Please enjoy the fall edition of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Alumni Newsletter, which features interviews with alumni Paris Dupree and Hunter Knowles, a recap of the 2025 alumni receptions, messages from firm leaders and the Alumni Relations team, and more.

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A Message From Firm Leaders

With fall in full swing, we are thrilled to share some highlights from the past few months and are looking forward to an exciting end to our inaugural year as Troutman Pepper Locke.

In recent months, we have had the pleasure of welcoming three new lateral partners to our team — Maryia Jones in our Consumer Financial Services Practice Group, Heather Heath Ryan in our Tax and Benefits Practice Group, and Thomas Heffernan in our Energy Transactional Practice Group. Since the start of the year, our firm has grown by 20+ lateral partner additions, and counting, across various practices and offices, significantly enhancing our capabilities and reach.

In September, we welcomed the inaugural Troutman Pepper Locke Entry-Level Associate class. The 2025 ELA class consists of 70 associates across 21 of our offices and is a diverse and talented group of individuals with impressive backgrounds from 41 of the nation’s top law schools. These new associates represent 19 different practice groups, bringing with them valuable insights from their experiences in law review, clerkships, and various other professional work experiences. We look forward to providing them with the opportunity to launch their legal careers within the collaborative and dynamic environment of Troutman Pepper Locke.

We have recently concluded our series of alumni receptions held throughout the year. These gatherings provided invaluable opportunities for friends and colleagues to reconnect and strengthen our alumni network. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming CLE sessions in the months ahead.

Looking forward to staying connected.

Tom, Amie, David, and Ashley

	Tom Cole Chair		Amie Colby Managing Partner
	David Taylor Vice Chair		Ashley Taylor Vice Chair

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A Message From the Alumni Relations Team

We are pleased to share that Troutman Pepper Locke’s alumni community is growing and remains highly engaged! Our team had a great time celebrating with both new and familiar faces at various receptions and events this year, and we’re looking forward to keeping those connections strong.

We encourage you to reach out to your former colleagues and share which industry or networking events you’ll be attending, highlight your successes or milestones, engage in posts or discussions to address challenges you’re facing, and promote your insights. Whether it’s a friendly phone call, timely post, or a thoughtful email, one thing is certain — your alumni community will be happy to hear from you and support your efforts!

Each fall season is ushered in with a crisp energy and serves as a reminder that, much like the branches of the colorful trees, we may be growing in different directions but will always have shared roots. This is a great time to reach out and strengthen existing relationships or build new ones. 

We wish you the best, and let us know how we can support with your efforts.

Clare, Erin, and Kayla

	Clare Roath Director of Alumni Relations		Erin Warner Alumni Relations Manager
	Kayla Kennedy Alumni Relations Manager

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Alumni Spotlight

We caught up with Paris Dupree and Hunter Knowles to see what they most enjoy about their current roles and how the time they spent at the firm continues to serve them well.

Paris Dupree VP, Business and Legal Affairs, OneTeam Partners   Read Paris’ Q&A.

Hunter Knowles VP + Deputy General Counsel, Atlanta Braves   Read Hunter’s Q&A.

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2025 Alumni Receptions — That’s a Wrap!

We had a wonderful time celebrating our alumni at receptions in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Washington, D.C. this year! Each city offered its unique hospitality and charm, but the real highlight was the vibrant energy when our attorneys and alums reconnected — it never fails to impress and inspire. Click here to enjoy photos (password: alumni).

We’re excited to continue our alumni receptions in 2026 and introduce new programs for you to enjoy. In the meantime, please update your contact information to ensure you receive our communications and invitations.

Cheers to all of you, and thank you for making our receptions a resounding success!

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We Asked, You Answered — CLE Programs

In February, we distributed an alumni feedback survey to gain insights into your experiences. Thanks to your participation, we received over 300 responses!

Your feedback confirmed that CLE opportunities are among the most valued benefits Troutman Pepper Locke offers our alumni community. We’re pleased to share that we’ve provided over 20 alumni-inclusive CLE opportunities in 2025, with a few more scheduled before the year ends.

We always appreciate your input. Please feel free to email us anytime with feedback or ideas as we continue looking for ways to innovate and enhance our offerings.

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Getting to Know Troutman Pepper Locke — Visit Our New Website

We are excited to introduce the newly designed Troutman Pepper Locke website!  Designed with clients in mind, it features a modern look, intuitive navigation, and enriched industry insights to connect client goals with our solutions.

We invite you to visit the updated site to:

• Stay connected through exclusive alumni events and networking opportunities.
  
• Discover our attorneys, practices, industry focus, and unique differentiators.
  
• Access thought leadership for insights into emerging industry trends.
  
• Read client stories showcasing successful attorney-client partnerships.
  
• Explore industry-specific articles, podcasts, blogs, and learning events.

Enjoy the enhanced look, streamlined user experience, and improved functionality at www.troutman.com.

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The Pepper Center for Public Service — Cheers to 10 Years

Happy 10th Anniversary to The Pepper Center for Public Service! 

What started as a small group of partners nearing retirement in 2015 has become a vital organization that today numbers nearly 60 fellows (and counting).  The Center board considers any project addressing an unmet community need that fellows are interested in pursuing. Fellows from various Troutman Pepper Locke offices are enjoying a fulfilling “encore” in retirement, with a sense of camaraderie through intellectually challenging and personally meaningful work. 

On Oct. 9, The Pepper Center hosted an informational webinar and was thrilled to welcome participants from 10 of Troutman Pepper Locke’s offices. Panelists included Pepper Center fellows Lisanne Crowley, Amy Ginensky, Solomon Hunter, Cary Levinson, and chair of pro bono Sara Richman. They shared insights into the Center’s origin and its mission to involve retired and soon-to-be-retired partners and counsel in meaningful, gratifying, and important community work. 

The panel outlined pro bono opportunities and current projects in the civics, education, and immigration spaces, noting that there is plenty of room for expansion and accommodating other interests. 

On Nov. 12 and 13, the Center will celebrate its 10^th anniversary with a fellows’ meeting, festive dinner, and an all-day conference on economic mobility and social capital and connectedness. This in-person celebration will be held in Philadelphia. Contact Amy Ginensky for details.

Cheers to 10 years of amazing work with many more to come!

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Welcome, ELA Class of 2025

In September, we were thrilled to welcome the entry-level associate class of 2025. This talented group of new lawyers has been acclimating to firm life, meeting new colleagues, and working diligently on client matters. We wish our newest colleagues all the best!

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Upcoming Programs and CLE Opportunities

Free Fridays: Practicing Law Institute (PLI) CLE Offerings

As part of the firm’s membership, we are happy to offer CLE offerings from PLI to friends of the firm. If you would like to be included in our Free Friday PLI email distribution, please contact Clare Roath.

On Demand CLE From Troutman Pepper Locke

Troutman Pepper Locke is pleased to share with our alumni an innovative on-demand CLE portal.

You can visit www.troutmancle.com for access to free recorded content and free registration for live webinars presented by Troutman Pepper Locke attorneys.

Simply add programs of interest to your cart and check out as you would an online store. Communications about the program, including PINs for access and CLE certificates, will be sent to the email address you provide during checkout.

Please note that you may need to work with your IT professionals if this site is initially flagged by your cybersecurity software.

Contact our CLE management team with any questions, and we hope you enjoy using this new tool!

Be sure to check Troutman Pepper Locke’s Learn + Connect Center for frequent updates on additional offerings and share with your fellow alums and friends of the firm!

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Alumni on the Move

Click here to see what some of our alumni are doing now.

Be sure to share with us any recent moves, new roles, promotions, awards, or accomplishments you or your alumni colleagues have achieved — we’d love to celebrate your success!

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Firm News

Troutman Pepper Locke’s Pro Bono IP Work Fuels Global Impact With New Clinic Dedication in Honduras

Troutman Pepper Locke Celebrates Successful Integration and Strategic Growth One Year Post-Merger Vote

582 Troutman Pepper Locke Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2026 Editions

Corporate Counsel Rank Troutman Pepper Locke Among Top 10 Law Firms in BTI Client Service A-Team 2025 Report

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Let’s Stay Connected

Join the alumni LinkedIn page

Register to receive invitations and communications

Email the alumni team