In 2025, Nicole opened McKenna Russo Livingston Burkett and Burgy, commonly known as McKenna Russo, where she continues to focus on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and elder law. Colleagues say her strengths lie in her deep knowledge and ability to explain complex matters in clear, understandable terms.

Before launching McKenna Russo, Nicole practiced at Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, PA, concentrating on special needs and advanced tax planning. She notes that the ease and flexibility of establishing a Donor Advised Fund at CFAAC, along with the ability to incorporate it into a client’s estate plan, are the main reasons she refers clients to CFAAC. She adds that working with CFAAC offers her clients peace of mind.

Nicole began her legal career as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Michael E. Loney of the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. She is a member of the Estates & Trusts Section, Property Law Section, and Elder & Disability Sections of the Maryland State Bar Association, as well as a member of Wealth Counsel and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. She frequently presents estate planning, elder law, and special needs seminars throughout the county and is licensed to practice law in Maryland and DC.

Before becoming an attorney, Nicole worked as a speech-language pathologist, primarily in skilled-nursing facilities—a background that complements her estate planning and elder law practice.