Philanthropy News Digest featured Akerman in an article titled, "CASA Receives $1 Million to Benefit Foster Youth," for the firm's significant commitment to current and former foster youth nationwide. The article addressed the realities of the 600,000 abused and neglected children who enter the overburdened foster care system each year, and highlighted the significant impact of a legal advocate on a child. The publication also recognized Akerman for its historic $1 million pledge to the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association and its local guardian ad litem programs, which will strengthen the CASA/GAL network of court-appointed child advocates and support volunteer training programs. A portion of the funds will also go toward the Akerman Academic Scholarship to help minimize the financial burden of higher education for college-bound youth who have aged out of the foster care system. Firm Chairman and CEO Andrew Smulian further explained Akerman's dedication to achieve quality advocacy for these disadvantaged children, and its hope to inspire others to take part. Click here to watch a brief video about Akerman's partnership with the National CASA Association.

"It takes immense commitment and far-reaching acts if we are going to achieve quality advocacy for every abused and neglected child in the foster care system," Smulian told the publication. "Our people have once again come together to take this huge step toward building an enduring program that will support foster youth in the years ahead. Akerman's $1 million pledge is about improving the outcomes for at-risk youth by leveraging our firm's resources while further aligning with our clients and other community partners who share our passion for making a difference."