Nicole Sappingfield is a member in Dickinson Wright’s Chicago office, where she focuses her practice on a variety of corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate governance, and commercial transactions. She works with businesses at various stages, helping them structure deals, manage risk, and move transactions forward efficiently.
Nicole also serves as general outside counsel to clients in a wide range of industries, including cybersecurity, entertainment, health and wellness, manufacturing, and sports betting. Nicole started her career at Dickinson Wright’s Detroit office and, prior to joining our Chicago office, worked as an Associate at an international law firm's Chicago office, giving her a broad perspective on both national and middle-market transactions.
Nicole also serves as general outside counsel to clients in a wide range of industries, including cybersecurity, entertainment, health and wellness, manufacturing, and sports betting. Nicole started her career at Dickinson Wright’s Detroit office and, prior to joining our Chicago office, worked as an Associate at an international law firm's Chicago office, giving her a broad perspective on both national and middle-market transactions.
Education & Credentials
Education
Wayne State University Law School
J.D., 2017- cum laude
- Wayne State Law Review
- Dickinson Wright Women’s Network Scholarship Recipient
University of Michigan
B.A., Comparative Literature, 2014- Kelsey Kollen-Putz and J.J. Putz Endowed Softball Scholarship Recipient
Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Illinois Super Lawyers
- "Rising Stars" Mergers & Acquisitions, 2025-2026
- Michigan Super Lawyers
- Mergers & Acquisitions, 2020
Prominent Assignments
- Represents private equity buyers in numerous add-on transactions for a diverse portfolio of companies.
- Represents family-owned and privately-owned businesses in the M&A sale process.
- Assists small and middle-market businesses review and update corporate documentation to ensure compliance with applicable governing law.
- Drafts and negotiates commercial contracts for clients to meet particular business needs and mitigate risks.
Professional Involvement
- State Bar of Michigan
- Association for Corporate Growth (Chicago)
Community Involvement
- Routinely counsels pro bono and nonprofit entities in contract matters
Publications/Presentations
- Speaker, "Lawyers Working Hybrid or Remotely: Thumbs Up or Down ... Why and How?," Chicago Bar Association, November 2022
- Panelist, “The Evolution of Client Service,” ACGDetroit’s NextGen Breakfast and Learn, 2019