Associate - Bank & Leveraged Finance

Blank Rome welcomes Nicole Islinger as partner in Washington, D.C., strengthening corporate practice and Aerospace, Defense & Government Services industry team. 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.

Pillsbury welcomes ex-doj environment litigation head. A top US environmental lawyer has joined Pillsbury in Washington, DC. Todd Kim, former assistant attorney general for the US Department of Justice's (DoJ) Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), has joined Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman's Washington, DC office as a litigation partner. His hire was confirmed on Monday (1 December). Kim moves on from an illustrious government career that spanned nearly three decades, beginning with a seven-year tenure as a DoJ appellate lawyer and briefly interrupted by a partnership at Reed Smith between 2018 and 2021. Over his career, he has held a number of top roles, including solicitor general for the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia and Deputy General Counsel for Litigation, Regulation and Enforcement. "I am thrilled to join Pillsbury, its esteemed litigation practice and its remarkable roster of battle-tested trial lawyers," Kim remarked. "Whether in relation to the broad implications of environmental regulatory shifts, high-stakes appellate cases or state attorney general matters, I very much look forward to helping clients navigate the complex issues they face today." As ENRD assistant attorney general, Kim oversaw the regulator's environmental and administrative law litigation strategy, managing cases relating to Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act enforcement, federal environmental crimes and land management, Native American rights and resources, and superfund site cleanup. Deborah Baum, Pillsbury's global litigation head, commented: "Todd's versatility across energy, environmental and appellate work, and importantly, the intersection of those areas, makes him a perfect addition to Pillsbury. He brings a level of credibility and perspective in these sectors that few practitioners can match, and fits seamlessly into our winning and growing global disputes team." "Todd is a nationally renowned litigator whose impeccable resume strengthens our litigation capabilities in myriad ways," added firm chair David Dekker. "His vast knowledge of energy and environmental law, substantial appellate experience and stellar reputation within government circles afford our clients an invaluable resource as they navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment at the state and federal levels." Related jurisdictions. Related practice areas. Join its network of Legal experts. Are you a recognised specialist in one of its 16 areas of coverage with expertise and knowledge you want to bring to a high-value, international readership? Contact Global Legal Insights to find out more about participating in the Global Legal Insights series.

Pillsbury is Gearing up its IP offering with latest hire. The addition comes amid rising patent disputes and emerging technologies. Global law firm Pillsbury has appointed partner Brian Paul Gearing to its intellectual property practice in the firm's New York, Washington, DC and Tokyo offices. Gearing joins from international law firm Crowell & Moring where he has served for the past eight years, most recently as co-head of the Asia intellectual property specialty practice. He has extensive experience representing clients in complex intellectual property matters, offering both strategic advice before litigation and strong representation in court. He has delivered landmark results for companies in the telecommunications, technology, financial and life sciences industries, including the first federal trial on inter partes review estoppel. Pillsbury chair David Dekker commented: "Brian's arrival enhances our global Intellectual Property practice, adding critical trial experience and important depth to our team. With Pillsbury's focus on serving clients in innovation-driven industries, his impressive record and deep connections across the US, Japan and the wider Asian region make him a valuable asset for firm clients all over the world." Global head of intellectual property Michael Zeliger added: "Brian is a sophisticated strategist and a practical problem solver. He brings a rare combination of scientific expertise, courtroom experience and business acumen that make him a strong strategic fit for our global IP platform." Of his new position Gearing said: "I'm thrilled to join Pillsbury's exceptional team. The firm's position at the forefront of the tech sector, its standout reputation in disputes and its considerable international experience align perfectly with the needs and values of the companies I represent. I look forward to being part of such a forward-thinking law firm, and to collaborating with my new colleagues to further cement Pillsbury's reputation in the US, Asia and globally." His appointment follows Pillsbury's latest hires to the intellectual property team including Mark Abate and J. Rick Taché.