William P. Heller, chair of Akerman's Consumer Financial Services, Data and Technology (CFS+) Practice Group and executive director of the Law+AI Initiative, a collaboration between the USC Gould School of Law and Akerman, has been appointed a lecturer in law at USC Gould. Bill will teach artificial intelligence litigation as part of the Law+AI Initiative.

Drawing on more than three decades of experience handling complex technology disputes and regulatory matters, Bill's classes will examine the gap between existing legal frameworks and the pace of AI adoption. He will address how emerging technologies are reshaping legal risk and increasing litigation, and cover changes in global policy, governance, and regulatory oversight.

The Law+AI Initiative focuses on advancing practical, best approaches to legal issues impacting AI developers, rights holders, investors, and users by connecting academic acumen with real-world application. The initiative brings together legal scholars, practitioners, and an advisory board of industry stakeholders to provide insight and thought leadership on developments in international litigation, regulation, and public policy.

A nationally recognized trial lawyer and governance advisor, Bill founded and chairs Akerman's CFS+ Practice, a national legal team serving financial institutions, fintech companies, and emerging technology businesses. He also serves on the firm's board of directors and spent 15 years on the firm's executive committee. His experience includes first-chairing jury trials and arbitrations nationwide and leading more than 1,500 appeals involving novel legal issues.

Bill is consistently recognized by Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, and Best Lawyers.