Troutman Pepper Locke: Raising the Bar for Client and Community Service in Pennsylvania and Beyond

Troutman Pepper Locke’s story in Pennsylvania began in 1890, when founder George Wharton Pepper joined forces with another attorney immediately after graduation from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Legal history enthusiasts may recognize Pepper’s name as one of the greatest constitutional attorneys of his time, known for winning numerous cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Later, in 1922, Pepper was appointed ─ then elected ─ to the U.S. Senate.

Pepper’s firm grew, opening offices across Pennsylvania. Key expansions included the opening of the firm’s Harrisburg office on Market Street in 1969, the Berwyn office in 1984 to support the booming high-tech and life sciences sectors, and the Pittsburgh office in 1995. The firm now has a long track record of representing clients in matters before the Pennsylvania Legislature, regulatory agencies, and in state and federal courts throughout the commonwealth.

“Pepper’s firm later became Pepper Hamilton, a major national law firm with hundreds of attorneys,” Partner Justin Weber said. The firm has rapidly expanded in recent years. “In 2020, it merged with Atlanta-based Troutman Sanders to form Troutman Pepper. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the merger was a success, combining rich histories and creating a powerhouse firm with a strong presence in Pennsylvania. And yes, we even managed to unite despite a lively Braves-Phillies rivalry.”

The firm then merged with Locke Lord LLP in January 2025. Troutman Pepper Locke serves clients with an expanded national and global presence in offices across the U.S., including Texas, Florida, and London. This most recent merger propelled the firm into the AmLaw 50 ─ a remarkable achievement for a firm established by two attorneys in Philadelphia.

“We have a significant economic footprint in Pennsylvania and a long history of investing in local talent and serving local businesses,” Weber said. “Our firm employs approximately 3,000 people, including 1,600 attorneys across all our offices. Four hundred employees, including more than 200 attorneys, are resident in our Pennsylvania offices.”

The firm has benefitted from Pennsylvania’s rich talent pool throughout its growth. It actively partners with law schools and universities throughout the commonwealth to recruit and develop talented legal and business professionals.

Giving back is a key component of the firm’s culture. In addition to the firm’s extensive pro bono program, it hosts an annual  “Week of Service,” providing opportunities for the firm’s attorneys and staff to participate in hands-on volunteer projects.  The firm also strives to make a positive and lasting impact through its Pepper Center for Public Service, founded in 2015. The Center provides a platform for the firm’s senior counsel and retired partners to serve communities, focusing on issues such as immigration, education, and civics.

Troutman Pepper Locke works with corporate and individual clients throughout the world and across Pennsylvania. Its Pennsylvania clients are from sectors such as life sciences, financial services, private equity, real estate, higher education, energy, infrastructure, and technology. The firm has long embraced technology and was the first large law firm to successfully develop and deploy its own secure generative AI platform, Athena. Attorneys and professional staff use Athena to summarize documents, analyze legal work, draft content, brainstorm ideas, visualize timelines, and create images. It has significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of our legal services, setting a new standard in the legal industry.

“Looking ahead, we are excited about the developments on the horizon for AI,” Weber said. “We continue to explore new products and integrations of various generative AI tools, in addition to enhancing Athena’s available features. Athena embodies the spirit of Troutman Pepper Locke — innovative, client-focused, and forward-thinking. It’s an initiative that not only showcases our technological prowess, but also highlights our passion for making a positive impact on those we serve.”

The merger with Locke Lord signals a new era for Troutman Pepper Locke — one that deepens the suite of services the firm is able to provide to its clients in 2025 and beyond.

“This merger is a strategic leap forward, allowing us to help clients solve complex legal challenges,” Chair Tom Cole said. “The increased scale strengthens our ability to handle matters across an expanded geographic footprint and underscores our continued commitment to client service, efficiency, and innovation.”

Looking ahead, Troutman Pepper Locke will remain focused on excellent client service, innovation, and exceptional value. The firm will continue to invest in its people, community, technology, and other future-focused resources, striving to set the standard for excellence in the legal profession in Pennsylvania and beyond.