Nicole Islinger joined Blank Rome’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, with substantial experience in government contracting, technology and private equity. Islinger, who began her career as an associate at Blank Rome, rejoins the firm from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.
“We are excited to welcome Nicole to our Washington, D.C., office and our national corporate practice,” Grant S. Palmer, chair and managing partner of Blank Rome, said. “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.”
Islinger 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, Islinger 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. Islinger 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,” Peter Schnur, partner and co-chair of the corporate, M&A and securities group for Blank Rome, said. “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,” Islinger said. “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.”
Islinger earned her J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law and her B.S. from Pennsylvania State University.
