Akerman has lost a remarkable member of our firm family. Bill Ide passed away on July 8, leaving behind a legacy that touched every corner of our firm.

Bill joined us as a Corporate Partner in Atlanta, but his impact reached far beyond any single office or practice group. While his resume spoke volumes — President of the American Bar Association, General Counsel at Monsanto, advisor to Fortune 100 boards — what truly defined Bill was how he treated people. He was someone who learned everyone's name, who asked about your family, who remembered that you were studying for an exam or that someone close to you had been ill.

Bill showed us all that true leadership isn't about titles; it's about lifting others up. He believed deeply that we practice law not just as a business, but as a calling to serve justice and each other. He lived those values every day, in every interaction, always taking time for a kind word or meaningful conversation.

What made Bill special was his ability to make everyone feel valued. He understood that excellence comes from every desk, every office, every floor of our firm. His warmth, integrity, and genuine care for people created the kind of workplace we all strive to be part of — one where everyone matters.

To Bill's family, we extend our deepest condolences and our promise that his Akerman family will carry forward the example he set.