Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, announces today that Complex Commercial Litigation Partner Grasford Smith has been elected as chair of the National Bar Association’s (NBA) Minority Partners in Majority Law Firms Division. In that capacity, he will also serve as an NBA board member.
The NBA is the nation's oldest and largest national network of predominantly African American attorneys and judges, representing the interests of approximately 65,000 lawyers, judges, law professors, and law students. Founded in 1925, the NBA is organized around 23 substantive law sections, nine divisions, 12 regions and 80 affiliate chapters throughout the U.S. and around the world. The NBA Minority Partners in Majority Law Firms Division facilitates educational, resource, and networking opportunities for minority partners at the top law firms across the U.S.
Smith, whose one-year term as chair is effective July 29, previously served as Minority Partners in Majority Law Firms Division vice chair and NBA parliamentarian.
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. He handles local and nationally disputed matters concerning corporate governance, government enforcement actions, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, trade secrets, real estate matters, construction defects, franchises, products liability, eminent domain, and disciplinary/admission matters before the Florida Bar. Smith, ranked by The Best Lawyers in America, was named a Corporate Executive of the Year by Legacy South Florida Magazine in 2019.
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.