REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Nicole C. Mueller
Class Action Defense
Defense counsel for a luxury fashion house and its parent company against a putative class
action claim alleging violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act (ICFA) in connection with the
marketing and sales of exotic animal skin products.
Defended a global energy trading company and its US subsidiary in a series of federal class
actions and a civil action by the California Attorney General involving allegations of market
manipulation and violations of the antitrust and unfair competition laws stemming from trading
activity in the California gasoline spot market.
Represent one of the largest vending machine operators in the United States in a complex
consolidated consumer class action regarding pricing practices and alleged deceptive labeling
practices with claims brought under state consumer protection statutes of over 30 states, claims
for unjust enrichment, consumer fraud, conversation, and breach of contract.
Defended a solar panel manufacturer against a class action involving contract, warranty,
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, and California Unfair
Competition Law claims.
Represented companies in the healthcare, financial, and manufacturing sectors in putative class
actions brought across the country alleging violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act
(TCPA) and analogous state “mini-TCPA” statutes.
Complex Litigation and Arbitration
Defense of a petroleum company and affiliates in litigation instituted by City of Chicago
alleging violation of consumer protection statute and theories of nuisance.
Obtained dismissal of a lawsuit against a film studio and film producers alleging that depiction
of characters as members of a particular ethnic group defamed all members of that group.
Obtained summary judgment for an investment advisor in a lawsuit alleging excessive fees in
violation of Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Obtained summary judgment in favor of a financial institution in an action alleging violations
of the Fair Housing Act, and successfully leveraged the favorable ruling to obtain dismissal of
similar claims pending in other jurisdictions.
Defended a global beverage manufacturer in AAA arbitration involving dealership terminations.
Defend a medical device company in a multimillion-dollar breach of contract dispute.
Represented a consumer product servicer in a breach of contract dispute stemming from sale of
business and ancillary non-competition agreements.
Obtained a full arbitration award in favor of a subcontractor in a dispute over construction of
troop housing on a US air base before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Represented a financial institution in adversary proceedings in multiple jurisdictions seeking
to discharge private educational loans, obtaining multiple victories at the pleading stage.
Securities Litigation and Regulation
Defense of an individual in connection with securities fraud litigation pending against a public
company providing nonclinical and analytical drug discovery and development services.
Represented a high-profile individual in a class action applying then-untested theories
regarding whether an individual who discussed cryptocurrencies on YouTube or other social media
platforms could be considered a "seller" of securities under the federal securities laws.
Defended a public marketing technology company in a series of class action and derivative
lawsuits alleging securities fraud and failure of corporate governance, obtaining favorable
settlement and successfully shepherding settlement through the process of obtaining court
approval.
Obtained dismissal of a derivative lawsuit filed against a public automobile importer and served
as the primary drafter of a writ of mandamus filed with the Nevada Supreme Court, calling upon
the Court to establish pleading requirements applicable to derivative actions in the State of
Nevada.
Advised a client in the entertainment industry regarding applicability of securities laws to
sale of NFTs.
Pro Bono Experience
Represented pro bono individuals seeking asylum or similar relief in the United States,
including obtaining relief for two clients following contested evidentiary hearings before the
US Immigration Court.
Investigated an individual's claims that he was tortured by the Chicago Police Department into
confessing to a murder and presented findings and recommendation to the Illinois Torture Relief
Commission, who adopted the recommendation.
