Troutman Pepper

Pepper Hamilton was also launched more than 125 years ago in the City of Brotherly Love, where it remained for 80 years. In the second half of the 20th century, the firm began branching out, establishing offices around the United States through steady expansion that included mergers.

In 2020, these two firms merged, creating a megafirm with more than 20 domestic offices. The firm's leadership consisted of representatives from both legacy firms. Steve Lewis of Troutman Sanders served as Chair, and Tom Cole of Pepper Hamilton served as Managing Partner.

Planting Seeds

Troutman Pepper lawyers work in more than 20 practice areas, including construction, energy, finance, health sciences, insurance, private equity, real estate, and technology practices.

The firm is home to a bustling corporate and securities practice. Through its Troutman Pepper SEED Program, the firm offers legal counseling and access to basic legal documents to startups. Troutman Pepper attorneys mentor these businesses on processes and policies related to board development, business plan development, and investor relations. In addition, the firm offers these clients an alternative fee structure.

Similar to many other large DC firms that serve big-time clients, Troutman Pepper has a government relations arm. Troutman Pepper Strategies is a stand-alone operation that assists the clients of its law firm sibling with consulting and lobbying services related to agriculture, energy, the environment, insurance, healthcare, appropriations and project funding, telecommunications and technology, and transportation and infrastructure. Troutman Pepper Strategies has offices in four cities: Atlanta; Raleigh; Richmond; and Washington, DC.

The firm was among the first to launch a subsidiary entirely focused on eDiscovery and legal technology. It established Troutman Pepper eMerge in 2012.

Supporting Associates

Troutman Pepper lawyers can take advantage of a plethora of training resources, starting with its Entry-Level Associate Academy for junior associates. Lawyers continue to receive formal training through the firm's Attorney Professional Training Program, which includes training at the firmwide and practice area levels. The firm also embraces informal training, encouraging lawyers to learn on the job alongside senior lawyers and to develop important communication skills by interacting with clients early in their careers.

The firm is also focused on creating an inclusive environment—a priority that both legacy firms embraced. According to the firm, both Pepper Hamilton and Troutman Sanders had been long-time participants in the Human Rights Campaign’s benchmarking efforts, with each legacy firm scoring 100% on the Corporate Equality Index.

• Top 5% of All Law Firms for Client Service, 2024—BTI Client Service A-Team Report
• 135 Band-Ranked Attorneys and 58 Band-Ranked Practice Areas, 2023—Chambers USA
• Most Innovative Law Firm, 2023—Financial Times North America Innovative Lawyers Report
• USA M&A Law Firm of the Year, 2022—Global M&A Network
• Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certified, 2023—Diversity Lab
• 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators, 2023—Fast Company