ATLANTA – Peter D. Leary, former U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, has joined Troutman Pepper Locke’s White Collar Litigation and Investigations Practice in Atlanta. Leary began serving as U.S. Attorney in 2020 and was responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the Middle District of Georgia, including Albany, Athens, Columbus, Macon, and Valdosta.
“Having had the privilege of working closely with Peter in the past, I am thrilled to welcome him to our team and look forward to collaborating with him once again,” said Charlie Peeler, managing partner of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Atlanta office, who served as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia from 2017 to 2020. “Peter’s deep understanding of both criminal and civil government enforcement actions, combined with his established relationships within the Georgia business, legal, and law enforcement communities, will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to our clients, our investigations practice here in Atlanta, and across the firm.”
As the chief federal law enforcement official for a district encompassing 70 counties and a population of approximately two million people, Leary was instrumental in leading high-profile investigations and prosecutions. Additionally, he was an active member of several Attorney General Advisory Committee (AGAC) subcommittees, contributing in areas such as cyber and intellectual property, terrorism and national security, violent and organized crime, and environmental justice.
“Peter’s background in high-stakes litigation and government processes will enhance our firm’s capabilities in defending clients against criminal liability and navigating complex legal challenges,” said Allison O’Neil, leader of Troutman Pepper Locke’s White Collar Litigation and Investigations Practice. “His experience in cybercrime and incident response, particularly his work as the U.S. Attorney Office’s Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property prosecutor and National Security Cyber Specialist, makes him a critical asset to our cybersecurity and data breach efforts.”
Before becoming the U.S. Attorney, Leary served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2018 to 2020, managing the office’s criminal, civil, appellate, and administrative divisions. He began his career with the Department of Justice in 2007 as an Honors Program trial attorney in the Civil Division’s Federal Programs Branch, where he defended executive actions and the constitutionality of acts of Congress. Leary’s extensive experience also includes serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the criminal division, where he led prosecutions in cases involving computer crimes, fraud, firearms, drugs, and terrorism.
Leary earned both his J.D. and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, where he was a Jefferson Scholar.
“I am thrilled to become part of Troutman Pepper Locke’s White Collar Litigation and Investigations team,” Leary said. “With my background in both criminal and civil enforcement actions, I am committed to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation and strategic counsel. I look forward to leveraging my government experience to help clients navigate complex enforcement actions and investigations.”
Troutman Pepper Locke’s White Collar Litigation and Investigations Practice Group includes former government prosecutors, in-house compliance counsel, and seasoned white collar defense attorneys who resolve sensitive government investigations and proceedings. The team has decades of experience handling high-stakes civil and criminal government investigations throughout the U.S. and are able to respond quickly to minimize risk.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
PHILADELPHIA – Troutman Pepper Locke secured a significant pro bono victory in the case of Ndungu v. Attorney General. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued a precedential opinion on Jan. 13, 2025, ruling that convictions for fleeing or eluding the police are not removable crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs).
Philadelphia counsel Chris Healy argued the case before a 14-judge en banc sitting of the Third Circuit last October.
The case had followed an unusual path. It was initially argued before a three-judge merits panel in January 2023, before Troutman Pepper Locke’s involvement. The case remained pending, with no decision, until May 2024, when the Third Circuit took the rare step of ordering a rehearing en banc sua sponte — that is, prior to issuing a decision and without any party requesting rehearing. At that time, Healy joined as co-counsel to assist in briefing and arguing the case before the en banc court.
The case concerns the so-called ‘categorical approach,’ which federal courts apply to determine whether a prior criminal conviction triggers immigration consequences. After a lawful permanent resident or other noncitizen has been convicted of a crime and served their sentence, they may later face immigration consequences, such as deportation, because of the conviction. To determine whether the prior conviction triggers immigration consequences, courts compare the elements of the prior state crime of conviction with those of an offense listed in the federal immigration laws. If the elements are the same, then there is a ‘categorical match,’ and the prior conviction may trigger deportation; if the elements are different, then there is no categorical match, and thus no immigration consequences. The same categorical methodology applies in federal criminal cases when courts have to determine whether a prior conviction triggers a sentencing enhancement.
Under long-standing Third Circuit law, courts conducted this analysis as a straightforward question of statutory interpretation. The Third Circuit took this case en banc to consider adding a factual inquiry into how prosecutors exercise their discretion, under which noncitizens would be required to prove how states choose to enforce their criminal laws. Locating such evidence, to the extent it exists, would be beyond the ability of most noncitizens, many of whom are detained during removal proceedings, and the great majority of whom are not represented by lawyers.
Healy presented oral argument on Oct. 9, 2024. The court’s questioning revealed how complicated implementing such a new regime would be. Ultimately, the court decided to leave its long-standing precedent in place, remanding the case back to the three-judge panel that initially heard the case. The panel, consisting of Judges Phipps, Jordan, and Roth, issued a precedential decision that affirmed and clarified existing law, under which the client’s convictions are not removable CIMTs.
This decision not only secured a win for the client but also preserved important, well-established principles. In addition to Healy, the team included Troutman Pepper Locke associates Kaitlin O’Donnell, Christy MacGregor, and Sierra Stockley, who played a crucial role in this victory.
“I am very pleased with the court’s decision, which resulted in our client’s release from immigration detention, where he has been for five years,” said Healy. “I’m also grateful to my colleagues at Troutman Pepper Locke. Kait, Christy, and Sierra provided superb research and writing assistance on the brief, and many others helped me prepare by participating in moots.”
Each year, Troutman Pepper Locke attorneys dedicate thousands of pro bono hours in support of nonprofits, immigrants, military veterans, children, the wrongfully convicted, civil rights and social justice initiatives, and so many other causes. Learn more at troutman.com/pro-bono.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
PHILADELPHIA – Jones, the vertical software company leading AI innovation in insurance verification, recently announced the close of its $15 million Series B funding round led by Troutman Pepper Locke client NewSpring Capital, a growth equity firm managing $3.5 billion in capital with over 250 platform investments, via its dedicated growth and expansion strategy, NewSpring Growth. Read a company press release about the investment.
The investment will support Jones in its mission to help clients make smart decisions about insurance risk so they can boost efficiency and mitigate insurance claims. The company plans to release a suite of AI-powered agents, smart assistants that automate routine tasks, reduce manual workloads, and offer autonomous decision-making. The AI agents are fine-tuned by proprietary data, including insurance logic, risk benchmarks, and millions of verified insurance documents. The company also plans to continue expanding software workflows and deepening ERP integrations.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team advising NewSpring Capital was led by Chris Miller and Nick Stawasz, and included Jake McDonough and Jack Taylor.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier national practice, Troutman Pepper Locke’s corporate attorneys regularly handle middle and lower middle market transactions for private equity clients alongside strategic deals for Fortune 100 corporations. Core areas of service include mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance, securities laws compliance, capital markets transactions, and other significant domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as general corporate counseling. The firm has a strong focus in the private equity and private fund services space, advising clients on matters including fund formation, growth equity investments, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and exit transactions.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Troutman Pepper Locke client Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.), a leading provider of venture debt and growth credit, recently announced a $10 million financing facility for Monalee, a high-growth, climate technology company focused on accelerating the adoption of home solar, storage, and EV charging. Read company press release about the financing.
A.R.I. provides funding to fuel growth, empowering founders to retain control of the companies they’ve built through customized financing solutions that minimize equity dilution. For investors, A.R.I. provides a safer way to access high-growth opportunities through exclusive deal flow and carefully managed risks in underserved segments of the American innovation economy. The $10 million financing facility from the A.R.I. Senior Secured Growth Credit Fund will fuel Monalee’s growth while minimizing equity dilution for its founders.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team advising A.R.I. in the financing included partner Chuck Charpentier and associate Emily Thomas.
Troutman Pepper Locke’s Financial Services Group offers comprehensive support to financial services businesses in today’s challenging and rapidly evolving environment. Consistently recognized as a leading service provider to all segments of the financial services industry, the firm provides timely and practical counsel to guide clients with their most important decisions. From global financial institutions to small banks and non-bank financial service providers, clients depend on Troutman Pepper Locke to help them achieve their strategic and commercial goals while managing regulatory and litigation risk.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Satellos Bioscience Inc. (Satellos or Company), a public biotech company developing new small molecule therapeutic approaches to improve the treatment of muscle diseases and disorders, recently announced the pricing and terms of its approximately US$40 million overnight marketed public offering of its common shares in Canada and a concurrent private placement in the United States and elsewhere. Troutman Pepper represented the lead agent, Bloom Burton, in the US offering. Read a company press release about the offering.
Satellos is a clinical-stage drug development company dedicated to developing life-improving medicines to treat degenerative muscle diseases. Satellos has invented SAT-3247 as a first-of-its-kind, orally administered small molecule drug designed to restore skeletal muscle regeneration initially in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Satellos has generated a significant body of preclinical evidence in DMD to support its discovery that correcting muscle stem cell polarity with SAT-3247 has the potential to restore skeletal muscle regeneration to repair and strengthen muscle that has been damaged.
The Troutman Pepper team advising Bloom Burton in the offering included Thomas Rose and Shona Smith.
Troutman Pepper is a go-to firm for life sciences transactions with a large, multidisciplinary team with a deep understanding of the space. The firm regularly advises pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, diagnostics, and other life sciences clients on all types of corporate matters — governance and general corporate advice; M&A transactions; licensing transactions and other complex collaborations; IPOs, follow-on public offerings, PIPE transactions, and other capital markets transactions; seed and later-stage venture capital financings; and much more.
About Troutman Pepper
Troutman Pepper is a national law firm with 1,100+ attorneys strategically located in more than 20 U.S. cities. The firm’s litigation, transactional, and regulatory practices advise a diverse client base, from startups to multinational enterprises. The firm provides sophisticated legal solutions to clients’ most pressing business challenges, with depth across industry sectors, including energy, financial services, health sciences, insurance, and private equity, among others. Learn more at troutman.com.
HOUSTON — Troutman Pepper Locke represented The Energy & Minerals Group (EMG) and EMG Medallion 2 Holdings, LLC (Medallion), an EMG portfolio company that owns over 140 miles of crude oil pipelines and approximately 106,000 barrels of crude oil storage capacity in the core of the southern Delaware Basin, in its sale of 100% of the membership interests of Medallion to a wholly owned subsidiary of Plains Oryx Permian Basin LLC.
EMG is a specialized natural resource focused private equity firm founded in 2006 with current assets under management of approximately $13 billion as of September 30, 2024. In addition, EMG’s funds and co-investments have returned approximately $11 billion to Limited Partners to date. EMG targets equity investments of $150 million to $1,000 million across the natural resource industry, which includes the extraction and processing of the critical metals and minerals to facilitate decarbonization as well as upstream and midstream energy.
The team that advised EMG and Medallion in the sale was led by Bill Swanstrom and Jennie Simmons, and included Shumaila Dhuka, Alex Dillard, Joe Farside, Tammi Niven, Eric Larson, and Andrew Nelson.
Troutman Pepper Locke’s market-leading energy practices help clients with their most important and complex matters throughout the U.S. and beyond. From electric power, oil and gas, or emerging technologies, the cross-discipline team is equipped to handle any related matters, drawing on the depth of the firm’s knowledge in the market. Troutman Pepper Locke regularly advises electric utilities, independent power producers, banks, upstream and midstream natural gas companies and service companies, private equity funds, and other large corporations. Learn more at energylawinsights.com.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
RICHMOND – Ashley L. Taylor, Jr., co-leader of Troutman Pepper Locke’s nationally ranked State Attorneys General Practice, co-edited a new book published by the American Bar Association titled Consumer Protection: Understanding Enforcement Actions Brought by State Attorneys General. Given the growing regulatory power of state attorneys general in highly regulated industries, companies are at risk of bet-the-company government investigations, enforcement actions, and high-stakes litigation.
The book aims to educate in-house counsel and practitioners concerning the unique legal skills related to the state attorneys general practice and provides a comprehensive guide that covers distinctive laws, processes, and perspectives in consumer protection work. It reveals the unwritten rules of state attorneys general offices to enhance understanding and transparency, offering practical guidance from both the defense and government’s perspectives.
“The regulatory landscape is constantly evolving and when the administration changes at the end of the month, we anticipate a significant uptick in state attorneys general investigations and enforcement. The Troutman Pepper Locke state attorneys general team closely tracks regulatory and enforcement issues nationwide to ensure our clients know what to do if state AG focus falls on them,” said Taylor. “I am excited to share this book to shed some light on how attorney general offices allocate enforcement resources, prioritize their actions, and how to develop comprehensive, thoughtful strategies when dealing with this most formidable authority.”
Taylor is a nationally recognized and sought-after strategist who has been Chambers-ranked for 10 years and has practiced in this field for over two decades. Clients benefit from his experience as a former deputy attorney general and insights gained from handling industry-shaping, multistate investigations, and litigation before every state AG in the U.S., as well as the federal agencies that regulate his clients’ businesses.
Through case studies and essays, the book illustrates various strategies employed by attorney generals to address issues like deceptive practices, environmental violations, and health care fraud. Each chapter delves into enforcement challenges and solutions, providing a resource that balances legal theory with practical insights. Other topics include enforcement priorities, critical statutes, available remedies, and investigative processes, as well as confidentiality considerations, multistate investigations, and coordination with federal agencies.
Troutman Pepper Locke’s State Attorneys General practice has become a go-to for clients seeking assistance with state AG enforcement, litigation, and compliance matters, and is one of only a few ranked nationwide by Chambers USA in the category. The practice comprises more than 40 attorneys, including numerous former state AG officials, with team members handling AG investigations involving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
Consumer Protection: Understanding Enforcement Actions Brought by State Attorneys General can be ordered on the ABA website here.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
ATLANTA – Troutman Pepper Locke client Regional Health Properties, Inc. (Regional) (NYSE American: RHE), a self-managed health care real estate investment company, recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with SunLink Health Systems, Inc. (SunLink) (NYSE American: SSY), the parent company of Carmichael’s Cashway Pharmacy. Regional invests primarily in real estate purposed for senior living and long-term care. Read a company press release about the agreement.
SunLink will merge with and into Regional in exchange for a mix of Regional common and preferred stock. The merger is expected to close in the spring of 2025. The combined company will be based in Atlanta.
The Troutman Pepper Locke team advising Regional included attorneys Paul Fancher, Brink Dickerson, Constance Brewster, Thomas Gray, Emily Schifter, and Sarah Hanna.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier national practice, Troutman Pepper Locke’s corporate attorneys regularly handle strategic deals for Fortune 100 corporations, and middle and lower middle market transactions for private equity clients. Core areas of service include mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance, securities laws compliance, capital markets transactions, and other significant domestic and cross-border transactions, as well as general corporate counseling.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
ORANGE COUNTY — Edgar Vargas (CIPP/US), an associate in Troutman Pepper Locke’s national Privacy and Cyber Practice Group, has been selected as a co-chair for the International Association of Privacy Professionals’ (IAPP) Orange County KnowledgeNet Chapter. As co-chair, he will help lead the chapter in organizing educational meetings, networking activities, and other initiatives to bring the local privacy community together in Southern California.
Vargas assists clients with compliance and litigation issues related to privacy and cybersecurity laws and is particularly adept at helping businesses harness the power of data while mitigating potential risks. He is fluent in Spanish, allowing him to effectively communicate with and serve Spanish speaking clients.
The IAPP is the largest and most comprehensive global information privacy community and resource. Founded in 2000, the IAPP is a not-for-profit organization that helps define, promote, and improve the privacy profession globally.
For decades, Troutman Pepper Locke has represented leading global, as well as emerging, technology and life sciences companies. The team, recognized by Chambers USA and The Legal 500 as one of the top privacy practices in the U.S., includes privacy and cybersecurity thought leaders and pioneers in emerging issues relating to implementation and compliance, litigation, regulatory investigations, and incident response. Troutman Pepper Locke’s experience leading some of the most high-profile litigation matters and regulatory enforcement actions uniquely positions the firm to address emerging privacy and cyber issues that the world — and the law — have never had to confront before.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
Richmond/Virginia Beach – Twenty-one Troutman Pepper attorneys have been named to Virginia Business’ 2024 Class of ‘Legal Elite’. The annual list recognizes top attorneys in the state across 20 practice areas based on peer nominations.
2024 Legal Elite:
Ashley L. Taylor Jr. (Administrative/Government/Legislative)
John Owen Gwathmey (Business Law)
David I. Meyers (Business Law)
David C. Mancini (Construction)
John S. West (Criminal Law)
Gene Fishel (Cybersecurity/Data Privacy/Technology Law)
Brooks M. Smith (Environmental Law)
Andrea W. Wortzel (Environmental Law)
Erin S. Whaley (Health Law)
Robert A. Angle (Intellectual Property)
John A. Morrissett (Intellectual Property)
Christopher Forstner (Intellectual Property/Information Technology)
David E. Constine III (Labor/Employment Lawy)
Sarah Bennett Bures (Legal Services/Pro Bono)
Pamela S. Belleman (Real Estate/Land Use)
Carl H. Bivens (Real Estate/Land Use)
William G. Homiller (Real Estate/Land Use)
Dabney J Carr IV (Civil Litigation)
Michael E. Lacy (Civil Litigation)
John C. Lynch (Civil Litigation)
Gillian Williston (Civil Litigation)
For 25 years, Virginia Business has partnered with The Virginia Bar Association to identify the top legal talent in the state. More than 14,000 attorneys from over 50 law firms were asked to nominate the honorees. The full list of recognized attorneys and practice areas can be found in the Virginia Business Legal Elite online edition.
About Troutman Pepper
Troutman Pepper is a national law firm with more than 1,100 attorneys strategically located in 20+ U.S. cities. The firm’s litigation, transactional, and regulatory practices advise a diverse client base, from startups to multinational enterprises. The firm provides sophisticated legal solutions to clients’ most pressing business challenges, with depth across industry sectors, including energy, financial services, health sciences, insurance, and private equity, among others. Learn more at troutman.com.