Top 100 U.S. law firm Akerman LLP has been recognized by the Financial Times 2021 North America Innovative Lawyers Report, as one the nation’s most innovative law firms in the racial justice category.
The firm was honored for establishing the Akerman Racial Justice Initiative (ARJI), which was launched to activate and deploy the firm’s national resources with a singular, laser-focus on dismantling structural racism in the justice system. ARJI lawyers partner with community organizations and offer pro bono services to address longstanding racial inequities in the justice system, specifically challenging racially discriminatory policing practices and promoting accountability and transparency in law enforcement methods, policies, and records.
As a result, Akerman lawyers and business professionals have effected change through ARJI in several ways. The Financial Times reported, "[Akerman] is working with several racial justice and civil liberties groups on a variety of initiatives in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. In one example, Akerman worked with the Law Enforcement Action Partnership to repeal a New York law that protected law enforcement disciplinary records from public disclosure. The firm has also partnered with the Louisiana branch of the American Civil Liberties Union on a litigation campaign to bring up to 1,000 cases in Louisiana challenging racially motivated stops and seizures by authorities."
"We launched the Akerman Racial Justice Initiative to effect the change our system so urgently needs," said Akerman Chairman and CEO Scott Meyers. "By leveraging our national platform, our people, and our commitment to what is right and just, Akerman can and will achieve results that improve lives and better our society. We are grateful to the Financial Times for helping us bring attention to this vital cause."
The annual Innovative Lawyers report was developed by the Financial Times in partnership with RSG Consulting. Each year the team studies the challenges that businesses face and how lawyers have innovated to help their clients solve them. Firms are selected following extensive independent research and direct client feedback.
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.