Akin Gump Elects New Chair

(New York, N.Y. and Washington, D.C.) October 15, 2012-  Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is pleased to announce that the firm’s partnership has elected Kim Koopersmith to serve as chairperson of the firm. Ms. Koopersmith, a New York-based partner in Akin Gump’s litigation practice, presently serves as its U.S. managing partner.

As chair, Ms. Koopersmith will play a leading role in the continued development of Akin Gump’s global strategy, including guiding the overall growth of the firm, ensuring its continued commitment to the highest levels of client service and further strengthening its dedication to diversity, pro bono work and attorney excellence.

Ms. Koopersmith will succeed R. Bruce McLean, who will step down from the position at the end of March 2013 following a 20-year tenure. Mr. McLean will remain with the firm as senior executive partner.

Upon assuming the role, Ms. Koopersmith will become the first woman at Akin Gump—and one of very few women at a major, global law firm—to hold the position of chairperson. She will maintain offices in both New York and Washington, D.C.

“I am both honored and grateful for the confidence my fellow partners have shown in electing me to this position,” Ms. Koopersmith stated. “Thanks in large part to the strength of Bruce’s leadership, Akin Gump is stronger and better-positioned in the market now than at any point in its history, and I am thrilled to play a leading role in continuing that progress.”

During Mr. McLean’s tenure as chair, Akin Gump experienced a significant period of growth that saw the firm expand from a regional firm with two offices outside Texas to a global firm with 17 offices worldwide and over 850 attorneys.

“Over the last two decades, Akin Gump has achieved tremendous success across many areas: strategically expanding our global footprint, enhancing the high levels of service we provide and focusing on the numerous qualities that make Akin Gump such an exceptional place to work,” Ms. Koopersmith said. “It is exciting to have the opportunity to partner with my colleagues from across the firm to build on these outstanding achievements.”

Added Mr. McLean, “Kim’s dedication and commitment as a lawyer, mentor and leader have been instrumental in helping Akin Gump become the firm it is today. She understands the essential qualities that make a law firm successful and the importance of ensuring that all have the opportunity to contribute towards that success. Having worked closely with Kim throughout much of the past two decades, I know firsthand that she will be successful in continuing to grow the firm in a way that remains focused on our clients, our employees and our communities.”

About Kim Koopersmith

In addition to her active career as a litigation partner, Ms Koopersmith has also served as the relationship partner for several of the firm’s most significant clients. In her role as U.S. managing partner, Ms. Koopersmith has overseen the operations of Akin Gump, including financial oversight, client service, recruitment and professional development. She has also chaired the Partner Compensation Committee and the Partnership Admissions Committee.

Ms. Koopersmith has also helped pioneer many of Akin Gump’s efforts to enhance diversity and attract and retain the very best talent. She has overseen the creation of the Women’s Professional Development Initiative and the creation of the firm’s Reduced Workload Policy. She has also been instrumental in the firm’s diversity efforts, including the firm’s participation in numerous scholarships and pipeline efforts. In 2011, she was the recipient of InsideCounsel magazine’s Thomas A. Mars Pathmaker Award, presented annually to a law firm leader whose “courage, unyielding vision, integrity, conviction and authenticity has carved a groundbreaking path and laid a new foundation to accelerate the economic empowerment of attorneys of color or women.” In September of 2012, Ms. Koopersmith was selected by Law360 as one of its “Innovative Managing Partners.”

Outside of the firm, Ms. Koopersmith serves on the board of Equal Justice Works, which works to facilitate opportunities and financial support for law students and law school graduates who seek to pursue a career in public service.

Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 850 attorneys in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.