Troutman Pepper > Richmond, United States > Firm Profile

Troutman Pepper > The Legal 500 Rankings

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 1

Fielding one of the largest practices in the market, Troutman Pepper advises clients on the whole gamut of regulatory issues in the electric power sector, though the firm is especially well regarded for its leading FERC practice, with lawyers capable of assisting clients with regulatory compliance and defending them in investigations. Hydropower constitutes another key area for the group, where it handles work in relation to FERC relicensing proceedings and policy initiatives, among others. Brandon Marzo is a go-to contact for regulatory approvals on behalf of major utilities and co-heads the practice out of the firm’s Atlanta office. Amie Colby has longstanding experience representing electric power clients in a wide range of matters before FERC and also co-heads the practice alongside Christopher Jones, whose expertise includes energy market design, market-based rate programs and competition aspects of M&A deals in the power sector; both are based in Washington DC. In Portland, Adrienne Thompson is another FERC specialist with particular know-how of FPA and PURPA-related matters.

Government > State attorneys general Tier 1

Troutman Pepper offers decades of experience in navigating state attorneys general relationships, representing an array of clients across key industry sectors including financial services, telecoms, tech, healthcare, and tobacco in investigations and enforcement actions. Regulatory interest in advertising and marketing practices, privacy and data security, consumer lending, product safety, and environmental protection count among the team’s range of expertise. The practice is led by Richmond-based Ashley Taylor, a regulatory and enforcement specialist with a focus on consumer protection, marketing and advertising representations, statutory disclosures, unfair or deceptive acts, and data security, alongside Orange County’s Clayton Friedman, who represents companies in highly regulated industries in matters involving advertising, marketing, consumer finance, and privacy, and Stephen Piepgrass, also in Richmond, who is particularly sought after for investigations and litigation. In Orange County, Michael Yaghi draws on extensive litigation experience in supporting on regulatory enforcement and investigations into advertising and sales practices, and consumer protection issues, while Richmond’s Ryan Strasser represents and counsels c-suite executives and inhouse counsel at Fortune 500 companies facing regulatory investigations. Former Virginia attorney general Judith Jagdmann, who joined the Richmond office in April 2023 from the Virginia State Corporation Commission, is well-versed in multistate enforcement actions.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices Tier 2

Combining strong overarching life sciences knowledge with compelling litigation sensibilities, Troutman Pepper is a popular choice among leading drug manufacturers and medical device companies, including Eli Lilly, GSK and Becton Dickinson, in the defense of high-stakes product liability, mass tort, and personal injury claims across a wide range of products. Through proactive strategies at a motions stage in large mass tort/MDL proceedings the team, which has particularly strength from Philadelphia and Atlanta, has paved the way for future victories, for example, through  successfully excluding or limiting plaintiff expert testimony. Similarly, it is unafraid to try cases and has built an excellent track record of successfully representing clients in traditionally plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions. Philadelphia-based Barry Boise combines strong trial experience, including as it relates to government investigations, with counselling and regulatory prowess to provide comprehensive protection for many leading clients. In Atlanta, Eric Rumanek combines science and legal knowledge to good effect, helping smaller pharmaceutical companies to avoid litigation and to comply with oftentimes burdensome regulatory strictures, as well as acting as national and trial counsel for higher-profile companies in large scale mass torts. Leveraging his impressive trial skills, Philadelphia-based team head Sean Fahey regularly gains impressive concessions on settlements, as well as often acting as first-chair in high-profile trials involving complex technical and scientific issues.

Dispute resolution > E-discovery Tier 3

Troutman Pepper is well-equipped to assist clients with the full spectrum of e-discovery matters, including preservation, collection, review and litigation readiness. The team further provides support on multi-district litigations and governmental investigations. Seasoned litigator Alison Grounds leads the team from Atlanta and regularly acts before federal courts in all types of discovery and data security disputes. Also Atlanta-based, Jim Calvert is a litigator who handles antitrust and regulatory proceedings, while Jason Lichter of New York is a key member with a standout capability in tech-related matters.

Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 3

Troutman Pepper is known for its expertise in the natural gas sector, where the firm assists clients with matters related to pipelines, terminals, LNG facilities, as well as emerging fuels and technology. The team is co-led by Amie Colby, Daniel Archuleta, and Atlanta-based Brandon Marzo. Colby routinely advises on FERC regulations and transmission issues, Archuleta advises on the development and construction of large natural gas infrastructure and technologies in addition to addressing regulatory concerns involving LNG and compressed natural gas, and Marzo regularly represents companies in regulatory approvals before state commissions. In Charlotte, Mindy McGrath represents clients in regulatory matters before the FERC. Russell Kooistra concentrates his practice on the federal regulation of the physical and financial gas and electricity markets, and Antonia Douglas has a special focus on supporting natural gas pipeline companies and local distribution companies before the US Court of Appeals and FERC. Practitioners mentioned are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 3

Troutman Pepper acts on the full range of renewable energy assets, with mandates including roles on high profile solar, wind, battery storage acquisitions and disposals, as well as overseeing full company takeovers. The firm demonstrates a deep knowledge and understanding of the full life cycle of energy projects, advising on the project finance, development, environmental and regulatory piece through the eventual sale. Alongside this work, the firm continues to be actively engaged with natural-gas facilities, especially with regard to the connected acquisition financing. Team lead and Los Angeles-based John Leonti is equally proficient across M&A and project financing, and is particularly sought out for his tax equity transaction expertise. Andrew Schifrin advises a wide range of clients from the firm’s New York office, including top PE outfits such as Hull Street Energy, while M&A specialist and Richmond-based Clayton De Arment focuses on venture capital transactions and joint venture deals in the renewable and energy transition space. Also based in Richmond, Anne C. Loomis is routinely sought after by public utilities and wider energy industry players for tax credit advice. Andrew Scott Thurmond is a key supporting presence across a wealth of practice mandates and operates from Washington DC.  

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 3

With a recent track record advising on projects in solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydro power generation, and power storage matters, the renewable energy practice at Troutman Pepper is particularly strong on tax equity financing for both investors and sponsors. The practice also assists with the full spectrum of project finance, environmental, real estate, and regulatory law issues. John Leonti at the Los Angeles office specializes financial transactions in the energy sector and co-leads the department with New York-based Craig Kline, the founder of the firm’s renewable energy group. The Portland office houses tax expert Adam Kobos, while Christine Byrnes is another finance expert with a focus on renewables. Anne Loomis and Vaughn Henry Morrison in Richmond and Atlanta, respectively, further show the strength of the practice across the country.

Finance > Project finance Tier 3

Highly regarded for its tax equity financing expertise, Troutman Pepper‘s projects practice works in relation to many of the foremost global energy players acting as both borrowers and lenders counsel. The team’s strong work in the energy transition space is benefitted by the firm’s wider tech capabilities, and as such the team boasts an extensive track record on digital infrastructure and emerging energy sources mandates, with electric vehicle, hydrogen, and battery storage instructions increasingly coming to the fore alongside continued excellence advising on solar and wind matters. John Leonti and Craig Kline co-lead the practice for Los Angeles and New York respectively, with the duo demonstrating established strength in tax equity financings as well as a variety of debt structures that includes sale leasebacks, construction finance, and leveraged transactions. Portland’s Adam Kobos is a key relationship partner for many of the firm’s most high-profile tax equity investors, project developers and sponsors, handling federal, state and local tax issues, often working alongside Christine Byrnes who sits in the Los Angeles office and possesses similar tax equity capabilities as well as an extensive debt financing practice. Richmond’s Anne Loomis is another notable name in the firm’s tax group, who utilises previous in-house experience to comprehensively advise energy and public utilities clients on a range of issues. The Atlanta-based Vaughn Henry Morrison and New-York centered MK Houston are also recommended.  

Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 3

Troutman Pepper , focusing on insurance coverage for national and global insurers, excels in handling high-value D&O liability claims, complex professional liability matters, and high-profile general liability cases across healthcare, opioids, and environmental issues. Headed by Richard Pratt, an expert in insurance concussion law and an experienced litigator based in Washington, the practice includes key members such as Bill O’Neill, located in Washington, who brings great experience representing insurers and reinsurers in complex arbitrations, litigations, and regulatory matters. Fellow Washington-based partner Charles Jones serves as the specialized litigation department chair, representing clients nationwide in high-stakes matters involving directors and officers, professional liability, and general liability insurance policies. In California, Terrence McInnis, with extensive experience in complex and high-stakes disputes throughout the United States, and Kevin Kieffer, a well-versed litigator in complex insurance coverage issues and a recognized leader in the cyber insurance field, further support the practice.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m) Tier 3

Handling middle-market investments and acquisitions throughout the US, Troutman Pepper’s corporate team is sought out by private equity sponsors and strategic clients to handle deals, with a substantial number featuring a noteworthy cross-border element or incorporating corporate carve-outs. Auction sales and transactions connected to the technology sector are further practice strengths. Matthew Greenberg co-heads the team from the firm’s Wilmington office and routinely advises on roll-ups and distressed transactions. In Richmond, practice co-head Mason Bayler is a key contact for both public and private M&A. Bruce Fenton  in Philadelphia has in-depth knowledge of the healthcare sector, while transactions in the food industry represent a key area of focus for Fenton’s Philadelphia colleague Solomon Hunter Jr.

Energy > Energy litigation: electric power Tier 4

Troutman Pepper is reputed for its strong FERC practice, and offers particular proficiency with matters in the hydropower sector, for which Charles Sensiba is a key advisor. Among the firm’s clients are numerous investor-owned utilities and developers, who engage the team for disputes related to M&A, antitrust, generation and transmission rates, and interconnection issues. The group is led by a trio that exemplifies the firm’s capabilities in FERC proceedings: Brandon Marzo in Atlanta, Amie Colby, and Christopher Jones, who also covers matters related to transmission, energy market design and competition law. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

Clients turn to the team at Troutman Pepper for its ability to handle a full scope of environmental and natural resources litigation, which extends to the challenging of regulations. Richmond-based Andrea Wortzel leads the team, offering clients her experience handling permitting, compliance and environmental enforcement defense. Also in Richmond, Brooks Smith deals with environmental and natural resources litigation and enforcement defense, while Atlanta’s William Droze, who offers extensive trial and appellate practice, is known for his representation of clients in state and federal courts across the US.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

With deep expertise in the utilities space, the environmental group at Troutman Pepper attracts a spread of clients from across the energy sector, advising on energy transition projects, including EV charging and lithium production, in addition to issues related to the Clean Water Act. Andrea Worzel  in Richmond deals with water rights and supply issues, as well as advising on endangered species issues, waste permitting and environmental compliance, while Atlanta’s Mack McGuffey is recommended for his work falling under the Clean Air Act.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 4

Troutman Pepper assists several US and international companies, trade associations, and non-profit environmental organizations on a range of environmental transactions in the energy sector, including advice on power generation facilities, renewable energy projects and other infrastructure and real estate development, such as permitting, site acquisition and development, greenhouse gas regulation, and climate change. In Richmond, the team is led by water law expert Andrea Wortzel, and includes New York-based Andrew Perel, noted for his expertise in development projects, remediation of contaminated properties, and environmental compliance and due diligence for real estate transactions. In Atlanta, risk management and mitigation of environmental issues specialist Buck Dixon is also recommended.

Finance > Financial services regulation Tier 4

Troutman Pepper is adept at supporting clients offering consumer finance products, advising on the structuring of products ranging from buy now, pay later transactions to auto loans and mortgages. Spearheading the firm’s efforts are Atlanta’s Chris Willis, a specialist in UDAAP compliance, and Michael Lacy, a Richmond-based litigator who represents clients facing actions under the FCRA and state UDAAP laws. In Philadelphia, Mark Furletti specializes in regulations governing consumer and small business lending and related enforcement actions, while in Atlanta, Stefanie Jackman concentrates her efforts on representing clients facing government investigations and a variety of compliance issues. Washington DC-based Kevin Petrasic joined the firm in March 2024 from Davis Wright Tremaine, contributing significant expertise in complex financial institution regulatory issues.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: middle-market (Up to $500m) Tier 4

Troutman Pepper‘s practice handles both fund formation and transactional matters on an integrated basis for a client roster of middle-market private equity and venture capital funds and is particularly well-situated to advise on investments and buyouts in the tech, financial services, and healthcare sectors. The team also works with a series of target and portfolio companies on sell-side transactions and is well-regarded in advising start-ups and scale-ups on inbound investments and series financings. Philadelphia-based lawyer Bruce Fenton, an expert on leveraged buyouts, mergers, and recapitalizations, heads up the practice, which maintains offices across the country and is also home to Wilmington-based private and growth equity expert Matthew Greenberg, Charlotte lawyer Alec Watson, who has experience handling a wide range of private equity deals, as well as public and private M&A expert Nicholas Stawasz, who practices from Boston.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 4

Troutman Pepper combines an active contentious practice with strong capabilities in drafting and negotiating various design and construction agreements. Team leader and experienced construction litigator Michael Subak is based in Philadelphia, and regularly represents owners, EPC, and general contractors. In New York, Aaron Abraham acts for corporate and institutional owners and developers, as well as companies in the real estate and hospitality sectors, on commercial, residential and mixed-use projects, while Pittsburgh-based Albert Bates handles disputes concerning power generation, infrastructure and heavy industrial process facilities. Other key areas of expertise include litigation performance deficiencies, in addition to drafting and negotiating EPC agreements. James Diwik retired in June 2023.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 5

Acting from both startups and large multinational companies in the healthcare and life sciences, food, and agriculture industries, Troutman Pepper frequently litigates in matters involving claims of anticompetitive conduct such as monopolization, price-fixing, and supply manipulation. Barbara Sicalides and Daniel Anziska jointly lead the practice; the ‘excellent‘ Sicalides, in Philadelphia, handles class actions and individual plaintiff actions, working alongside the New York-based Anziska. Also in Philadelphia is the ‘competent, credible, and trustworthy’ Michael Hartman, who has a strong track record defending clients in Sherman Act conspiracy cases, and Robin Sumner, a go-to name for clients in the healthcare and biopharma sectors.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 5

With the addition of several new partners in 2023, Troutman Pepper continues to demonstrate consistent growth in the borrower space. Todd Ransom joined the Charlotte practice from Moore & Van Allen, PLLC, strengthening the firm’s asset-based lending practice, and Jeremy Rosenblum and Mark Furletti joined the Philadelphia team from Ballard Spahr LLP. Hazen Dempster, based in Georgia, advises both borrowers and issuers on corporate financings, from asset-based loans to mezzanine, debtor-in-possession and revolving loans. In Charlotte, Keith Mrochek focuses on syndicated and non-syndicated finance transactions, while Justin Wood represents a diverse list of public and private companies, including emerging companies, in acquisitions and other cross-border financings.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 5

Troutman Pepper‘s employee benefits and executive compensation practice is well regarded for its ability to design and review plans for large finance, manufacturing, and technology clients. In Charlotte, James Earle heads the practice. Earle acts as one of the key contacts for Bank of America Corporation regarding their employee benefit and equity compensation plans. Also in the Charlotte office, Lynne Wakefield and Lydia Parker recently assisted a client in creating an excepted benefit health reimbursement arrangement, while Emily Zimmer excels in advising large financial institutions on a broad range of benefit programs. In Atlanta, Jeffery Banish is working on qualified pension and 401(k) plans, nonqualified deferred compensation under 409(a) and 457(a), and welfare plans. In the Richmond office, Lynda Crouse is well-versed in executive compensation matters, including the design of both short-term and long-term incentive programs and equity awards.  

Real estate Tier 5

Troutman Pepper handles a large volume of real estate development and transaction matters with particular expertise covering construction loan financing, acquisitions and sales, and ground and property leases, evidenced by the firms advising of LL Flooring in lease negotiations for over 400 retail locations. Beyond retail, the practice has wide-ranging sector expertise supporting lenders and, more so, developers across the life sciences, hotel, logistics and distribution spaces, as well as multifamily developments. Leading the practice is Anthony Greene who is based in the firm’s Atlanta office. In Pennsylvania, Matthew Swett often assists real estate investment funds as well as retail, technology, medical, and pharmaceutical companies in built-to-suit office developments and transactions. Meanwhile, Virginia-based Carl Bivans is highlighted for his experience in negotiating build-to-suit leases relating to data centers and mixed-use developments, together with his work for energy clients.

Tax > International tax Tier 5

Troutman Pepper represents private equity funds, portfolio companies, and public and private companies in a wide range of international tax related transactions and matters including M&A, refinancing, repatriation strategies, IPOs, restructurings, and management company transactions. Practice head Joan Arnold routinely advises on corporate and partnership taxation, corporate and private investment fund formation, and tax planning. Howard Goldberg supports US and international businesses and their principal stakeholders to optimize tax results in connection with life-cycle transactions. Morgan Klinzing has a special focus on federal and international income tax and private equity matters. All lawyers mentioned are based in Philadelphia.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection)

Real estate > Land use/zoning