical expenses, and disability claims.
Collaboration guides Nicole’s practice. With experience partnering with self-insured clients and supervisory teams, she draws on insider insights to craft informed, effective defense strategies—a major asset in the unique landscape of workers’ compensation law, where formal discovery is limited.
Outside work, Nicole supports her daughters’ softball and dance teams and enjoys family time in Southwest Florida. She volunteers and fundraises for community groups, including the Joliet Chapter of Pink Heals, Minooka High School Boosters Club, and Stone City Travel Softball Organization.
