Top 100 U.S. law firm Akerman LLP today announced the appointment of David F. Birke as co-chair of the Corporate Practice Group, effective immediately. He steps into this role after serving as co-chair of the M&A and Private Equity Practice.
David joins Jonathan L. Awner, who continues to serve as co-chair of the Corporate Practice Group. Together they will lead more than 100 lawyers collaborating to expand Akerman's strengths in M&A and private equity while continuing to deliver the highest level of legal services.
"We are thrilled to have David joining Jonathan in leading our Corporate Practice Group,” said Scott Meyers, Akerman Chairman and CEO. “Over the course of David's career at Akerman, he has played a central role in countless M&A and private equity transactions for clients across various industries. His depth of experience and proven leadership make him an outstanding choice for our national corporate team."
Birke represents private equity funds, family offices, and their portfolio companies in complex acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, restructurings, growth capital investments, and debt and equity financings. He is based in Miami.
Birke represents companies in corporate governance, joint ventures, executive compensation, and general commercial matters. A certified public accountant who formerly worked at Arthur Andersen, Birke brings a unique and pragmatic perspective to his client’s transactions. Prior to joining Akerman, Birke also worked in the corporate group of an international law firm, where his practice focused on mergers and acquisitions, primarily for private equity firms and their portfolio companies.
Birke has been listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2019.
About Akerman
Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward-thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth.
The Akerman Corporate Practice Group advises public and private companies, including private equity funds, on M&A, capital markets transactions, financings, and other transactional matters.t. Akerman is top-ranked nationally for mergers, acquisitions and buyouts: middle market by The Legal 500 and is recognized as a leading U.S. law firm by U.S. News - Best Lawyers for corporate, M&A, private equity, securities/capital markets, securities regulation and banking and finance law.