Biography
Nicole A. Bennett is a partner and owner of Westland & Bennett P.C., with her husband, Dave. "I am honored to work every day alongside the smartest person I've ever known - even though he doesn't believe me"
Nicole grew up on the west side of Lansing, Michigan, in the small town of Potterville, aka "Gizzard City." Nicole knew she wanted to be an attorney when she was 13. This goal led Nicole to Alma College in Alma, Michigan where she graduated cum laude in 1994, having earned her bachelor's degree in 3 years.
Nicole then moved to NWI to attend Valparaiso University School of Law, only to be seriously injured in a head-on automobile collision and forced to withdraw from law school during her second semester. Nicole fought to return to law school the next year and she graduated in 1997, just 4 months behind her law school class. Nicole is straight-forward and committed and she gives this same dedication to her clients.
Nicole spent the first 6 years of her career as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at the Office of the Lake County Prosecuting Attorney in Crown Point, Indiana. In 2004, she went into private practice where she furthers her desire to help people.
What I love about my work…
Easing fears and answering questions about the unknown for my clients. Although “ignorance of the law is no excuse” – I believe that understanding what is expected of you makes all the difference in your success or failure.
My hobbies and interests…
Boxer dogs – we have 3! (Our kids say that the dogs rank higher than they do. . . ) I also love laying on a sandy beach, Peloton workouts, being outdoors, and cheesecake.
I wish I could meet…
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Princess Diana, and Dr. Ruth.
My favorite quote…
“Hope is the thing with feather that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without words – and never stops at all.”
– Emily Dickinson
If I weren’t an attorney, I’d be…
An investigative journalist, an FBI agent, or an author of children’s books.
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense
- Personal Injury
- Municipal Law
Education
- Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana
- J.D. - 1997
- Alma College
- B.A., Bachelor of Arts - 1994
- Honors: cum laude
- Honors: Cum Laude
- Major: History
- Minor: Political Science
Bar Admissions
- Indiana
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana
- U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit