Akerman: United States (National)

Key contacts

Litigation Practice Group Chair: Lawrence Rochefort

Contact this practitioner

Quick facts

Year of establishment

1920

Number of partners

135

Number of lawyers

224

Key practice areas

Dispute resolution

Firm overview

Founded in 1920, Akerman is recognized as one of the country’s premier law firms, with more than 700 lawyers in 25 offices throughout the United States..

Commercial Litigation: Akerman offers a leading trial team that includes litigators across the United States. We represent a diverse range of clients across numerous sectors, with particular strength in the financial services, private equity, insurance, real estate, construction, health and life sciences, and energy sectors. Akerman lawyers regularly appear before judges and arbitrators in class actions, securities, white-collar, fraud and recovery, product liability, intellectual property, employment, bankruptcy, and general business matters.

Appellate: With a bench that includes many former appellate and trial court judges, Akerman’s appellate practice is a national powerhouse with demonstrated success in handling appeals related to complex commercial litigation. Akerman's appellate team frequently assist trial lawyers during all phases of litigation, preserving errors for appeal, drafting motions and responses, and providing strategic advice on the best approach for seeking relief on appeal. They handle numerous matters before appellate courts nationwide in various commercial cases and class actions. We also have experience in administrative appeals involving high profile issues before state agencies. Additionally, Akerman's appellate lawyers represent industry associations as amicus curiae in appellate proceedings when our clients are not a party to an appeal but have a substantial interest in the outcome.

International Litigation & Arbitration: Akerman has a long record of accomplishment in resolving complex multijurisdictional disputes. Our team represents multinational, foreign, and domestic corporations and individuals before U.S. federal and state courts, as well as in arbitration proceedings before a wide range of international arbitral bodies in multiple jurisdictions. Akerman litigators help clients successfully address conflicts in a broad range of sectors, including general commercial disputes, power and energy, construction and engineering, and banking and finance, among many others. Our highly responsive, multilingual team works in tandem with experienced local counsel to provide seamless resolution to disputes throughout Latin America, as well as in Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.

Employment Litigation: Akerman’s national, multidisciplinary team helps clients navigate claims brought before state and federal agencies and boards as well as trial and appellate courts throughout the United States. Our lawyers regularly defend employers in all types of employment litigation, including complex class-action discrimination cases and collective action wage and hour matters. We also represent employers in connection with administrative charges and audits, and have successfully negotiated and supervised numerous settlements with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Updated Sep 2024

Address:

98 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 1100

Miami, FL 33131

Tel:+1 305 374 5600 Fax:+1 305 374 5095 Web Address:http://www.akerman.com

Akerman

Linked Reviews

Dispute Resolution

Recognized for its expansive national platform and deep trial experience, Akerman remains a prominent force known for its ability to handle complex disputes across a broad range of industries. With over 700 lawyers across offices nationwide, the firm continues to distinguish itself through a pragmatic, business-focused approach that prioritizes client objectives while delivering sophisticated advocacy in high-exposure matters. The firm's capabilities span securities litigation, insurance disputes, professional liability, white-collar investigations, class actions, and complex commercial litigation, allowing the firm to serve an impressive roster of clients across the financial services, insurance, private equity, real estate, and technology sectors.

Recent growth in Wilmington, Delaware has enhanced Akerman's ability to handle high-profile corporate governance and fiduciary duty disputes before the Delaware Court of Chancery, while expansion of its professional liability practice has reinforced its reputation as a trusted adviser in bet-the-company litigation. The firm has also expanded in North Carolina with peers noting that "Akerman is becoming an increasing presence." Akerman's litigation team has been involved in several notable matters over the past year.

In Delaware, Tammy L. Mercer and Alberto E. Chávez represent a leading financial institution in a significant matter involving allegations that a corporate board breached fiduciary duties during a transaction and that the institution aided and abetted those alleged breaches, placing Akerman at the center of a closely watched securities and corporate governance dispute. The firm also secured a major victory for a national insurer in a high-stakes lawsuit brought by a former insurance agent challenging the termination of an agency relationship. Led by Donnie M. King, Eric D. Coleman, and Michael C. Marsh, Akerman successfully narrowed the claims through motion practice, defeated the plaintiff's punitive damages claims, and ultimately obtained a complete defense verdict at trial. In Florida, Akerman partner Megan De Leon has been referred to as a "is a real trailblazer in every way".

Clients and peers continue to recognize Akerman for its strategic mindset, depth of talent, and ability to navigate complex disputes efficiently. As the firm continues to expand its capabilities in key jurisdictions and practice areas, it remains a trusted choice for clients facing consequential litigation across the United States. Client feedback reinforces this reputation, highlighting Akerman’s strengths in “Communication, coverage opinions, risk mitigation” and describing the team as “Responsive, excellent communication, knowledgeable and assertive in representation”.

Individual practitioners also receive strong praise: “Mike Kelly is a cerebral, talented lawyer who is unflappable with excellent judgment. He’s a persistent and diligent advocate who I would be comfortable handling any major white collar, SEC or litigation enforcement matter.” More broadly, clients describe the firm as “Highly professional and extremely customer service oriented as well. Always reachable. Always provides reliable and consistent legal advice.” and “ Highly knowledgeable.” They also point to “Solid case outcomes.” and “An astute ability to create various teams of experts to address each issue. Pragmatic and Responsive. ”

Updated October 2026

There are no results