Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, has been selected as the recipient of the 2016 Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Award, the highest recognition of pro bono legal service by the world's largest association of independent law firms. Akerman was one of six law firms worldwide presented with the award and the only U.S. firm to receive the distinct honor during Lex Mundi's Leadership Summit and Annual Conference in Berlin.
The Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Award recognizes law firms that provide critical pro bono legal services that advance global social entrepreneurship to improve the lives of the world's poor and disenfranchised.
Akerman was selected for its philanthropic and pro bono contributions in the areas of education and youth development, including its outstanding efforts to bring meaningful and lasting change to foster youth. Lex Mundi called upon Akerman to assist JUMP Math USA, a charitable organization that is dedicated to enhancing the understanding and passion of mathematics in students and teachers using alternative approaches to education. The firm also assembled a team of lawyers to support A Home Within, a national organization that provides education, advocacy and mental health services to enhance the emotional well-being of foster youth.
Akerman's work through the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation is part of the firm's institutional commitment to achieving maximum positive social impact by focusing on initiatives that address the fundamental needs of at-risk youth. The firm is known for creating an unprecedented partnership with the National Court Appointed Advocates Association (CASA) during the launch of the Akerman Give Back campaign. Since the relationship began in 2014, Akerman has pledged $1 million and formed the Akerman Academic Excellence Scholarship for current and former foster youth.
The Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation is a nonprofit affiliate of Lex Mundi. Its mission is to engage Lex Mundi's unique global network of 160 top-tier commercial law firms to support and empower those working to bring about high impact and sustainable social change that improves communities and lives.
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 (2016). Akerman also is ranked among the top 50 law firms for diversity in The American Lawyer's Diversity Scorecard (2015).
Akerman has a long tradition of public service and corporate citizenship. The firm's lawyers and other professionals perform countless hours of pro bono service to ensure equal access to justice for all, advance civil rights, and provide legal services in the areas of education and youth development.