Troutman Pepper Appointed ‘Innovator-in-Residence’ at University of Richmond’s Law School Program

RICHMOND, Va. – Troutman Pepper has been selected to serve as “innovator-in-residence” in the Legal Business Design Challenge at the University of Richmond School of Law. Beginning in Q1 2022, the firm will join law students for weekly training and education sessions designed to help participants tackle complex legal problems in creative ways.

The challenge, now in its second year, is part of the Richmond Legal Business Design Hub. Led by Professor Josh Kubicki, the program covers a variety of topics including entrepreneurship, design thinking, process design, service blue printing, and customer journey mapping. Through the challenge, law students will interview participating Troutman Pepper attorneys to identify areas for future innovation projects and, together, will pursue those that are viable.

“We are honored by the invitation to serve as the program’s innovator-in-residence and excited about what this could mean for clients,” said Will Gaus, Troutman Pepper’s chief innovation officer. “Partnering with Professor Kubicki and University of Richmond’s talented law students energizes our efforts to develop custom solutions to challenging legal problems while simultaneously providing a rewarding experience that is helping to train the next-generation of lawyers.”

“It is simply a fantastic opportunity for our firm to work with a leading innovation program in a way that can tangibly benefit our clients,” said Partner Alison Grounds, chair of Troutman Pepper’s Innovation Committee and founder and managing director of eMerge, the firm’s eDiscovery and legal technology subsidiary. “The pandemic has accelerated legal innovations but has also revealed new challenges for companies that programs like this can help address.”

Troutman Pepper will succeed Baker Donelson, which served as the inaugural innovator-in-residence when the program launched last year.

“I continue to be humbled and absolutely energized by the interest and support in our program,” said Professor Kubicki. “Troutman Pepper is a leader in the field when it comes to driving positive change for clients and our profession, and I can’t wait to introduce our students to their team as the second innovator-in-residence.”

“Our firm has deep ties to the University of Richmond School of Law, with dozens of graduates now practicing at Troutman Pepper and many continuing to serve their alma mater through committee and board memberships,” said Brooks Smith, Troutman Pepper’s Richmond office managing partner. “We are delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with the law school through this unique innovation program.”

Troutman Pepper is focused on executing innovative solutions that help attorneys work more efficiently and better serve clients. Earlier this year, the firm was recognized by The Legal Intelligencer with a Law Firm Innovator award, which honors law firms that push the envelope to build their businesses, think outside the box, and have distinguished their brands in a crowded market. Troutman Pepper eMerge also was named a top national eDiscovery provider in the Daily Report’s “2021 Best of” report.

About Troutman Pepper
Troutman Pepper is a national law firm with more than 1,200 attorneys strategically located in 23 U.S. cities. The firm’s litigation, transactional, and regulatory practices advise a diverse client base, from start-ups to multinational enterprises. The firm provides sophisticated legal solutions to clients’ most pressing business challenges, with depth across industry sectors, including construction, energy, finance, health sciences, insurance, private equity, real estate, and technology, among others. Learn more at troutman.com.