Troutman Pepper Locke Continues Private Equity and Investment Funds Practice Growth With Addition of Partner Jennifer Gullotti East

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Troutman Pepper Locke has welcomed Jennifer Gullotti East as a partner in the firm’s Private Equity and Investment Funds Practice Group, bringing significant fund capabilities and supporting the continued expansion of its private equity platform.

East joins Troutman Pepper Locke from Kirkland & Ellis, where she counseled institutional fund sponsors on structuring, negotiating, forming, and operating private investment funds and related management companies. Her experience includes advising on the formation of multibillion-dollar private investment funds, including major infrastructure funds and credit strategies.

“Troutman Pepper Locke has built a highly collaborative, dynamic funds practice that is growing with intention,” said East. “I am excited to add to that momentum and leverage the firm’s platform to help clients through their most complex private investment fund structures and transactions.”

East represents sponsors across a wide range of industries, strategies, and structures, including debt, energy, and health care funds. Her experience also includes co-investment vehicles, continuation funds, separately managed accounts, and other private investment vehicles. She also advises clients on general corporate matters, including governance, organizational structure, internal operations, and regulatory compliance.

“Jen is a driven and team‑oriented partner who excels across key sectors like energy and health care, which will be extremely beneficial for our clients,” said Stephanie Pindyck Costantino, a partner and leader of the firm’s Investment Funds and Investment Management Services team. “Her ability to lead complex fund formations and navigate difficult structuring issues will deepen the support we provide fund sponsors. We are thrilled to welcome her to Troutman Pepper Locke.”

“As private investment funds grow more sophisticated, Jen’s institutional experience, collaborative style, and strong instinct for what fund sponsors need make her a natural fit for our team and clients,” added Paul Mahoney, leader of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Private Equity and Investment Funds Practice Group. “Her arrival is another step signaling the growth of our funds practice, following the recent addition of Reed Balmer. The caliber of partners joining us reflects the strength of our platform and the opportunities they see to build their practices here.”

East’s arrival signals the firm’s rising profile in the funds and private equity market. Troutman Pepper Locke continues to build momentum across its private equity and investment funds platform, earning sustained recognition in several key industry league tables. Recently, the firm ranked No. 18 among private equity law firms nationally in The Deal’s Q2 2026 Private Equity League Tables, climbing 16 spots from Q1. In PitchBook’s Q2 2026 Global League Tables, the firm ranked No. 18 most active in U.S. private equity, No. 12 most active in representing U.S. companies, and No. 11 most active in energy. In venture capital, the firm ranked No. 10 in health care devices and supplies and No. 11 in health care services and systems.

Troutman Pepper Locke’s Private Equity and Investment Funds attorneys handle middle-market transactions for private equity clients alongside strategic deals for Fortune 100 corporations, with core capabilities spanning mergers and acquisitions, 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.