Nathaniel J. Cullen

Biography

Nathaniel J. Cullen is an experienced attorney at Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C., bringing a unique combination of legal knowledge and firsthand experience in law enforcement and corrections. He joined the firm in October 2024 and focuses on representing law enforcement officers in workers' compensation claims, duty disability retirement benefits, and Section 1983 civil rights litigation. Additionally, he has expanded his practice to include insurance defense cases.

Before joining the firm, Nathaniel served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for Columbia County, where he provided legal counsel to various county departments, handled contract drafting, advised on employment matters, and successfully represented the county in litigation. He also operated Cullen Law Office, L.L.C., where he focused on estate planning, guiding clients through wills, trusts, and asset protection strategies while also providing legal advocacy across a range of civil matters.

Nathaniel’s legal career is deeply rooted in public service. Before earning his law degree, he spent over 27 years in law enforcement and corrections, serving 11 years as a Captain with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and 16 years as a Police Officer with the Waterloo Police Department. His extensive background in these fields gives him a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement professionals, allowing him to offer strategic legal counsel tailored to their unique needs. During his time in law enforcement, he held leadership roles such as Field Training Officer, Evidence Room Manager, and Drug Taskforce Liaison, as well as serving as Union President for WPPA Local 113 for a decade.

In addition to his practice, Nathaniel is passionate about educating and advocating for law enforcement personnel. As a former Staff Attorney for the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, he established and led the organization’s worker compensation litigation practice and successfully represented officers involved in critical incidents.

Nathaniel earned his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School, where he was a member of the Labor & Employment Law Society and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Law Studies from Marquette University and an Associate Degree in Police Science from Madison Area Technical College.

Outside of work, Nathaniel enjoys traveling with his wife and two young children. His dedication to justice, combined with his diverse background in law enforcement, corrections, and legal advocacy, makes him a valuable asset to Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C.

Practice Areas

Insurance Defense, Coverage, and Disputes
Negligence and Personal Injury Defense
Workers' Compensation
Estate Planning and Probate
Civil Rights Litigation
Employment Law

Bar Admissions

State of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court – Western District of Wisconsin

Education

Marquette University, Law School, J.D.
Marquette University, B.A., Criminology and Law Studies

Professional Organizations

Wisconsin Association of Worker’s Compensation Attorneys