Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, has been recognized as one of the nation’s most innovative law firms by the Financial Times for the fourth consecutive year.
Akerman was “Highly Recommended” in the category Legal Expertise – Creating a New Standard for its vital role in several urban development projects relating to Chicago’s Lakeshore East, a $4 billion, 28-acre development in downtown Chicago. Partner Jack George, who developed a comprehensive master plan for the 16-year-old development project, advised on rewriting zoning regulations and secured an unprecedented bond offering to facilitate the construction of a series of high-rise towers, including the iconic Vista Tower.
Akerman lawyers have received additional praise from the Financial Times for their legal expertise and commitment to client service innovation. In 2017, the Cuba team was recognized in the Driving Value category for expanding Expedia’s online travel booking service to Cuba. The same year, Michael Goldberg received special commendation in the Litigation and Disputes category for his efforts as SEC-appointed receiver in the case of Jay Peak Resort, the largest fraud scheme in the history of the federal EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program.
In 2016, the Cuba Practice was recognized for its innovative regulatory work for clients, after constructing a groundbreaking legal framework that enabled its client Musicabana to launch the largest, most historic music event of its kind in Cuba. The Tax Practice was recognized in the same category for leading a history victory for the Seminole Tribe of Florida that reverberated for Native American tribes across the United States.
The annual Innovative Lawyers report was developed by the Financial Times in partnership with RSG Consulting. Each year the team conducts an investigation on 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. 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.