PHILADELPHIA – Troutman Pepper prevailed in a decision on behalf of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), one of the country’s leading providers of student financial aid services. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the district court ruling that PHEAA, the loan servicer, was entitled to derivative sovereign immunity and was not liable for the consequences of decisions made by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) that PHEAA relayed to the plaintiff. On Monday, May 13, 2024, the Court denied appellant’s petition for rehearing and reargument.
The case centered on the fact that after PHEAA informed plaintiff that DOE had determined plaintiff’s employer did not qualify as an eligible employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the plaintiff left their job, only to have DOE reverse its decision a year later. Troutman Pepper argued that before changing employment, plaintiff could have challenged DOE’s decision under the Administrative Procedure Act, but that PHEAA was immune to a suit for damages.
“This decision should give other federal student loan servicers and, more broadly, any government contractor that communicates with individuals at the behest of the agency for which they are working, confidence that they will not be liable for conveying decisions made by the government,” said Partner Justin Weber. “DOE expressly authorized PHEAA to relay its decision to the plaintiff. The appellate court’s ruling rightfully confirmed that our client is entitled to derivative sovereign immunity for its actions and affirmed that the district court was correct in dismissing the case.”
The Troutman Pepper team also included Christopher Healy, and Ethan Ostroff, among others.
The attorneys in Troutman Pepper’s Business Litigation practice have a long, successful track record defending and prosecuting high-stakes commercial matters in federal, state, trial, and appellate courts throughout the United States. The national team is experienced in litigating complex multi-district cases, class actions, and single-case litigations. Whether representing entrepreneurial mid-market companies or Fortune 500 industry leaders, clients rely on the firm for representation before administrative boards, government agencies, and domestic and international alternative dispute tribunals.
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.
PHILADELPHIA – Troutman Pepper recently secured asylum on behalf of a pro bono client from Jordan, who was forced to flee her abusive husband and seek refuge for herself and her children in the United States. Although she sought help from the Jordanian authorities on multiple occasions, the client was told to reconcile with her husband and discouraged from pursuing legal action. It wasn’t until her arrival in the U.S. in 2019 that she had a meaningful opportunity to escape her abuser and build a better life for herself and her children.
In late 2023, the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center (PIRC) engaged Linnea Kelly and Andy Rogoff to handle the pro bono asylum matter. Kelly is an associate in Troutman Pepper’s Health Sciences Practice. Rogoff is a Fellow with the Pepper Center for Public Service. To prepare, Kelly and Rogoff engaged an expert from the University of Leeds, Dr. Hasan Hafidh, who produced a detailed report supporting the client’s claim that Jordan would do nothing to deter or punish the abuse she had suffered.
On April 11, Kelly successfully tried the case before an immigration judge. The client, who suffered more than a decade of relentless abuse, did her best to respond to difficult questioning on the witness stand, forced to recount to the best of her ability the extensive trauma she suffered – a very difficult task for survivors of domestic violence. Her testimony was corroborated by text messages from her abusive husband and from witness statements obtained from family friends aware of the situation. The cumulative weight of the factual evidence plus the thorough expert report persuaded the judge that the client could not safely return to Jordan. As a result, the judge ruled in favor of granting asylum to the client and her four children.
“This case was a powerful reminder of the impact that legal advocacy can have on individual lives,” Kelly said. “Being able to secure asylum for our client and her children, who have endured so much, was an incredibly rewarding experience. It underscores the importance of our work, and I am honored to have contributed to this significant milestone in our client’s journey to freedom and safety.”
The Pepper Center for Public Service, among other volunteer efforts, provides free and effective legal representation to help immigrants obtain or protect their legal status. Each year, Troutman Pepper 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.
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.
HOUSTON – Troutman Pepper has received the Products & Services Deal of the Year Award from the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Houston in recognition of the firm’s role as buyer counsel in Spring Partners Retail LLC’s acquisition of 64 fuel and convenience store locations from Landmark Industries, LLC. Read a company press release about the transaction online here.
Spring Partners Retail LLC is a joint venture between Global Partners LP (NYSE: GLP) and ExxonMobil. The Troutman Pepper team advising Spring Partners Retail LLC includes Mike McCann, Chrissy Allen, Emily Fahey, Carl Bivens, Sami Alsawaf, and Liz Vaughan.
ACG Houston announced the Deal of the Year winners at its seventh annual awards ceremony on April 24 at the Houston Country Club. The event celebrated Houston’s booming middle-market deal community, honoring the deals and dealmakers who drive middle market growth and their success in generating job growth, capital formation, and the advancement of meaningful business relationships in the Houston community. Award winners were selected by an independent panel of judges including top business leaders and educators.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier national practice, Troutman Pepper’s corporate attorneys regularly handle multimillion- and multibillion-dollar transactions. Core areas of service include capital markets transactions and other significant domestic and cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, securities laws compliance, and corporate finance. The firm has particular expertise in the private equity and private fund services space, advising clients on matters from fund formation to investments and exit transactions.
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.
RICHMOND, Va. – Troutman Pepper client Burke & Herbert Financial Services Corp. and Summit Financial Group Inc. recently announced the completion of the merger of Summit Financial Group, Inc. with and into Burke & Herbert and the merger of Summit Community Bank, Inc., with and into Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Company, effective May 3, 2024. Read a company press release about the transaction.
Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Company is the oldest continuously operating bank under its original name headquartered in the greater Washington DC Metro area. The bank offers a full range of business and personal financial solutions designed to meet customers’ banking, borrowing, and investment needs and, following the merger, has over 75 branches across Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The combined bank will focus on delivering increased value for its clients with an experienced board, a seasoned management group, and a team of people dedicated to exceptional service.
The multidisciplinary team advising Burke & Herbert was led by Gregory Parisi, and included attorneys Zayne Tweed, Jason Langford, Seth Winter, Danilo Castelli, David Kaplan, Sheri Adler, Emily Davidson, Joel Post, Mark Goldsmith, David Constine, and Adrianna ScheerCook.
Troutman Pepper’s Financial Services Group provides comprehensive support to all types of financial services businesses in today’s challenging and ever-changing environment. The team includes more than 250 attorneys who regularly advise global, national, regional, and community banks, financial technology companies, payments companies, consumer and commercial lenders, and a wide variety of other financial services businesses on the most crucial aspects of their business, from structuring major transactions to dealing with regulatory scrutiny and litigation.
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.
NEW YORK – Artificial intelligence leaders from more than 20 law firms will join Troutman Pepper for a summit focused on the use of generative AI in the legal industry, including associated use cases, training, ethical obligations, policy implications, and more. The Pathfinders Beyond Boundaries: Law Firm AI Summit will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Troutman Pepper’s New York office, located at 875 Third Avenue.
The inaugural Law Firm AI Summit is designed as a platform for industry leaders to share insights, strategies, and experiences in navigating the evolving landscape of generative AI technologies.
“The open exchange of ideas within the legal profession benefits our firms, our clients, and the industry at large,” said Troutman Pepper Chief Innovation Officer Will Gaus. “At the Summit, we will shed light on the paths taken by law firms that have harnessed the power of generative AI technologies and engage in meaningful discussion around inspirations, challenges, and breakthroughs.”
“It is helpful to have a forum for law firms to speak candidly about trending issues and share best practices for understanding and addressing the challenges that are impacting our field, and I am looking forward to engaging with peer firms in a thoughtful discussion,” said Aubrey Bishai, Chief Innovation Officer at Vinson & Elkins, who will co-present a session titled, “Beyond the Hype: Measuring the ROI of AI in Legal Practices.”
The Law Firm AI Summit will also feature these sessions: Buy vs. Build: Charting the Course of Generative AI in Law; Effective Training Strategies for the AI Present; Guiding Light: Exploring Ethical Obligations in the Age of AI; Steering the Course: Crafting Effective AI Policies; Client Expectations of and Tolerance for Legal Services Augmented by AI; and Redefining Staffing and Leadership for the Future of Law Firms.
For more information, please contact Troutman Pepper’s Director of Innovation Andrew Medeiros at andrew.medeiros@troutman.com.
Troutman Pepper was among the first law firms to launch a generative AI assistant, Athena. The platform harnesses OpenAI’s GPT to help attorneys and business professionals safely and effectively use generative AI to improve workflows and enhance overall user and client experiences. The firm’s focus on innovation has been recognized nationally. Just last year, Fast Company ranked Troutman Pepper among the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators, with the firm earning a spot in the top 50 for its investment in cultivating a culture of innovation.
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.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nineteen Troutman Pepper attorneys have been named to the 2023 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll by the D.C. Access to Justice Commission and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center.
The Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll recognizes attorneys who have provided 50 or more hours of pro bono services in the past year. Attorneys earning the Honors designation volunteer 50 to 99 hours and those qualifying for High Honors completed 100 or more hours.
Troutman Pepper attorneys recognized with High Honors include Savannah Billingham-Hemminger, Elizabeth Briones, Viktoriia De Las Casas, Lisanne M. Crowley, Quintessa Davis, Christopher Healy, Zach Kobokovich, Elizabeth McCormick, Sahara Shrestha, Misha Tseytlin, Cassidy Webb, and Mary Zinsner.
Troutman Pepper attorneys recognized with Honors include Scott Bergeson, Madeleine Cane, Amie Colby, Matthew Griffin, Corey Neal, Barbara Sicalides, and Jenna Tyrpak.
The D.C. Access to Justice Commission seeks to improve the ability of low– and moderate–income residents to access the civil justice system. The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center provides volunteer attorneys with resources and trainings to help provide pro bono legal services. These organizations partner with the D.C. Courts to recognize attorneys who demonstrate an ethical commitment and principled belief in equal access to justice through their pro bono legal services.
Each year, Troutman Pepper 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 more. Learn more at troutman.com/pro-bono.
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.
VIRGINIA BEACH – Robert Beaman, a partner in Troutman Pepper’s Real Estate Practice Group, has been appointed as office managing partner in Virginia Beach, effective May 7, 2024. Beaman succeeds John Ramirez, who has led the office since 2016.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of our Virginia Beach office, and I am committed to building on John’s remarkable work,” Beaman said. “As we continue to grow in the vibrant Virginia Beach area, we remain steadfast in our dedication to serving our clients and contributing to the prosperity of our community.”
Beaman, with his extensive experience in commercial real estate development throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, has represented a diverse range of clients in various real estate matters. His clients include nationally recognized leaders in the retail, manufacturing, energy, hospitality, entertainment, and residential industries.
In addition to his successful legal practice, Beaman has strong ties to the local community and is a recognized leader within the firm and the broader industry.
Troutman Pepper’s Virginia Beach office, centrally located in a vibrant business hub, has enjoyed a significant legal presence in the Hampton Roads market since 1989. The firm has been a key player in the growth and development of the Hampton Roads area, providing national and international counsel to Fortune 500, middle market, and emerging companies in all major areas of legal practice.
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.
NEW YORK – An estimated 78 million people in the United States have a criminal record, and those with records face extreme economic devastation, according to the 2023 National Survey of People with Records. In fact, one in two people with old convictions cited difficulties in finding a job, maintaining employment, or making a living.
At Troutman Pepper, attorneys across the firm’s 20+ offices are using their skill sets to help clients secure expungements or expunctions — the clearing or sealing of their records. Last year, 37 attorneys logged more than 350 hours toward pro bono expungement work. Since January, 20 attorneys already have given back more than 200 hours.
“Expungement pro bono matters can be particularly meaningful for an attorney to take on because of their potential to be high impact and lifechanging,” said Partner Sara Richman, who chairs the firm’s Pro Bono practice. “The importance of giving someone a clean slate can’t be overstated.”
A Fresh Start in Washington, D.C.
Washington Associates Quintessa Davis and Sahara Shrestha recently partnered with Rising for Justice as part of the legal nonprofit’s expungement program. The duo helped to seal the records of a client who had spent more than two decades dealing with difficulties associated with them.
The client had three arrests on his record – all had ended in non-conviction; however, their mere existence was enough to interfere with his ability to obtain higher-paying, stable employment. He had spent years juggling three jobs to make ends meet, and when he applied for new positions, he worried his arrests would be misinterpreted as convictions.
“This case was a meaningful experience, and I hope it inspires other attorneys to use their unique skill set to help others in need.” Davis said. “Our client is relieved to be able to put his past in the past and move forward with his life. It was a wonderful experience partnering with Rising for Justice, and we hope to take on an additional case in the future,” Shrestha added.
An Expungement Ally in Detroit
Last year, in Michigan, clean slate legislation took effect that automatically expunged certain convictions without the need for applications. For those unable to benefit from the program, organizations like Lakeshore Legal Aid help to fill the gap, pairing talented attorneys with clients in need.
Troutman Pepper recently partnered with Lakeshore Legal Aid and firm client Ally, a leading digital financial services company, to host an expungement clinic. One dozen attorneys participated – six from Troutman Pepper and six from Ally – and met with 15 clients, drafting 23 expungement applications.
“Teaming up with Lakeshore Legal Aid is great because they lay the groundwork, and we leverage their efficiencies. It’s an easy way to use our skills to change people’s lives for the better,” said Associate Nick Guttman.
Guttman recently partnered with fellow Associate Emma Trivax to help clear the record of a client who had been unable to start her dream childcare business because of the challenges she grappled with early in life, raising a family and securing financial stability for them. The first thing their client said after learning her entire record would be expunged: “I can finally start my business.”
“Every case we have worked with Lakeshore Legal Aid has been fulfilling,” Trivax said. “As part of the expungement process, we ask clients to obtain letters of support from community members. Reading these character letters for our clients is incredibly moving. The letters always tell the story of real people who have worked hard to improve their lives and make a meaningful impact in their community.”
Championing Pro Bono in Charlotte
In Charlotte, Associate Eddie Nogay is one of several “Champions” participating in the Charlotte Triage Pro Bono Partnership, a task force working with the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (CCLA) and Legal Aid of NC – Charlotte (LANC) to identify practice areas with the highest pro bono needs and bring intentional leadership and coordinated pro bono manpower to those areas.
Nogay is one of the “Champions” running point on criminal record expunctions, serving as a resource for attorneys taking on the pro bono matters.
“I’m here to help any way I can and to address questions from attorneys who are interested in working on these important pro bono matters.” Nogay said. “Nonprofits only have so many resources and rely on partnerships with attorneys in the private sector to assist with these cases. Our Charlotte office has really leaned into this work – we have taken on several individual expunction cases in the past year and partnered with CCLA to host an expunction eligibility session in February. We are excited to continue our work in this area.”
Each year, Troutman Pepper 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 more. Learn more at troutman.com/pro-bono.
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.
NEW YORK – Following a year of incredible resilience for the digital asset industry, Troutman Pepper’s Digital Assets + Blockchain Group today released a report: Will Resiliency Carry the Digital Asset Sector Through 2024? The comprehensive report examines key state and federal actions and includes insights from the group’s attorneys on the legal trends and developments faced by those in the rapidly evolving industry.
Some of the impactful 2023 developments covered include:
- Federal regulatory action: the CFPB’s first official attempt to bring the digital asset industry within the scope of its supervisory authority.
- State regulatory action: a deeper examination of the states that enacted comprehensive digital asset licensing frameworks.
- Federal legislation: the introduction of several digital asset-related bills.
- Federal enforcement actions: the FTC’s continued focus on the marketing practices of digital asset financial services companies and any statements made by their executives to consumers.
“The digital asset industry’s staying power is best evidenced by the increased regulatory activity of the state legislatures and the federal agencies that we saw over the last year,” said Partner Ethan Ostroff of the firm’s Consumer Financial Services Practice. “Our report not only charts the current landscape but provides a map of the opportunities and challenges that are defining the industry. We actively guide our clients through these dynamic developments every day, ensuring they navigate with confidence and clarity.”
Troutman Pepper’s Digital Assets + Blockchain Group also offers forward-looking insights and guidance for companies and compliance officials participating in this evolving area. For example:
- State legislatures that have not finalized a digital asset legal framework will prioritize consumer protection from unfair, deceptive and/or abusive practices above all else.
- The Federal Reserve’s possible change of heart toward the future integration of digital assets and distributed ledger technology into the traditional financial system.
- What digital asset market participants should be asking if the CFPB’s proposed rule to define a market for general-use digital consumer payment applications is finalized in its current form.
- Continued emphasis for businesses engaged in virtual currencies and novel technologies to incorporate a risk-based sanctions compliance strategy into their operational framework.
Troutman Pepper has a deep understanding of the digital asset market and assists clients with their unique and evolving needs. The firm offers a full suite of services in areas such as corporate, IP, data use, privacy, litigation, cybersecurity, and more, for both emerging growth and established clients, including financial institutions, domestic and international transmitters of fiat and digital currencies, domestic and international cryptocurrency exchanges, payment processors, mining companies, software creators, and other technology companies. Attorneys also guide investors, venture funds, and private equity firms, as well as their portfolio companies, as they explore and expand their opportunities. Troutman Pepper’s Digital Assets + Blockchain Group is experienced with matters involving a variety of cryptocurrencies, web 3.0, blockchain technology, and other peer-to-peer distributed ledger technologies, including smart contract platforms.
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.
ATLANTA – Troutman Pepper client Mangrove Equity Partners, a lower-middle market investment firm, recently announced its investment in NORMco Pump & Power, LLC, a Shawnee, OK-based manufacturer and specialty renter of portable, industrial pumps used for water transfer applications. Read a company press release about the investment.
Founded in 2013, NORMco serves a core customer base made up of the leading water transfer solutions providers within the Permian Basin. The business achieved significant growth over the last several years and was looking for a partner to support the next phase of growth as NORMco begins to broaden its horizons and serve additional industries.
Troutman Pepper partners Andrea Farley, Brendan Thomas, and associate Sam Baker advised Mangrove Equity Partners.
Consistently recognized as a top-tier national practice, Troutman Pepper’s corporate attorneys regularly handle multimillion- and multibillion-dollar transactions. Core areas of service include capital markets transactions and other significant domestic and cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, securities laws compliance, and corporate finance. The firm has particular expertise in the private equity and private fund services space, advising clients on matters from fund formation to investments and exit transactions.
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.