Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced that Beth Alcalde, a partner with the firm's Tax Practice Group, has assumed the role of office managing partner for Akerman's Boca Raton, Palm Beach and West Palm Beach offices effective June 1.
"Beth will be an outstanding steward of Akerman and our clients in the region," said Akerman Chairman and CEO Andrew Smulian. "Beth is an accomplished lawyer who gives generously to our clients, our people and the community, and we are honored to have her lead our Palm Beach County offices."
As office managing partner, Alcalde will work to further strengthen the firm's relationships with civic and business leaders in Palm Beach County. She will play an important role in the firm's coordinated philanthropic efforts as well, supporting its ongoing commitment to education and youth development locally. Alcalde also will continue to practice law and serve clients on issues related to employer-sponsored benefit plans, particularly federal regulations and compliance issues specific to the benefits-related implications of corporate transactions. Alcalde has experience with ERISA, federal healthcare reform, COBRA and HIPAA, and regularly assists clients with internal audits of their 401(k) and health and welfare plans. She has also handled multiple employer welfare arrangements, and has represented clients before the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Labor.
Alcalde succeeds Eric Gordon who has served as the office managing partner of Akerman's Palm Beach County offices since 2011. During such time, he oversaw the continued expansion of the firm's three regional offices while developing and enhancing the connections between Akerman and the community. Gordon will devote himself and his practice to the continued representation of management in labor and employment matters. For more than 15 years he has assisted clients ranging from small startups to Fortune 500 companies and public agencies in litigation and administrative proceedings, as well as in all aspects of employment counseling and training.
"I am excited to take on my new role during a time when Akerman has achieved unprecedented growth and success," said Alcalde. "I look forward to building on the foundation that Eric and our colleagues have established here in Palm Beach County, and continuing our efforts to achieve maximum community impact."
During the transition, Gordon will help Alcalde prepare for the West Palm Beach office move at the end of the summer. Last August, the firm announced its plans to relocate to Phillips Point, which will accommodate the continued and anticipated growth of the West Palm Beach office. Akerman has more than quadrupled the size of its West Palm Beach office since it opened with 10 attorneys in 1995. The firm now has nearly 60 lawyers and government affairs professionals in Palm Beach County.
About Akerman LLP
Akerman LLP is a leading transactions and trial law firm known for its core strengths in middle market M&A, within the financial services and real estate industries, and for a diverse Latin America practice. With more than 600 lawyers and government affairs professionals and a network of 20 offices, it is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the United States by The National Law Journal NLJ 350 (2014). Akerman also is ranked among the top 50 law firms for diversity in The American Lawyer's Diversity Scorecard (2014).
More information can be found at akerman.com or twitter.com/akerman_law.