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Frederick A. Nickl Jr.
also known as Fred Nickl
About Frederick
Biography
Attorney fiercely protecting licensed professionals before the IDFPR. I’ve successfully defended over 1,000 tough cases. Your license is your livelihood; no one will fight harder for your rights. Call me now.
I started my career as a criminal prosecutor, then spent 5 years as a public defender, protecting the rights of some pretty scary people. Some were innocent, most were probably guilty, but all deserved a fierce defense―that’s our system. I was uncomfortable as a prosecutor, stomping unfortunate individuals under the government’s infinite resources. I preferred protecting the little guy, giving them their day in court with everything I had.
Defense lawyers have the toughest job. The police and state’s attorney have amassed overwhelming evidence against your client before you ever meet them. The government steamroller is racing toward your client so you must get very creative, very fast. Your job is to find something to sway that one critical juror in your favor.
It’s trial by fire every day, because your client’s life is in your hands. You learn ingenuity because every time you fail, another person may never go home to see their children again. That crushing burden toughens you up and hones your skills to a razor-sharp point. It’s the best preparation an IDFPR lawyer can have.
I’ve spent the past dozen years using those experiences to protect Illinois businesses and individuals whose licenses are under attack by similar government forces―the IDFPR. The IDFPR prosecutors all know me, so when I stride into a settlement conference or hearing steeled for battle, they know it’s going to be all-out war. Deep down, most would rather take it easy and go home at 5:00, so our readiness to fight for every inch gets our clients better deals.
I represent licensed individual and businesses across Illinois. For example, I defend dedicated and caring health care workers whose licenses are under attack, like doctors, nurses, midwives, chiropractors, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, and veterinarians. I also protect hard-working business licensees like accountants, funeral directors, mortgage brokers, private alarm contractors, private detectives and investigators, private security contractors, and real estate appraisers and brokers.
Your license is your livelihood. I’ll fight like hell to protect it.
As a client once said, “When you need someone to fight for you, you need to call Ed & Fred.” If you get a scary letter from a government agency, call me immediately. I’ll be your sword and shield.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Illinois for 27 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Licensed in Wisconsin for 16 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Williams & Nickl, LLC
44 S. Vail Ave, Arlington Heights, IL, 60006
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Frederick A. Nickl Jr.'s Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Robert Deters | August 31, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Fully Endorse Fred Nickl
Fred and I have had mutual clients that I have referred to him for work with IDFPR and all of them have been enthusiastic as to his professionalism and dedication. I have been honored to present with Fred on Continuing Legal Education presentations and I know his command of his field is second to no...
Posted by Andrew | October 29, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
License Defense Experts
I previously had the opportunity to work with Williams & Nickl, and their focused practice makes them the best firm to defend doctors, dentists, nurses and other licensed professionals before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Fred’s deep understanding of licensing regu...
Posted by Daniel | September 9, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
I refer to Fred Nickl
I am an attorney who does not do any licensing work. I have, however, had clients in need of such services. Fred has done very effective work in this regard and I will not hesitate to send people to him. Thanks for work well done.
Posted by Joe | September 9, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Attorney Endorsement
I have worked with Fred for over five years. Professional, prompt and has taken care of all of my concerns. If you are in the security industry and need representation, there is only one place to go. Thank you Fred
Posted by Michael | September 4, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Attorney
I have known Fred for more than 10 years. He is a highly intelligent, diligent attorney. His work before the IDFPR has been consistently outstanding. Any person retaining Fred's services will soon learn he is in very capable hands. Fred's experience and successes before that agency makes him my "No. ...
Frederick A. Nickl Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"Fred's "The Man" in licensing law in Illinois. If you work in a regulated profession (e.g. doctor, nurse, chiropractor, midwife, private detective, real estate professional, funeral director, alarm contractor, etc.), Fred should be your first call if you get a scary letter or deficiency notice from the IDFPR. No one knows the licensing area better or will fight harder to protect your license and career."
"Fred is a professional and knowledgeable attorney. He has helped many clients, including our own, with their concealed carry, FOID, and professional licensing needs. Fred has extensive experience in these areas. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I strongly endorse Fred for his excellent legal work in the area of administrative law. Fred is an expert in the area and has helped a number of my clients preserve their professional licenses. He is knowledgeable, aggressive and thoughtful. I strongly endorse him."
"I've known Fred for over ten years and he and his firm are my go-to referral source for professional licensure matters. He is intelligent, practical, personable and appropriately aggressive. I highly recommend Fred for any professionals needing assistance with administrative defense and licensure matters."
"I have known Fred for over ten years and am always impressed by his work ethic, diligence and expertise in the areas of licensing and administrative law. I would highly recommend Fred for any professionals needing assistance with administrative defense and licensure assistance."
"I strongly endorse Mr. Nickl. His work in admin/licensing law is exemplary and have, and will continue, to refer cases to him and his firm. I have the utmost confidence in his abilities and understanding of the procedures and practice of admin law."
"For over a decade I have consulted with and observed Mr. Nickl on numerous legal matters, often applying his knowledge of administrative law and related areas. He has always been willing to help with valuable insight, especially for his colleagues with the Illinois State Bar Association."
"I practiced law along side Fred, and I have to say is is one of the most innovative, and brave lawyers in the courtroom, I would give him my highest recommendation for someone seeking legal assistance."
"I first got to know Mr. Nickl through the Illinois State Bar Association. Over time, he demonstrated his mastery of the intricacies of licensing and administrative law. I have referred him several clients, with issues ranging from CCL or FOID problems to facing loss of a professional license. Recently, we worked together on behalf of a mutual client, a process server who was wrongly accused of a crime. Mr. Nickl wrote a letter, explaining the relevant law and it was so persuasive that the prosecutor chose to drop the case. I refer clients to Mr. Nickl and endorse him here with the complete confidence and expectation that he will handle their matter expertly and obtain the best possible result."
"I wholeheartedly and without reservation endorse Mr. Nickl. My practice is DUI and driver's license hearinsg. If anybody has a situation involving their professional licensing or another matter before IDPR, I immediately refer them to him. Do not try and do this yourself."
"I've had the opportunity to see Mr. Nickl win jury trials, bench trials and all sorts of contested hearings. He's a hard worker with an excellent grasp of the rules of evidence and the legal system."
Brandon Davis
Criminal defense lawyer
Edward Williams
Litigation lawyer
Lori Levin
Criminal defense lawyer
Raymond Flavin
Criminal defense lawyer
Matthew Haiduk
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Hession
Corporate and incorporation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2023
Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer
2023
5 Star - Top Reviewed, Google Business
2022
5 Star, Yelp Business
2010
Most Bonuses in a Row, Brenner, Ford, Monroe & Scott
1998
Second Place, Second Amendment National Writing Contest
1998
First Successful Jury Trial, Lee County State's Attorney
1995
Alumni Constituent Merit Award, University of Illinois at Chicago
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Member, Williams & Nickl, LLC
2004 - 2010
Attorney, Brenner, Ford, Monroe & Scott, Ltd.
1999 - 2004
Attorney, McHenry County Public Defender
1998 - 1999
Attorney, Lee County State's Attorney
Associations
1998 - Present
Illinois State Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
IDFPR vs RN applicant
Win
IDFPR v Dentist
Win
IDFPR vs Dental Specialist
Win
IDFPR vs Real Estate Broker
Win
IDFPR vs. Physician
Win
IDFPR vs RN
Win
Education
1998
DePaul University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
University of Illinois at Chicago
BA, Criminal Justice with honors
Speaking Engagements
2023
W&N Seminar - Licensing for Alarm
IDFPR license exam prep class
2022
W&N Seminar - Licensing for Security Contractor
IDFPR license exam prep class
2022
W&N Seminar - Licensing for Detective
IDFPR license exam prep class
2021
W&N Seminar - Intro to Process Serving
IDFPR licensing update
2020
W&N Seminar - Private Detectives and the Law
IDFPR licensing update
2017
Nuts & Bolts of Administrative Hearings
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation: How to Conduct an Administrative Hearing
2016
Nuts & Bolts of the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act
The Appeal Process for Concealed Carry Act Denials
Publications
2023
W&N Seminar Binder
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - License prep class
2023
Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association - Epitome
Asl An IDFPR Lawyer
2022
Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association - Epitome
Ask An IDFPR Lawyer
2021
Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association - Epitome
Ask An IDFPR Lawyer
2020
Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association - Epitome
Ask An IDFPR Lawyer
2019
Epitome - 1st Quarter
Ask An IDFPR Lawyer
2019
Epitome - 2nd Quarter
Ask An IDFPR Lawyer
2018
Manual: Introduction to Process Serving
Introduction to Process Serving
2017
Manual: Private Detectives & the Law
Private Detectives & the Law
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How much longer to wait for a decision on getting my approval or denial from a formal hearing in Illinois? I had my hearing Feb?
19 May 2025
Q&A
Can I get a Foid card if my record is sealed ? And it’s none violent.
15 Jan 2025
Q&A
If convicted on a forgery class 4 felony can I still get my foid card in Illinois ?
01 Sep 2024