Blank Rome Welcomes Nicole Islinger as Partner in Washington, D.C., Strengthening Corporate Practice and Aerospace, Defense & Government Services Industry Team

Washington, D.C. – Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Nicole Islinger has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C., office as a partner in the Corporate, M&A, and Securities group and as a member of the Aerospace, Defense & Government Services (“ADG”) and Technology industry teams. She brings deep transactional experience centered on mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”), with substantial experience in government contracting, technology, and private equity. Nicole, who began her career as an associate at Blank Rome, rejoins the firm from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.

“We are excited to welcome Nicole to our Washington, D.C., office and our national corporate practice,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Chair and Managing Partner. “Her deep experience in government contracts M&A and her practical insight into the federal marketplace and procurement landscape will bring meaningful advantages to clients pursuing growth in the aerospace, defense, and government services sector. Nicole’s ability to help companies navigate the unique demands of federal acquisitions makes her a valuable addition to our national corporate team.”

Nicole is an experienced M&A attorney with a strong track record guiding companies through complex transactions in the government contracting and technology sectors. She has deep experience advising small business government contractors on founder-led, sell-side M&A, as well as buyers and sellers navigating the unique regulatory and commercial considerations of the federal marketplace. Her practice also extends to helping international companies enter and operate in the U.S. government contracting space, where she regularly advises on market entry strategies and related international trade considerations.

In addition to her robust government contracts focus, Nicole handles a wide range of industry-agnostic transactions, including private equity investments and the sale of emerging technology startups. She has advised on deals across sectors such as franchising, manufacturing, and consumer goods, and her recent work includes several bankruptcy-related transactions and technology-driven exits. Nicole frequently serves as outside general counsel to growing companies, providing practical, business-minded support across the full lifecycle of their strategic and commercial needs.

“Nicole brings to Blank Rome precisely the kind of experience our clients need in the current deal environment,” said Peter Schnur, partner and co-chair of the Corporate, M&A, and Securities group. “Her background in government contracting deals, coupled with her work in private equity and technology, enhances our ability to support clients on complex transactions. As activity in the government contracts and ADG space continues to accelerate in 2026, Nicole’s insight will help our clients capitalize on new market opportunities.”

“I am thrilled to rejoin Blank Rome and to work alongside the firm’s outstanding Corporate and Government Contracts teams,” said Nicole. “I was drawn to the firm because it offers the ideal platform to grow my practice in the government contracts industry and to support private equity buyers who need M&A counsel deeply immersed in this space. Blank Rome’s D.C. office has a strong presence in the market, and I’m excited to be part of a team that is building something exceptional. And, after working across the table from Justin Chiarodo for years, I’m especially looking forward to finally collaborating with him and the firm’s highly regarded Government Contracts team.”

Nicole earned her J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law, and her B.S. from Pennsylvania State University.

About Blank Rome

Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 16 offices and 800 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. For more information, please visit blankrome.com.