Akerman today announces a major expansion of its nationally recognized Litigation Practice Group with the addition of leading professional liability lawyer David Keller and his distinguished team of seven attorneys from Keller Landsberg PA. Based in the firm’s Miami and Fort Lauderdale offices, the group is renowned for representing lawyers and top U.S. law firms in high-stakes “bet-the-law-firm” matters. Their arrival further solidifies Akerman’s standing as a go-to firm for professional liability defense.

Strategic Expansion Strengthens Akerman’s Professional Liability Practice

“David is widely respected by both the bench and the bar as a premier professional liability attorney, with a long-standing reputation for successfully defending law firms in complex malpractice disputes,” said David Ackerman, chair of Akerman’s Professional Liability Practice. “His strategic insight, integrity, and professionalism make him and his team a seamless fit for Akerman.”

Lawrence Rochefort, chair of Akerman’s Litigation Practice Group, added: “David Keller is a top-tier trial lawyer with a formidable national reputation. His expertise in professional liability strengthens our industry-leading capabilities and reinforces our commitment to providing best-in-class counsel to the legal profession. We look forward to the significant contributions this team will bring to our clients and firm.”

David Keller’s Background and Experience

Joining as a partner, Keller has spent more than two decades defending lawyers and law firms in professional liability disputes and advising on risk management. With extensive experience in commercial and insurance litigation — including business disputes, defamation, and commercial tort claims — Keller has tried more than 50 jury cases and handled numerous arbitrations, non-jury trials, and appeals in state and federal courts, as well as before the American Arbitration Association.

“With one of the country’s leading professional liability practices, Akerman offers an unparalleled platform to expand our capacity to deliver exceptional service to our clients,” Keller said. “The firm’s national presence, deep litigation bench, and collaborative culture create the ideal environment for our team to thrive. We are excited to join Akerman and look forward to leveraging its resources and reputation to deliver outstanding results.”

A Recognized Leader in the Legal Community

A recognized leader in the legal community, Keller has served in the American Bar Association House of Delegates, as president of the Broward County Federal Bar Association, and on The Florida Bar Civil Rules Committee. He is a member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel and the American Board of Trial Advocates and has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers for Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants since 2008.

The Team Joining Keller at Akerman

• Elizabeth Izquierdo, Partner: Focuses on legal malpractice defense.
• Maria Priovolos-Gonzalez, Partner: Specializes in commercial litigation, legal malpractice defense, and insurance matters.
• Jose Riguera, Partner: Concentrates on commercial litigation, legal malpractice defense, and insurance matters.
• Raymond Robin, Partner: Practices in legal malpractice defense, business litigation, insurance, reinsurance, and complex arbitration.
• Dena Sacharow, Partner: Defends lawyers and law firms in malpractice, insurance coverage, and bad faith claims.
• Karene Tygenhof, Of Counsel: Focuses on commercial litigation and legal malpractice defense.
• Maria Vernace, Partner: Handles business litigation at the trial and appellate levels and legal malpractice defense.

Leadership Perspective

Akerman Chairman and CEO Scott Meyers commented: “Akerman continues to attract top-tier legal talent, and David and his team’s arrival is a testament to our firm’s reputation for excellence. David is one of the most respected trial lawyers in professional liability, and his team’s deep experience strengthens our ability to serve law firms at the highest level. We are thrilled to welcome them to the firm, and we look forward to their contributions.”

About Akerman’s Professional Liability Practice

With more than 300 years of collective experience defending law firms and attorneys against malpractice and ethics claims, Akerman’s bespoke Professional Liability Practice has an extraordinary record of success on behalf of leading lawyers and law firms. With a strategic, multidisciplinary approach, the firm excels at resolving complex professional liability matters efficiently, whether through early resolution, dispositive motions, or litigation when necessary.

About Akerman

Founded in 1920, Akerman is recognized as one of the country’s premier law firms, with more than 700 lawyers in 26 offices throughout the United States.