About Nicole
Nicole Masnica built a foundation in political science before turning to law. She earned a B.A. in political science from the University of Minnesota and completed her J.D. at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2010. Those years on campus included research and teaching roles that fed into practical legal work as soon as she entered law school.
As a law student she worked in public offices and clinics. She spent time as an intern in the offices of Senator Russ Feingold and Governor Jim Doyle. On campus she served as a research assistant and a teaching assistant, then took on clinical roles including work for the Legal Assistance for Institutionalized Persons Project and a student lawyer placement with the Wisconsin State Public Defender. Those experiences exposed her to client work and court procedure early on.
After law school she joined the Wisconsin State Public Defender. She began in the trial office in 2010, representing clients at the trial level and handling day-to-day courtroom responsibilities. In 2016 she moved to the appellate office, where she shifted into briefs, record review and the particular rhythms of appellate practice. Her time in both trial and appellate settings gave her a view of the criminal justice system from multiple angles.
Masnica entered private practice in 2019 when she became an associate at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP. She remained at the firm and was elevated to partner in 2023. At the firm she has carried forward litigation work begun in public service, applying trial experience and appellate training to matters that reach state courts. Colleagues describe her as thorough and attentive to legal detail; clients have encountered an attorney who understands courtroom procedure and appeals practice.
Her career path reflects a steady progression from public service to private litigation. The range of her roles, from internships in government to clinical law projects and years defending clients at trial and on appeal, informs how she approaches cases now. She is licensed to practice in Wisconsin and handles litigation and appellate matters at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP.
She currently focuses her practice on litigation and appellate work in Wisconsin courts.
