Akerman litigation partner Grasford Smith has been named Communications Chair and a member of the Executive Committee of The Florida Bar Board of Governors, further expanding his leadership role within one of the state's most influential legal organizations.

As Communications Chair, Grasford will help guide The Florida Bar's communications strategy and support its efforts to keep Florida attorneys and the public informed on issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice. In his role on the Executive Committee, he will work alongside the Bar's leadership to help shape policy and strategic priorities for the organization.

Grasford has served in several leadership positions with The Florida Bar since 2011. He also currently serves as Vice President of the National Bar Association and on the Florida State University College of Business Board of Governors, and previously as president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association.

Grasford was first elected to The Florida Bar Board of Governors in 2022 and was reelected in 2024. As a member of the Board, he represents attorneys throughout Florida and contributes to initiatives that promote professionalism, access to justice, and the effective administration of the legal system.

Based in Akerman's West Palm Beach office, Grasford focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation matters. He has extensive experience representing Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, athletic leagues, technology companies, a U.S. Congressman, and a wide range of small and medium-sized businesses. He is also certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a circuit civil mediator.

The Florida Bar Board of Governors serves as the governing body of The Florida Bar, which represents more than 110,000 attorneys across the state. The Board develops and oversees policies that affect the legal profession and helps guide the organization's mission of protecting the public and improving the justice system.