Top 100 U.S. law firm Akerman LLP today announced litigation partner Grasford Smith has been appointed by the United States District Court of the Southern District of Florida to serve as a member of the Federal Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel for the vacancy created by the untimely passing of Magistrates Judge Dave Lee Brannon.

The duty of the 10-member panel is to consider and recommend to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida five applicants qualified to fill the vacant bench position in West Palm Beach, Florida whose character, experience, ability and commitment to equal justice under law fully qualified them to serve as a United States Magistrate Judge.

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.