From 1872 to 1907 he participated in the Los Angeles real estate boom, and founded the law firm that is now known as Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
In 1862 he joined a group of emigrants and was elected captain of the expedition directing them to Knights Landing, California.
Bicknell was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin in 1865; and engaged in practice in Greenfield, Missouri.
In 1887 the Southern Pacific Transportation Company chose Bicknell as its counsel because of his real estate reputation.
Bicknell was the attorney for General William Rosencrans' action to establish title to a large tract south of Los Angeles.