Troutman Pepper Locke Wins M&A Practice of the Year, Laurenlee Dominguez Takes Most Promising Newcomer at 2026 Pennsylvania Legal Awards

PHILADELPHIA – Troutman Pepper Locke earned the M&A Practice of the Year Award, and associate Laurenlee Dominguez was named Most Promising Newcomer at the 2026 Pennsylvania Legal Awards, presented by The Legal Intelligencer and Law.com.

The wins were part of many additional recognitions for the firm, with Troutman Pepper Locke also named a Law Firm of the Year finalist and Chair Tom Cole, Deborah Spranger, and Jessica Davis shortlisted in the Managing Partner of the Year, Most-Effective Dealmakers, and Law Firm Innovators categories, respectively.

This showing across six categories underscores Troutman Pepper Locke’s momentum across leadership, transactions, and innovation.

Winners

M&A Practice of the Year

Troutman Pepper Locke earned the M&A Practice of the Year Award, recognizing the strength and scale of one of the region’s leading transactional platforms. The firm has one of Pennsylvania’s largest transactional practices, advising companies on M&A, collaboration, and financing deals through a cross-disciplinary team of corporate, intellectual property, and regulatory attorneys.

“This recognition is a testament to our team that brings creativity, precision, and relentless dedication to every transaction,” said Matt Greenberg, partner in the Transactional Department and member of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Executive Committee. “Pennsylvania has one of the most dynamic deal-making environments in the country, and we are proud to be a trusted partner for our clients navigating the most complex transactions in the region.”

Most Promising Newcomer – Laurenlee Dominguez

Dominguez, an associate in the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice Group, was named Most Promising Newcomer for her exceptional potential, work ethic, and legal acumen. She brings a distinctive combination of intellectual rigor and practical insight to her work and has already been entrusted with high-profile, complex transactions.

The Most Promising Newcomer Award recognizes attorneys in their first years of practice who have made a major impact, demonstrating the qualities necessary to quickly advance in their careers.

Finalists

Law Firm of the Year

Troutman Pepper Locke, with more than 200 attorneys and 200 business professionals across four Pennsylvania offices, was a finalist for Law Firm of the Year. The firm’s industry-shaping client work, sustained economic engagement, and deep civic leadership helped define Pennsylvania’s legal market while elevating its national profile.

Managing Partner of the Year – Tom Cole

Cole, Chair of Troutman Pepper Locke and based in the Philadelphia office, was recognized for steering two transformative law firm mergers within five years. His strategic, communication-focused leadership, emphasizing transparency, cross-practice connectivity, and seamless client service, drove innovation, growth, and long-term institutional strength across the firm.

Most-Effective Dealmakers – Deborah Spranger

Spranger, leader of the Life Sciences Transactions Practice, was distinguished for her ability to achieve client goals and consistently close deals. Recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s most sought-after M&A advisors, she aligned parties’ objectives to close complex transactions and delivered strategic value beyond deal size.

Law Firm Innovators – Jessica Davis

Davis, chief intake and conflicts officer, was recognized for leading the firm’s responsible adoption of generative AI, including the in-house platform Athena, and her work on the Generative AI Task Force to keep the firm at the forefront of emerging technology while safeguarding client interests.

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.