Akerman LLP today advanced its position among the nation's largest law firms. The firm debuted, as no. 98, on The American Lawyer's "Am Law 100" list, an annual measure of the top-grossing law firms. Akerman's new ranking is consistent with the firm's record growth for four consecutive years.
Akerman revenues soared by nearly 9 percent during the 2014 fiscal year and firm headcount grew by 4 percent, reaching a record 620 lawyers and government affairs professionals across 20 U.S. offices. Since 2010, Akerman has grown at a compounded annual growth rate of 8.24 percent, more than double the industry average.
“Our sustained focus on delivering a superior experience for our clients and our people has led our firm to a fourth consecutive year of record results,” said Andrew Smulian, Akerman Chairman and CEO. “Akerman is helping more clients than ever confidently address their most complex business challenges.”
Akerman's year-over-year success demonstrates the firm's continued ability to meet client needs while adapting to disruption in the marketplace. In 2014, Akerman was featured in The American Lawyer and the ABA journal as a leader in client service innovation. In an article titled, "The Future of Law," The American Lawyer highlighted Akerman's Taxability Matrix, a tax compliance product, citing Akerman as one of the few firms that have developed technology-driven innovation. In the story, "Akerman Takes Time to Find New Ideas for Client Service," ABA Journal recognized the Akerman R&D Council as an innovative approach to identifying and developing new ideas that will enhance the way the firm delivers its services to clients. It also noted that unlike traditional forms of client collaboration, the Akerman R&D Council provides clients a formal role in the firm's research and development process.
The Am Law 100 ranking follows a record year of industry recognition for Akerman. The firm was once again ranked among the top 100 U.S. law firms by Law360, climbing three spots to no. 70 on its annual largest law firms list. In addition, Akerman was reported by The American Lawyer as the top law firm in the United States for lateral partner hires, with the largest percentage increase of total partnership during the 2014 fiscal year. The firm was noted for its explosive growth in New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and for expanding strengths in real estate and financial services.
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 American Lawyer (2015) and 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).