The Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association recognized Akerman's pro bono work with the highest law firm honor, the 2016 John R. Hamilton Law Firm Award of Excellence. The award is presented annually to the law firm that displays an exceptional commitment to pro bono work. Akerman was recognized for its increasing participation in the guardian ad litem program and its significant contributions to abused and neglected foster youth.

Akerman also was featured in OCBA's The Briefs magazine in a story titled, "The Orlando Office of Akerman LLP Receives the 2016 John R. Hamilton Law Firm of Excellence Award." The story commended the firm's long history of public service to the Central Florida community.

The publication wrote, "Through Akerman's Give Back Campaign, lawyers and other professionals in the Orlando office have participated in fundraising efforts, book drives, and volunteer initiatives to help the Legal Aid Society support the hundreds of abused, abandoned and neglected youth they serve."