Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, was selected as the recipient of the "I am for the Child" award, the highest recognition by the Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program. Akerman was honored for its commitment to promote volunteer advocacy for at-risk youth in the courtroom and community. The award was given in recognition of the hundreds of Akerman lawyers and staff who have volunteered their time, contributed pro bono legal services, and raised funds on behalf of abused and neglected foster children.
"Doing good and giving back is essential to Akerman. It is part of our relationships with clients, it shapes the experiences of our people and it drives us to be a positive force in our communities," said Akerman Chairman and CEO Andrew Smulian. "We are committed to community partners who address the core needs of children and advocate for those without a voice. We are deeply humbled by this recognition of our work and we are grateful to the Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program for their continued collaboration on such an important and worthwhile cause."
"In Florida we have accomplished so much yet there are still approximately 4,500 children in foster care who do not have a GAL standing by their side," said Alan Abramowitz, GAL Executive Director. "The generous support from Akerman is helping to change that grim statistic for the better. For that, we are so grateful."
Akerman is the first law firm to partner nationally with CASA for Children and its local GAL programs. The relationship grew in 2014 during the inaugural Akerman Give Back Campaign, a collaborative philanthropic effort designed to bring awareness to important issues impacting foster youth across the United States. Since the launch of the campaign, Akerman lawyers and staff have engaged in various activities to raise donations, recruit volunteers and increase awareness of the CASA/GAL mission.
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 (2015).