Akerman announced the Hon. William A. Van Nortwick Jr., a Florida First District Court of Appeal Judge, will join the firm as partner-in-charge of its national pro bono program. Media reported Van Nortwick would be based in the Jacksonville office upon his retirement in January 2015; he also will be part of Akerman's Appellate Practice. The move received extensive coverage in the Daily Business Review, JD Journal, Jacksonville Business Journal, the Financial News & Daily Record and Law360. Articles described how Van Nortwick would build upon the firm's philanthropic focus of education and youth development, following Akerman's "Give Back" campaign in May 2014.

Akerman Chairman and CEO Andrew Smulian was quoted, "Judge Van Nortwick's arrival will mark the next chapter in Akerman's important tradition of doing good and giving back," he said. "We made an institutional pledge this year to achieve even greater impact in our communities by intensifying our volunteerism and pro bono legal service, with a particular focus on education and youth development programs. Judge Van Nortwick has been at the center of some of the most innovative and influential pro bono programs in the legal industry, and we are immensely proud to have him join our firm."

Daily Business Review: "Judge to Join Akerman, Lead Pro Bono"
Law360: "Fla. Appeals Judge to Guide Growth of Akerman Pro Bono Work"