Akerman today announced leadership transitions across its Corporate and Tax practices, effective February 1, 2026. The appointments underscore the firm's commitment to long-term succession planning within a transactional platform that PitchBook ranked fourth nationally for private equity deal volume in Q3 2025.
Corporate Practice Group Leadership
Paul Quinn and Christina Russo have been appointed Co-Chairs of the Corporate Practice Group, succeeding Jonathan Awner and David Birke. The practice, ranked by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and Best Lawyers, advises public and private companies, private equity sponsors, and institutional investors on complex domestic and cross-border transactions. The group recently served as issuer's counsel on a $1 billion public offering and is representing Nathan's Famous in its acquisition by Smithfield Foods.
Quinn, ranked by Chambers USA, brings more than 30 years of experience advising private equity funds and family offices on leveraged acquisitions, dispositions, corporate governance, and restructurings. He also represents management teams in employment and compensation arrangements, and private equity and venture capital funds in minority growth equity investments.
Russo, named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Dealmakers in America and recognized for the fourth consecutive year among the Top 50 Women Leaders in Law, has been a pivotal member of the firm for two decades. She advises public and private companies on corporate and securities matters, including M&A and complex regulatory and disclosure frameworks. Highly regarded for her strategic judgment, Russo counsels boards and C-suite executives on corporate governance and high-stakes situations.
Under the leadership of Awner and Birke, the Corporate Practice Group achieved Best Lawyers' 2026 LBO and Private Equity Law Firm of the Year designation and consistent top-10 PitchBook rankings for M&A and private equity deal volume.
Awner, who served as chair for multiple terms over three decades, will continue as Chair Emeritus to support a seamless transition. Birke joins the firm's Executive Committee. Both continue to advise private equity funds, companies, and investors on M&A, financings, and governance matters.
Tax Practice Group Leadership
David Blum, who has served as Co-Chair of the Tax Practice Group alongside Pete Larsen, has assumed the role of Chair. Nationally ranked by Law360 and The Legal 500, the group advises multistate and multinational companies on complex tax strategy, disputes, and transactions.
Blum counsels domestic and multinational businesses on transactional tax planning and controversy matters across industries, including automotive, entertainment, retail, family office, financial services, and technology. He is ranked by Chambers USA and The Legal 500 and was named in the inaugural Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Tax Lawyers and as Best Lawyers' 2026 Lawyer of the Year – Chicago: Litigation and Controversy – Tax.
After more than 25 years of leadership, Larsen concludes his service having played a central role in building the practice into a nationally recognized platform. Larsen continues his work representing financial institutions, lessors, retailers, and technology companies on multistate tax planning, compliance, audit defense, and litigation. He also serves as General Counsel for the Akerman Foundation, which coordinates the firm’s philanthropic initiatives.
Leadership Perspective
“Jonathan, David, and Pete have built market-leading platforms that clients and industry rankings consistently recognize,” said Akerman Chairman and CEO Scott Meyers. “Paul and Christina bring deep client relationships and strategic vision, and David Blum's continuing service reflects the strength of our tax practice. These transitions reflect the intentional way we approach succession and the depth of our bench.”
About Akerman
Founded in 1920, Akerman is an Am Law 100 firm recognized by Vault among the nation's most prestigious law firms. The firm has more than 700 lawyers and business professionals throughout the United States.