Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced the expansion of its Professional Liability Practice with a team of six litigators from Ackerman Law Group, including its founder David Ackerman. They will join Akerman’s Litigation Practice Group in the West Palm Beach office on March 1, enhancing the firm’s national capabilities for clients challenged with legal malpractice claims and ethical violations.
“David is widely-known by both the bench and the bar as a compelling advocate, who has skillfully defended countless firms in high-stakes malpractice claims,” said Lawrence Rochefort, chair of the Litigation Practice Group. “His strong reputation in professional liability and commercial litigation makes him an important addition to our trial team and will bring immediate value to our clients nationwide.”
“I have known David personally and professionally for many years through our work in the legal community and our collaboration on a number of matters,” said David Spector, Akerman chairman and CEO. “His knowledge of the law and integrity for the legal profession make him a welcome addition to our firm.”
Ackerman defends law firms in professional malpractice and legal ethics actions. He also handles a variety of commercial litigation, including class actions. Board certified in Business Litigation by The Florida Bar and a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, clients value his litigation experience and strategic insight in resolving disputes through trial and appeals, negotiation or arbitration. His team has obtained favorable rulings on a number of legal points unique to law firm representation. They have obtained rulings setting precedent and recovered attorneys’ fees for law firm clients under Florida’s offer of judgment statute.
Ackerman is ranked by Chambers USA and he has been consecutively recognized by The Best Lawyers in America since 2003 for Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, and Securities Litigation, among others. He is a past president of the Federal Bar Association, Palm Beach Chapter and has chaired a number of committees in the Business Law Section of The Florida Bar.
“I am proud to join Akerman’s large team of stellar commercial litigators and trial lawyers that will bring tremendous value to our clients,” said David Ackerman. “Having the infrastructure of a national law firm like Akerman offers our clients diverse legal knowledge and experience, heightened security for law firm and business clients, as well as greater predictability and efficiency for their business needs.”
Along with Ackerman who arrives to Akerman as a partner, the firm welcomes special counsel Kristen McKeever and associates Eleni Howard, Raul Novoa, Jessica Rosenthal and Christine Gardner, who will continue dedicating their practice to professional liability and business defense.
They represent the latest wave of laterals to join Akerman’s Litigation Practice Group. The team recently attracted commercial litigator Joe Negron, of counsel in the West Palm Beach office, IP litigation partner Kanika Corley in Los Angeles, as well as environmental litigation partner Michael Dillon in New York.
About Akerman
Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized by Financial Times as among the most forward thinking firms in the industry. Its more than 650 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and overcome barriers to innovation and growth. Akerman is known for its results in middle market M&A and complex disputes, and for helping clients achieve their most important business objectives in the financial services, real estate, and other dynamic sectors across the United States and Latin America.
Akerman’s Litigation Practice Group has vast experience in a wide range of civil and criminal litigation, including class action defense, securities and corporate litigation, banking, white collar crime and government investigations, insurance, and real estate. The team is ranked tier one nationally by U.S. News – Best Lawyers in several categories including Commercial Litigation and Appellate.