Press Release

Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm, is pleased to announce that three lawyers have been shortlisted for the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America 2021. These awards celebrate the fantastic achievements of firms and individuals who are furthering the advancement of diversity and inclusion across the United States and Canada. The 2021 award winners will be announced virtually on June 17 during an awards ceremony celebrating key achievements within the market.

The Akerman lawyers selected are as follows:

Akerman Bench Chair Ruben Castillo was shortlisted in the "Outstanding Contribution" award category, which recognizes a partner that has shown an outstanding commitment across multiple strands of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. A first chair litigator, Castillo focuses his practice on corporate investigations, white collar criminal defense, private arbitration, and mediation work for litigants. As chair of Akerman Bench, he leads one of the nation’s largest panels of former appellate and trial court judges, seasoned appellate lawyers, and former state and federal law clerks who provide guidance and feedback for optimal trial and appellate court presentations. Formerly Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and former chair of its Racial Justice Diversity Committee, Ruben has long been an advocate of change and is viewed by his peers as a pivotal force in bringing diversity to the federal court system and the Chicago legal community.

Litigation Partner David Wood was shortlisted in the "Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year" award category, which recognizes a partner who is dedicated to pro bono work in the local or global community. A high-stakes commercial litigator with experience representing clients in bet-the-company litigation, Wood devotes his prolific pro bono practice to advocating for children and families, with a focus on abused, abandoned, or neglected children in the foster care system or who have been dependent on the juvenile courts.

Corporate Associate Tara Jackson was shortlisted in the "Future Leader – Diversity & Inclusion" award category, which recognizes an associate or senior associate who is leading the way in one or more strand of diversity and inclusion; e.g. Diversity & Inclusion network leads, junior lawyers helping diverse communities through pro bono work, junior lawyers with roles in charities/external Diversity & Inclusion networks and organizations. Jackson focuses her practice on securities transactions, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, corporate governance, and other general corporate matters. Beyond boardrooms and the practice of law, Jackson is a tremendously accomplished advocate for her community, her clients, and her colleagues in the areas of diversity and inclusion. In light of recent events involving racial violence and discrimination across the United States, Jackson has contributed to meaningful change in addressing the longstanding racial inequities in our system of justice.

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.

 

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