Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, has named Michael Weiss Office Managing Partner of its Los Angeles office, effective immediately. Weiss succeeds Sue Zabloudil, who led the Los Angeles office since 2015 as part of the firm’s strategic plan to establish a California presence.
“Los Angeles continues to be a vital market for our clients,” said Andrew Smulian, Akerman’s Chairman and CEO. "Michael has helped further Akerman’s ability to serve clients within the California region and nationally. He is an exceptional problem solver and brings to this role the intelligence, enthusiasm, and leadership qualities necessary to further build our presence in Los Angeles. We welcome him to our management team.”
As office managing partner, Weiss will guide Akerman’s growth and recruitment efforts in Los Angeles, while further strengthening the firm’s relationship with civic and business leaders in the region. Weiss, an experienced commercial litigator, will also continue his role as leader of the Los Angeles litigation practice group, representing clients through complex real estate litigation, commercial and business disputes, and insurance and insurance insolvency matters.
“I am pleased to take on my new role during a time when Akerman has achieved unprecedented growth and success nationwide,” said Weiss. “I look forward to building on the foundation the firm has established in Los Angeles, while helping advance the priorities of our clients nationwide in a wide range of practice areas.”
Weiss will focus his leadership on the continued strategic growth of the Los Angeles office and its expansion of client services. Since 2016, the Los Angeles office has experienced significant momentum, tripling its headcount to nearly 40 lawyers and business professionals, and expanding its California practice groups. Tax Partner Colleen Calkins and Labor and Employment Partners Damien DeLaney, Michael Gallion, and David Van Pelt most recently joined, aiding in the client-driven expansion. Akerman continued its commitment to the region and its plan for growth by relocating its office to The CalEdison DTLA in the Financial District, a move that represented a nearly 80 percent expansion in office space. Los Angeles practice groups now include Real Estate, Litigation, Labor and Employment, Corporate, Consumer Financial Services, International, Cannabis, Intellectual Property and Tax.
Zabloudil will continue her national real estate practice, representing clients in a broad range of real estate transactions, including financing, acquisition, disposition, development and joint venture structuring.
About Akerman
Akerman LLP is a top 100 law firm recognized among the most forward thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. The firm's 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. 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.