Personnel note: Procurement law powerhouse Nicole Vele joins GrayRobinson’s D.C. office

GrayRobinson^[1] is expanding its Washington, D.C., office with the addition of seasoned government contracts lawyer and former U.S. Air Force JAG officer Nicole Vele.

Vele joins the firm as a shareholder, bringing extensive experience advising clients on complex federal procurement and litigation matters, including pre- and post-award bid protests, contract modifications, terminations, and claims.

“Nicole’s unique blend of legal acumen, leadership experience, and government insight perfectly complements our legal-lobbying team, which has been embedded in the federal landscape for over three decades,” said John Ariale, managing shareholder of GrayRobinson’s Washington office.

“Her addition strengthens our ability to deliver comprehensive legal and government affairs solutions to clients operating at the intersection of business, policy, and regulation in Washington, D.C., and beyond.”

Vele, who has managed multibillion-dollar contracting matters during her career, said she was drawn to GrayRobinson’s integrated legal and lobbying platform.

“I’m thrilled to join GrayRobinson’s dynamic team in Washington,” Vele said. “The firm’s deep integration of legal and lobbying services creates a powerful platform for advising clients on government contracting and federal litigation. I look forward to helping organizations navigate complex regulatory environments, mitigate risk, and achieve mission success.”

Vele is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, New York, and Wisconsin, as well as before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. She is also an active member of the American Bar Association’s Public Contract Law Section and serves on several committees focused on procurement law.

Vele earned a master of laws in government procurement and fiscal law from George Washington University, a law degree and master’s in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Wisconsin, a master’s in organizational leadership and quality from Marian University, and a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Marquette University.