Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced Partner Michael Chavies has been installed as the 78th president and chair of the Orange Bowl Committee, a non-profit organization devoted to youth and sports in the South Florida community.
During the 2016-2017 term, Chavies will preside over the Orange Bowl Festival and Game, which will mark the 83rd anniversary of the Orange Bowl. He will oversee the many youth athletic programs, scholarship programs, and other team sports initiatives, such as the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance presented by Sports Authority, which impacts 16,000 young athletes. Chavies also will interface with the University Presidents and Athletic Directors, ESPN management, and the College Football Playoff leadership, while preserving South Florida's reputation as a premier venue for collegiate championships.
"It has been my privilege for many years to serve on the Orange Bowl Committee and I am honored that my fellow members have entrusted me to serve in an even greater capacity as president," said Chavies. "I feel fortunate to take part in such a vital organization that is positively shaping our youth and inspires community collaboration and impact. 2016 will be another enriching year for South Florida as we continue to engage in new and meaningful partnerships that promote our mission to youth and sports, as well as initiatives that further drive the direction and future of our local economy."
A long-time business and civic leader, Chavies served as an Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court Judge in Miami for 13 years after being appointed to the bench by Governor Lawton Chiles in 1992. As a partner in the Litigation Practice Group at Akerman, he focuses his practice on civil litigation, appellate law, and criminal defense and he regularly handles complex commercial cases in the courtroom for large public companies. Chavies also is involved in several youth and mentoring programs. He is a board member with the Jobs for Miami Program and past board member of the Alzheimer's Association. He serves on the Board of Directors of Coconut Grove Bank and The Bankers Club. Chavies also is a former adjunct professor at the University of Miami Law School and St. Thomas School of Law.
Chavies has been a member of the Orange Bowl Committee since 2000. He is one of several other Akerman lawyers actively involved in the organization. Bradley Houser, a partner with the Corporate Practice Group, serves on the board of directors of the Orange Bowl Committee, and Miami Office Managing Partner Neisen Kasdin has served since 2011.
The Orange Bowl Committee is a 363-member, primarily-volunteer non-profit organization devoted to initiatives aimed to inspire youth, engage the community and grow the South Florida economy. Throughout its history, the Orange Bowl has hosted powerhouse post-season college football matchups including 19 games featuring national champions.
Akerman lawyers and other professionals have a long-standing tradition of supporting today's youth and initiatives that enhance their education and development. They have contributed countless hours toward pro bono legal service, volunteerism and fundraising for underprivileged children and others in the community. Akerman most recently made a $1 million pledge to the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, the largest donation the organization has ever received from a law firm. The funds will go toward the Akerman Academic Scholarship for Foster Youth and support training programs for CASA's national network of court appointed advocates for abused and neglected foster youth.
About Akerman LLP
Akerman LLP is a leading transactions and trial law firm known for its core strengths in middle market M&A, within the financial services and real estate industries, and for a diverse Latin America practice. With more than 600 lawyers and government affairs professionals and a network of 20 offices, it is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the United States by The American Lawyer (2015). Akerman also is ranked among the top 50 law firms for diversity in The American Lawyer's Diversity Scorecard (2015).
Akerman has a long history of public service and corporate citizenship that stems from a deep commitment to serve as allies and advocates in the community. The firm's philanthropic and pro bono efforts focus on important, worthwhile, and vital causes — particularly in the areas of education and youth development. Akerman addresses critical social issues through community partnerships, employee volunteerism, pro bono service, and by collaborating with clients to expand the reach of shared purpose-driven initiatives.