Williams & Nickl is a no-nonsense, high integrity firm and the only one we consider when dealing with IDR. The firm produces only excellent work product, while being cost conscious. And, their seminars get right to the point.

I cannot say enough how much I appreciate how much Fred and his office helped me with my issue regarding my RN license. I was completely satisfied and quite happy with the speediness my matter was concluded with, and that was even dealing with the intricacies and surprises that government agencies tend to throw at you.

I was compelled to write this review since my experiences with Fred and Ed have been nothing but positive. As a veterinarian, they helped me through one of the most difficult challenges in my life. 

I chose them due to their decades of experience and knowledge in many fields, including veterinary medicine. It is not an easy task finding experienced attorneys with so much insight regarding not only the IDFPR, but also criminal laws and federal/state policies. Fred always knew exactly where to direct me and even referred me to some wonderful individuals at other legal practices when issues arose outside of his realm. 

Both Fred and Ed were always readily available via e-mail or telephone. Fred consistently responded to my questions, concerns, and any other issues regarding my case, typically within minutes. I will be forever grateful for their loyalty, honesty, and dedication, but most of all, for saving my career and allowing me to continue doing what I love every day. There are truly no words to express my gratitude.

Veterinarian, Chicago
November 2018

I own and operate a Private Alarm Contractor Agency in the Chicago Area and have been dealing with Ed and Fred for nearly a decade. If you own a security company in Illinois they are a MUST KNOW law firm that is truly second to nobody when dealing with the IDFPR.

They have an established powerful reputation. They know the rules and regulations very well. They will defend your case very well.

Fred Nicki helped my son obtain his nursing license. It was held up by the nursing board because they wanted to do further investigation. He had a job pending and class enrollment was on the line. Mr. Nicki understood that time was of the essence. He was acessable and quickly provided information on what documentation was needed. He also went out of his way to persobnally communicate with the board administration so they understood that his career was on hold. He obtained his nursing license quickly, was hired and obtained his bachelors degree,

I can't thank Mr. Nicki enough for using his knowledge and expertise to change this young mans life. I am very grateful and would highly recommend him.

Fred and Ed really know professional licensure law. I recommend them to my colleagues in the health care fields.

Really great advice and can walk you through anything related to the BON. Very experienced and work your case with ease. The price is extremely fair and their interest is in the best outcome for you. Highly recommend

Fred Nickl was able to turn a frivolous complaint into a nothing burger. The firm was on point, kept me well informed, and professional. If you are an Illinois licensed professional, please keep them in your list of contacts. Remember, it's not if you need them it's when you need them. I have been licensed in Illinois for seventeen years and I thought it could not happen to me. Thankfully Williams and Nickl were there to protect my rights! Highly Recommend!

I am an attorney who represents executives and corporate clients. I have known Mr. Nickl for more then five years. I highly recommend Mr. Nickl and his firm. He has effectively handled many matters for my clients. He is very professional, very prompt in his communications and is very easy to work with. I always know my clients are in good hands.

I have used Fred and Ed on multiple occasions for various legal needs and can't imagine using anyone else. They always get the job done. Most recently, I took their course to prepare for the Private Detective test. Worth every penny! I passed on the first attempt without wasting time studying things that were irrelevant to the exam. I highly recommend their course and legal services!

This firm was referred to me by my attorney handling my foreclosure case,I told him I want the best and they came through in every way and got the me the result in the shortest time.Thank you!!!

For security professional this is the firm to work with. Very knowledgeable and current in statutes governing the industry. The are always ready to assist any firm. This firm has been a leader in the industry for years and gets results.

Williams & Nickle provide excellent service to their clients. They are well informed of the laws and we recommend them to our clients or anyone in need of legal advice, especially concerning state licensing issues.

Highly recommend Fred and this firm. Very detailed and professional. Courteous and easy to work, with providing positive outcomes.

I have known Fred for more than 10 years. Although we worked in different law firms, we often served as co-defense counsel together. I had the opportunity to observe Fred's legal skills. Without question, Fred is a hard-working, conscientious and skilled lawyer who effectively represents his clients. He has a wealth of experience that benefits his clients every day.

Have been doing business with the Williams/Nickl law firm for several years. Very knowledgeable attorneys with a specialty in licensing law. Highly recommend their services for licensed professionals.

I appreciate that they are passionate about what they do.
They care. They worked hard . they fight for you.great people to work with,friendly and courteous. I highly recommend their services,dedicated attorney.

I have known the Williams Nickl law firm for more than fifteen years and have been involved in many business transactions with them They have always exhibited the highest level of professionalism and integrity. Ed Williams and Fred Nickl care deeply about their clients and are aggressive advocates for them. I look forward to working with them for many years to come.

There isn't a more intelligent choice than to go with Williams & Nickl when it comes to the Security Industry. Both ED & Fred conduct themselves with the highest decorum; speaking intelligently, and carrying with them a great passion for their craft. I will continue to recommend them first and foremost to anyone that needs help with licensing in the State of Illinois.

Fred Nickl is an outstanding attorney! I had a complaint made against my license by the IDFPR and was devastated. I was at the point of just giving up and surrendering my license rather than fighting for it. After consulting with Fred I felt hopeful and retained him as my attorney. Fred was extremely encouraging and caring throughout this painful process of dealing with the IDFPR. His knowledge and experience are in dealing with licensing issues are extraordinary. He represented me incredibly well and fought relentlessly for the most positive outcome, which he achieved. I am tremendously grateful for Fred’s efforts on my behalf and highly recommend anyone with licensing issues to utilize the services of Williams & Nickl, LCC.

K.W., Licensed Professional Counselor

These attorneys are wonderful. They will not back down or give you false hope. They have sincere care for the clients and will fight for you. I regret not going with them in the first place. There are lots of attorneys out there that will charge more and literally not care what you have worked for all your life. Willimas & Nickl are the attorneys that I am forever grateful for.

Highly professional organization that is capable in sorting out any State of Illinois licensing issues, large or small. Great people to work with, always friendly and courteous. Chicago natives acutely tuned into the goings on of the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago. I highly recommend their services!

I have worked with Fred Nickl on a number of matters. Whenever I know of a professional who has any issue concerning a licensing matter I refer the matter to Fred's firm- Williams & Nickl are my go-to resources for any professional who is licensed by the State of Illinois. He and his partner exhibit the utmost professionalism. They have vast experience and are quite knowledgeable. They will fight within the law as best as they can for their clients.

My company has been a client of Williams & Nickl, LLC for over 6 years. Fred and Edward are brilliant lawyers, who are very responsive, attentive to detail, and are always there to answer questions and resolve issues. If you are a business owner and looking for a commercial / business lawyer, look no further (especially if your business is regulated by IDFPR).

I have used their professional services for over two decades and would never consider taking my business anywhere else.

Fred and Ed are by far the best in the business!

I have known Fred for over 20 years. He is extremely knowledgeable, detail oriented, and will go the extra mile. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.

I first met Fred 10 years ago through our sons' daycare. I found him then to be a kind and compassionate man with a clever sense of humor. Over time, I've come to know him as a natural protector, a man dedicated to his community, highly intelligent, ambitious, and hardworking. Fred fits the definition of a stellar attorney!

Fred is a very compassionate, knowledgeable, and trustworthy person. He will be straightforward in all your interactions and represent you with integrity.

I have known Fred Nickl for over a decade and he is exceptionally honest and trustworthy.

I have known Fred for many years. He is honest and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this firm.

I would recommend this law firm without reservation. Fred Nickl, whom I have known for almost 30 years, is a hard working and respected person in his field. He and his firm will go the "extra mile" for you!

Outstanding law firm.....they care about their client..... They are prompt in returning your calls and always give the best expert advice....I would highly recommend to anyone

Mr. Nickl is a man of integrity & compassion. He is very knowledgeable, intelligent & professional. Choosing Williams & Nickl as your legal firm will ensure the you get the dedicated legal experience that you deserve.

Fred Nickl is brilliant legal mind and a top notch person. You can count on Fred to be thorough and conscientious in his work.

I've known Fred Nickl for almost 20 years and have found him to be a very intelligent man. More important, however, is his integrity. This is a man who will not bend to trends and idle whims, nor will he suggest questionable shortcuts. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

I have known Attorney Fred Nickl for almost 10 years. Fred is a very knowledgable attorney with incredible integrity and laser focus. Fred is the first person I contact when I need help with regulations amd professional licenses.

I recommend Williams & Nickl, LLC. Fred will give you straight forward answers and educated legal advice. If litigation is needed, I can't think of a better pitbull that will fight for you than Fred. Fortunately, I have known Fred for nearly 10 years through our kids. He is a passionate and caring family man who brings that same mentality to his clients. After all, your livelihood and reputation are in jeopardy if you are searching for legal representation.

I would trust Fred with anything. He is loyal, dedicated and very dependable!

Fred is a dedicated attorney who works so hard for his clients! He is a man of integrity and a true professional with a stellar record before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. I would highly recommend him!

As a licensed private investigator, Williams & Nickl is the ONLY place I go for professional opinions regarding IDFPR issues. Their advice and training sessions are a must for anyone who wishes to operate their business to the highest of legal and ethical standards.

I am a physician and used Williams & Nickl to represent me during a routine (but anxiety-provoking) audit. Edward and Fred brought vast knowledge and experience. I was given reassurance and guidance. Ultimately, we had a successful audit.

I highly recommend Williams & Nickl law firm to any professional experiencing licensure issues. Prior to my encounter with Ed and Fred, I was certain my pharmacist license was going to be suspended/revoked, and I was completely hopeless until I hired this law firm. Fred Nickl primarily managed my case, and he was able to save my license. I am so thankful for this law firm, and I am still able to practice as a pharmacist today because of their guidance. I could not have asked for better representation, and my experience with this firm was simply outstanding from start to finish.

My concealed carry process was drawn out for over a year by the crooked state of Illinois only to be unjustly denied I called Williams & Nickl and in only a few weeks i had my concealed carry license in my hand. Thank Williams and Nickl!!!!

I am an attorney who practices criminal/traffic law in McLeansboro, Illinois. Not long ago, I had a client who had a serious professional license issue. I reached out to a fellow attorney for a recommendation. He said call Fred Nickl. I did and was not disappointed, as he saved my client's license and her livelihood. If I ever have another client who has a professional license issue, he will be the attorney I call. In addition, Fred is very active on several of the Illinois State Bar Association email lists (that afford advice to fellow attorneys throughout the State of Illinois on issues in their field of practice). His answers are always well thought out and helpful. In short, he knows his field of expertise well.

Alan Downen

Fred got us through a sticky situation, unfounded of course, with IDFPR. It took over a year to resolve completely. Fred was on top of everything from start to finish. If you have a problem with IDFPR Williams and Nickl are the ones to go to.

First, I appreciate that they are passionate about what they do. They care. They fight very hard and they do not mind putting everything on the line to win your case - they don't back down. In my particular case the outcome was as good as I can imagine it to be (a real estate issue). I have a friend in the private detective business who loves these guys and that's why I went to them. If you are serious about results then give them a call. Worth every penny. Hire them before they figure out they can be making much more money doing tax law!

Highly recommend this lawyer to anyone. You pretty much get 2 for the price of one. One of the best lawyers in town for sure and they are well experienced in cases related to health care professionals.

I hired this firm in regards to an IDFPR nursing board license issue. Attorney Fred Nickl was knowledgeable and attentive. He responds quickly and adequately prepares you for hearings. The fee is reasonable for the Chicago area and for IDFPR attorneys. Moreso, the situation was handled in a timely manner and had a positive outcome. I highly recommend William & Nickl, LLC if you find yourself needing an IDFPR attorney.

Fred Nickl and Ed Williams know professional licensure law inside and out. They are responsive and caring when dealing with clients. I would recommend them to anyone dealing with professional licensing issues.

I would highly recommend Fred Nickl due to his great communication skills and his professionalism. He is an amazing lawyer who has a heart of gold.

Fred is a master of his craft. He's been an invaluable resource for my clients going through licensing issues related to criminal issues... particularly concealed carry permit holders.

CCL assistance. My original CCL was going to be denied based on old fictitious information the ISP had. After some research, I contacted Williams and Nickl. I was able to immediately able to speak with Fred Nickl about my issue. He was very up-front and informative about what would be needed, potential problems, and cost. After thinking it over for a couple days, I hired them. Very glad that I did. Fred had me gather information for him and got it submitted to the ISP. He was able to get them to review my items very quickly. Result- I got my CCL. I would highly recommend them for any CCL issues. Fred was very accessible for the duration of the case. He always answered the phone, text, or emails very promptly and it was obvious that he knew what to do. When the State of Illinois wants to mess with a required license, hire them. THANKS FRED !

I highly recommend Williams and Nickl for any issues you may have regarding your professional license. Mr. Nickl was very professional, non judgmental, and I highly recommend them!

I reached out to Williams & Nickl law firm because I had taken my NCLEX-RN, paid IDFPR for my license and then a week later I received a letter stating that I was “Prohibited from Practicing” due to information that had came up on my record. I was to start a job within two weeks of receiving this letter and it caused me to panic. I reached out to Mr. Nickl and within a week he was able to get IDFPR to activate my license. Without the proper representation, I knew it could possibly take months to have my case reviewed so I didn’t want to risk it.

I chose this law firm because many other firms that I had search didn’t mention specifically dealing with IDFPR and nursing. I had also read some reviews that were similar to my case that had successful outcomes. I would recommend Williams & Nickl firm to handle your IDFPR case. He responded to IDFPR quickly and personally reached out to the board liaison for me. He was also very professional and always responded to my questions within a timely manner. Hiring Mr. Nickl to represent me was the best choice for me and you won’t regret it if you decide to hire this firm too.

Thank you Fred Nickl!

I graduated in May and began to look at the process for NCLEX and licensing in Illinois. I have 3 misdemeanors from when I was 17 and began to fear that my license would be denied or held up for a long time. I knew I needed help and the best way seemed to contact someone who specializes in licensing matters. I searched the web because asking around was not really an option. The few people I trusted with this information never had this need, so they did not know anyone. I found google reviews Williams & Nickl that described a very similar situation to mine. An RN with criminal history who obtained his/her license after Williams & Nickl helped remedy the application deficiency. I knew I had to contact them.
From my first contact I was put at ease. They knew what was needed and how to get it. They expressed confidence in the outcome given my circumstances and this relieved quite a bit of anxiety. Once we gathered my paperwork, they helped me draft my explanation letter for the IFDPR citing specific case law to achieve a favorable outcome. The paperwork was sent in, there was no hold up from Continental Testing and was given an authorization to test. I passed NCLEX in 75 questions because I was able to focus on studying because I felt I was in good hands. Less than 3 weeks later I was given a license by the state of Illinois.
I am now licensed as an RN and extremely grateful to Edward and Fred. Having to take on the task of studying for NCLEX and being at the mercy of the licensing board is too much anxiety. If anyone has a similar situation, I recommend you entrust the situation to professional so you can focus on studying and dealing with NCLEX.
Thank you again Edward and Fred.

First of all i want to say thank you again to Mr. Nickl and Mr Williams. I received a deficiency notice upon application for nursing license. I was pretty nervous considering everything i had gone through with school and was horrified at the thought of it all being for nothing. Mr Williams and Mr Nickl were recommended to me by someone i knew who went through something similar. Once i met with them i felt and knew i had made the right decision. They were straight forward and honest even telling me it was something i might be able to do myself. They only explained to me the difference if i did it where as to if they did it. Best decision i ever made had my license issued to me in 2 weeks. I strongly recommend anyone having licensing issues to leave it their hands. Why risk something you have worked so hard for.

Service was excellent, staff was very supportive, Mr Nickl handle my case and had a resolution in a matter days. I was looking at a possible fine of $10,000. I was terrified. Mr. Nickl helped em keep my real estate license and avoid a heavy fine.

These guys are great! I am a new graduate nurse. I took my boards in January and was able to find a job immediately at a local hospital. On my first day at my new job I received a letter from the IDFPR saying my temporary license was not valid because of deficiencies on my license application. The deficiencies were from charges that occurred when I was kn high school over 16 years ago. I contacted Fred Nickl after I found his website on google. He was able to get my license issued within a week of hiring him. Even my nurse manager was shocked on how quickly the license was issued. I would highly recommend them!
Nurse/Chicago

These guys are very straight forward, knowledgeable and effective! I am still surprised at how much I learned from them after a couple of consultations and one court appearance. I have been involved in property management in several different capacities in the last 7 years, and I can tell you with confidence these guys are the real McCoy!! Highly Recommended!! Thanks Fred, thanks Mr. Williams!