We are pleased to announce that Grasford Smith has taken office as Palm Beach County Bar Association president. Smith leads Akerman’s West Palm Beach Litigation Practice Group and has served on the bar association's board of directors since 2016.  

“It is truly an honor to take on this role with the bar association," Smith said. "As president, I will be focused on ensuring that our more than 2,500 members receive the highest quality educational and networking opportunities, as well as respected representation before our community, elected leaders, and the judiciary."

Smith focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation matters. He has experience representing 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 is also certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a circuit civil mediator.

"Grasford's leadership has been invaluable to our firm and the many organizations he has given his time to, and I have no doubt that as president he will do great things for the Palm Beach County Bar Association," said Chris Duke, Akerman's West Palm Beach office managing partner.

In addition to serving on the board of directors, Smith has co-chaired Palm Beach County Bar Association's Diversity Committee and chaired the Transaction Law Committee. He currently serves on the Florida State University College of Business Board of Governors, is the chair of the American Heart Association, among several other roles. He is also the immediate past president of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County.

Smith has been honored for excellence in Lawdragon, Super Lawyers Magazine, The Best Lawyers in America, South Florida Business Journal, Florida Trend, and in American Lawyer Media’s Daily Business Review.

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.