Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm, is pleased to announce that litigation partner Grasford Smith has been selected by the National Bar Association (NBA) as the recipient of the Clyde E. Bailey Award and elected as the organization’s Region XI Chair. The NBA was founded in 1925 and is the nation's oldest and largest national network of predominantly African-American attorneys and judges.
Established in 2006, under then President Reginald Turner, the Clyde E. Bailey Award is presented to a person who has exhibited corporate leadership in support and advancement of the NBA’s programs in his or her workplace. This award is one of the highest honors of the NBA.
As Chair, Smith leads Region XI of the NBA which covers Florida, Georgia and Alabama. He will represent the Region on the NBA Board of Governors and oversee various programming, including CLEs and a mocktrial competition. His primary goal is to further integrate the strategic objectives of the affiliate chapters in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The objectives of the NBA are to advance the science of jurisprudence; improve the administration of justice; preserve the independence of the judiciary and to uphold the honor and integrity of the legal profession; to promote professional and social intercourse among the members of the American and the international bars; to promote legislation that will improve the economic condition of all American citizens, regardless of race, sex or creed in their efforts to secure a free and untrammeled use of the franchise guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States; and to protect the civil and political rights of the citizens and residents of the United States
“We are incredibly proud of Grasford’s steadfast commitment to equality and inclusion initiatives, as well as his consistent efforts to advocate for diverse lawyers and professionals both inside and outside of the firm,” said Akerman’s Equality and Inclusion Committee Chair, Pedro Freyre. “His prestigious role and recent recognition by the National Bar Association is yet another testament to his devotion to promoting equality and inclusion.”
Smith focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation matters. He has experience representing a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, athletic leagues, technology companies, and a U.S. Congressman, in addition to a variety of small and medium-sized businesses. Smith approaches dispute resolution as an opportunity to further his clients’ business goals. He develops comprehensive yet practical legal solutions by first understanding his clients’ business needs.
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.