Overview

Nicole Truso counsels employers on a wide range of employment issues and advises clients in complex transactions. Nicole seeks to identify best practices and manage employment-related problems with a focus on practical solutions and responsiveness.

Employment Counseling

Nicole advises employers regarding employment practices, including issues related to hiring practices, background checks, drug testing, workplace privacy and non-discrimination. Nicole also prepares and reviews employment agreement policies, including employment contracts, separation agreements, employee handbooks, and non-competition and confidentiality agreements.

International Employment Advising

Nicole assists multinational employers in managing their international workforces, including working with employers to address employment issues related to hiring, termination, performance management and employment agreements. Nicole counsels employers as they manage the risks related to employees and contractors outside the U.S. while proposing solutions to account for business needs.

Transactional Employment Advising

Nicole advises clients in a wide range of complex employment issues related to acquisitions, including:

  • Transactions involving the acquisition of international employees
  • Legal compliance of employment policies and practices in acquisitions
  • Drafting agreements for transitioning employees and consultants post-acquisition

In her counseling practice, Nicole draws upon her litigation experiencing defending employers against claims of breach of contract, discrimination, retaliation, compensation disputes and related claims in state and federal court and before administrative agencies. 

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Minnesota

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Education

University of St. Thomas School of Law
J.D. magna cum laude, Dean's List, Presidential Scholar, Law Journal (membership editor) (2009)

College of Saint Benedict
B.A. magna cum laude (2006)

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives
  • Minnesota Employment Law: Legislative Reforms And Their Implications
    Republished in HR Legal & Compliance Excellence, June 30, 2023
  • Whistleblowing Trends in the USA, UK and Greater China
    Co-author, Radar Magazine, April 2019  
  • Key Issues for Hiring Employees in the U.S.
    Panelist, Manitoba Ag Days Exposition, January 2016
  • Religious Accommodation in the Workplace After Abercrombie
    Co-presenter with Jacqueline Mrachek, Minnesota State Bar Association CLE Webinar, October 2015
  • Medical Marijuana & the Workplace
    Co-presenter with Dan Prokott, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Webinar, June 2015
  • U.S. vs. U.K.: Key Differences in Employment Law
    XpertHR Practical Compliance Webinar, May 2015

Firm Blog Contributions

  • LaborSphere – a resource providing coverage and insights on breaking cases, recently enacted legislation and a broad range of labor issues

Leadership & Community

Pro Bono

  • Tubman Pro Bono Safety Project
  • Volunteer Lawyers Network

Professional Associations

  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Minnesota Women Lawyers
  • American Bar Association

Civic Activities

  • University of St. Thomas School of Law — Alumni Advisory Board Director and Mentor Program
  • University of St. Thomas — Alumni Program Committee
  • Minnesota Women Lawyers — Networking Committee (Co-Chair); Student-to-Attorney Mentor Program

Honors

  • Minnesota Super Lawyers—Rising Star, 2018-19
  • Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2022
  • Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2015, 2019