Troutman Pepper Locke has expanded its Private Equity and Investment Funds Practice Group with the addition of Jennifer Gullotti East as a partner in Washington, D.C. East joins from Kirkland & Ellis, bringing experience in structuring, negotiating, forming, and managing private investment funds, including multibillion-dollar infrastructure and credit strategies.
East advises institutional fund sponsors on the formation and operation of private investment funds and related management companies. Her experience spans a variety of investment strategies and industries, including debt, energy, and healthcare, and encompasses complex investment structures designed to meet the needs of institutional investors and fund managers.
Her practice includes advising on co-investment vehicles, continuation funds, separately managed accounts, and other private investment arrangements. She also counsels fund sponsors and management companies on corporate governance, organizational structures, internal operations, and regulatory compliance.
The appointment strengthens Troutman Pepper Locke’s capabilities in private fund formation and investment management as institutional investors and alternative asset managers increasingly utilize sophisticated fund structures to deploy capital.
East’s experience with multibillion-dollar fund formations adds capabilities to the firm’s existing work with private equity sponsors, investment managers, and institutional investors across different stages of the investment lifecycle.
Her arrival follows the recent addition of Reed Balmer, another experienced investment funds attorney, reflecting Troutman Pepper Locke’s continued investment in expanding its fund formation and private equity capabilities.
The firm’s Private Equity and Investment Funds Practice Group advises clients on middle-market transactions as well as strategic investments and acquisitions involving Fortune 100 corporations.
Its services encompass mergers and acquisitions, fund formation, growth equity investments, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and exit transactions.
The expansion comes as Troutman Pepper Locke continues strengthening its position in private equity and investment funds legal services.
In The Deal’s second-quarter 2026 Private Equity League Tables, the firm ranked No. 18 nationally among private equity law firms, advancing 16 positions from the first quarter.
The firm also earned several rankings in PitchBook’s second-quarter 2026 Global League Tables. Troutman Pepper Locke ranked No. 18 among the most active firms in U.S. private equity, No. 12 for representing U.S. companies, and No. 11 for activity in the energy sector.
Within venture capital, the firm ranked No. 10 in healthcare devices and supplies and No. 11 in healthcare services and systems.
These rankings reflect the firm’s transactional activity across private equity, venture capital, and industry-specific investment markets.
Troutman Pepper Locke operates with more than 1,600 attorneys across over 30 offices. The firm serves clients across major industries, with particular emphasis on energy, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate.
The addition of East further expands the firm’s institutional investment funds capabilities and supports its strategy of providing integrated legal services to private equity sponsors and investment managers navigating increasingly complex fund structures and transactions.
KEY QUOTES:
“Troutman Pepper Locke has built a highly collaborative, dynamic funds practice that is growing with intention. 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.”
Jennifer Gullotti East, Partner At Troutman Pepper Locke
“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. 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.”
Stephanie Pindyck Costantino, Partner And Leader Of The Investment Funds And Investment Management Services Team At 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. 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.”
Paul Mahoney, Leader Of The Private Equity And Investment Funds Practice Group At Troutman Pepper Locke
