Strategies helps businesses and individuals solve the complexities of dealing with the government at every level. Our team of specialists concentrate exclusively on government affairs, representing clients nationwide who need assistance with public policy, advocacy, and government relations strategies.
This unique program provides innovative and affordable opportunities to startups and early-stage emerging companies with a solid technology or scientific foundation. We help companies that have a quality management team in place and do not have other significant legal representation.
eMerge’s lawyers and technologists work together to deliver strategic end-to-end eDiscovery and data management solutions for litigation, investigations, due diligence, and compliance matters. We help clients discover the information necessary to resolve disputes, respond to investigations, conduct due diligence, and comply with legal requirements.
ATLANTA – Troutman Pepper Locke’s eDiscovery, AI, and Data Government practice, Troutman eMerge, clinched the Best Legal Innovation award, and associate Mary Marshall Easley was named an “On the Rise in North Carolina” winner at the 2026 Southeastern Legal Awards, presented by the Daily Report and Law.com.
Rounding out the firm’s strong showing, Troutman Pepper Locke attorneys David Dove, David Ghegan, and Leila Harrison were named Finalists in the Best Mentors, Most Effective Deal-Makers, and Most Promising Newcomer categories, respectively.
Together, these recognitions underscore Troutman Pepper Locke’s leadership in driving legal innovation and in attracting, developing, and nurturing top legal talent across the Southeast and nationwide.
Winners
Best Legal Innovation – Troutman eMerge
Troutman eMerge, the firm’s nationally ranked and award-winning subsidiary comprised of practicing attorneys and certified technologists, received the Best Legal Innovation award. Troutman eMerge’s dedicated Custom Solutions team develops innovative AI tools that address clients’ data-related challenges while enhancing the quality, efficiency, and value of the firm’s legal services.
By leveraging attorney-directed AI to more quickly surface the key facts clients need to support their claims and defenses, Troutman eMerge helps clients achieve superior legal outcomes without compromising accuracy, security, or defensibility. The Best Legal Innovation recognition highlights Troutman Pepper Locke’s strategic investment in technology, its commitment to responsible, attorney-led AI, and its reputation as a market leader in innovative legal service delivery.
“Receiving the Best Legal Innovation award affirms Troutman Pepper Locke’s early and consistent investment in responsible, attorney-directed AI,” said Alison Grounds, founder and managing partner of Troutman eMerge. “From bespoke eMerge AI tools in Relativity to advanced custom-built case management solutions like MatterWise, eMerge provides a powerful, integrated ecosystem to surface critical facts efficiently, manage complexity with confidence, and concentrate on the strategic judgment our clients rely on.”
On the Rise in North Carolina – Mary Marshall Easley
Easley, an associate in the firm’s Charlotte and Raleigh offices, was recognized with the On the Rise in North Carolina award for her community-focused approach to commercial real estate practice. She represents real estate funds, real estate investment trusts, developers, landlords, and tenants in transactions across the United States and involving all asset classes.
The On the Rise award honors attorneys under 40 who are innovators in their fields, creators of distinctive practice niches, proven business generators, effective leaders, and dedicated contributors to both charitable and professional community service. Easley’s recognition reflects both her sophisticated national practice and her deep engagement in the communities where she lives and works.
Finalists
Best Mentors – David Dove
Dove, partner in the firm’s Atlanta office and head of the firm’s Regulatory and Economic Investment Practice, was recognized for his leadership and long-standing commitment to mentoring and advancing colleagues.
Most Effective Deal-Makers – David Ghegan
Ghegan, partner in the firm’s Atlanta office, was shortlisted for his work advising public and private companies on complex securities and corporate finance transactions, as well as mergers and acquisitions, and for earning repeat business through successful deal execution.
Most Promising Newcomer – Leila Harrison
Harrison, associate in the firm’s Atlanta office, was nominated for her environmental regulatory compliance and due diligence work, as well as her growing litigation experience, which together demonstrate exceptional promise early in her career.
Troutman eMerge
Troutman eMerge offers clients integrated legal, technology, and AI-enhanced services to address complex data-driven problems in litigation, transactional and compliance matters, government investigations, and information governance initiatives. eMerge’s lawyers have received numerous accolades from leading industry authorities, including Chambers USA and Legal 500. For more information, visit troutmanemerge.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.
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