Nicholas J. Schuler, Jr.

Nick Schuler prefers taking a direct and practical approach to assisting clients with their legal needs, listening and asking questions to make sure that he understands their respective situations and desired outcomes. Never losing sight of the fact that his clients expect real-world results, he uses responsive, straightforward communication so they are up-to-date on any developments and adjustments regarding their matters.

Nick’s practice includes a wide variety of matters that affect the banking and commercial sectors including litigation, internal investigations, and compliance and ethics issues.

In his most recent role as Inspector General for the Chicago Board of Education, Nick fought hard to ensure that a modern, professional watchdog agency was taking citizen complaints seriously, keeping an eye on the public fisc, and clearing access to government records necessary to complete investigations.

Under his leadership, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) modernized its practices by creating a Performance Analysis Unit, which uses data to identify systemic problems, by expanding the OIG’s web presence, and by increasing the quantity and quality of the information the OIG makes public. He also led an internal investigation regarding a kickback scheme involving a previous CEO of the Chicago Public Schools, which developed into a joint investigation with federal authorities resulting in the then-CEO pleading guilty to one count of federal wire fraud.

Nick takes great pride in his decade plus of work fighting for truth and candor in local government, and he brings that same spirt of openness to relationships with clients and peers in the private sector.

As a former Chicago police officer, Nick has worked in law from multiple vantage points and most enjoys its problem-solving aspect, helping people find the best and most practical means to a resolution. He uses this skill as a member of Chuhak & Tecson’s committees, currently the Technology Committee.

Born and raised in Chicago—himself the son of a Chicago homicide detective—and currently a resident of the city’s Ravenswood neighborhood, when Nick is not in the office he likes spending time with his family and is an avid all-weather cyclist.