Haley Chytka is an associate attorney with Massarello Law, LLC. She has experience in both criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Before joining Massarello Law, Haley worked on both sides of the courtroom, working to help the accused in State and Federal cases, and assisting Petitioners in high-profile civil rights matters.

Haley earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, where she was an active member of the Moot Court Honors Council. She was recognized as a Top Brief author and oralist in multiple national competitions, including the ABA National Appellate Advocacy and Stetson National Pretrial competitions.

During law school, Haley worked as a law clerk contributing to Federal Section 1983 civil rights lawsuits, wrongful conviction lawsuits, and helping prepare complex jury trials. She also served as a law clerk for a civil firm, where she worked on a wide range of civil litigation matters.

Haley’s extensive experience, from pretrial advocacy to appellate litigation, gives her a well-rounded perspective in representing clients dealing with serious legal matters. She is dedicated to protecting her clients’ rights, ensuring fairness in the courtroom, and advocating with precision and professionalism.

EDUCATION:

B.A. from Black Hills State University

J.D from University of Illinois Chicago School of Law

PROFESSIONAL LICENSE:

Bar of the State of Illinois

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Illinois State Bar Association

Chicago Bar Association

American Association for Justice

Nichole Massarello is the Managing Partner of Massarello Law, LLC. She founded the firm in 2022 with the objective of focusing her entire practice on defending the rights of the accused after more than a decade working in criminal defense. Nichole has earned a reputation as a zealous advocate for her clients with exceptional skills in the areas of legal research, motion practice, and trial advocacy. Her communication skills are critical in helping her clients navigate the complex — and often intimidating — criminal justice process.

Nichole has successfully litigated a plethora of complex matters, both felony and misdemeanor, including first-degree murder, weapons charges, narcotics possession, battery, DUI, driving on a suspended or revoked license, robbery and burglary. She also has secured the expungement and sealing of clients’ past criminal records. Additionally, Nichole has prepared clemency petitions, appearing in front of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board for early release of prisoners and expungement of records for those who have rehabilitated. She has also argued before the Illinois Court of Appeals. Nichole has extensive experience throughout the Cook County court system, appearing before judges and prosecutors on a daily basis. She also handles cases in surrounding Chicagoland counties.

Beyond the courtroom, Nichole spends her time going to concerts, volunteering for various non-profit organizations, and spending time with her family. She also attends seminars and advocates for inmate rights and safety, and takes pride in being an active mentor for aspiring attorneys.

EDUCATION:

B.A from University of Illinois at Chicago

J.D. from John Marshall Law School, now UIC Law

PROFESSIONAL LICENSE:

Bar of the State of Illinois

Bar of Northern District of Illinois 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

American Bar Association

Illinois State Bar Association 

Chicago Bar Association

Justinian Society of Lawyers