Firm News August 6, 2025

Troutman Pepper Locke Strengthens Tax and Benefits Practice With Addition of Aresh Homayoun in Washington, D.C.

Seasoned Tax Partner Enhances Firm’s REIT Structuring and Joint Venture Capabilities

Washington, D.C. Aresh Homayoun has joined Troutman Pepper Locke’s Tax and Benefits Practice Group as a partner in the Washington, D.C., office. Homayoun brings more than 20 years of experience in U.S. federal income tax law with a core focus on real estate investment trusts (REITs) structuring, real estate fund formation, and joint ventures.

Homayoun joins Troutman Pepper Locke from Morris, Manning & Martin, where he served as a tax and real estate capital markets partner for nearly a decade. His experience includes managing federal income tax matters for significant transactions for businesses, with a particular emphasis on REITs, Delaware Statutory Trusts, corporate taxation, and flow-through entities. Homayoun represents a diverse array of clients, including public and private REITs, investment sponsors, and institutional investors, guiding them through complex tax landscapes and multibillion-dollar transactions. 

“We are thrilled to have Aresh join our team, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a nuanced understanding of the tax intricacies that drive successful real estate investments,” said Jim Earle, leader of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Tax and Benefits Practice Group. “His extensive in-house counsel experience and proven track record in guiding clients through multibillion-dollar transactions will greatly enhance our practice and provide significant benefits to our clients.”

“Aresh’s addition to our team is a strategic move to deepen our tax group’s already strong capabilities in the REIT, real estate, and joint venture areas,” said Joan Arnold, partner in the firm’s Tax and Benefits Practice Group. “His arrival will be key to supporting the firm’s real estate focus, and we anticipate his talents will carry over nicely to support other industry sectors, including oil and gas.”

A seasoned tax lawyer, Homayoun is adept at navigating the intricacies of REIT mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and fund formations. He collaborates closely with clients to structure REIT joint ventures, fund vehicles, and blocker entities, particularly for real estate investments and cross-border transactions. Homayoun also brings extensive in-house counsel experience, having worked for seven years as associate general counsel at a Fortune 500 company. In this role, he served as the primary tax advisor for significant transactions and compliance matters, with a strategic focus on federal income tax issues.

“Aresh’s extensive U.S. federal income tax experience, particularly with REITs, will be a tremendous asset,” said Chris Jones, Washington, D.C., office managing partner. “His nationally recognized work in taxation across the real estate sector will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence in D.C. and nationwide.”

Homayoun is a known technical leader within Chambers-rated REIT groups, supporting top-tier institutional clients. He is consistently recognized in the Legal 500 for his work with REITs and has published several articles in the field in national tax literature, some of which have been cited by the IRS in its releases.

“I am excited to join Troutman Pepper Locke and leverage its expansive national platform to advance our shared goal of helping clients navigate complex tax landscapes. This opportunity not only allows me to broaden my impact but also to actively contribute to the firm’s strategic growth in the real estate sector,” remarked Homayoun.

Troutman Pepper Locke’s Tax and Benefits Practice Group helps clients navigate the complexities of inbound and outbound tax issues, develop and implement strategies that support their tax plans, and comply with the rules of multiple jurisdictions. Clients benefit from tailored tax strategies that align with their local and global business objectives, ensuring efficient transaction planning and workforce management. The firm’s tax lawyers bring significant experience across all major industry sectors, including health sciences, private equity, manufacturing, financial services, insurance, energy, and real estate.

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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.