Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP stands as one of the world's largest and most prestigious law firms. Founded in 1945 by Robert Strauss and Richard Gump in Dallas, Texas, it has grown into a global powerhouse with over 900 lawyers across 17 offices worldwide. The firm excels in various legal fields, including corporate law, litigation, and government relations. Known for its commitment to diversity, pro bono work, and community service, Akin Gump has a significant presence in Texas and beyond. With a strong focus on sectors like healthcare, energy, and privacy, the firm continues to shape the legal landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: A Storied Beginning Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld started as a small law firm in 1945 and has since grown into a global legal powerhouse with over 900 lawyers and offices in 90 countries.
- Diverse Expertise and Texas Roots The firm offers diverse legal services, excels in Texas, and is committed to pro bono work, diversity, and community involvement.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: A Storied Beginning
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has a rich history that dates back to the mid-20th century. Let's dive into the origins and early milestones of this prestigious law firm.
- Founding: Established in 1945 by Robert Strauss and Richard Gump in Dallas, Texas, the firm began as a small legal practice.
- Initial Name: Initially called Goldberg, Fonville, Gump & Strauss, the name reflected the addition of Irving Goldberg and William P. Fonville in 1950.
- Name Change: In 1963, the firm became Goldberg, Fonville, Gump, Strauss & Hauer after Jack Hauer joined.
- Renaming: The firm adopted its current name, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, in 1966 following Irving Goldberg's departure and Alan Feld's promotion to named partner.
A Global Legal Powerhouse
From its humble beginnings, Akin Gump has grown into a global legal giant. Here's a look at its impressive expansion and reach.
- Headquarters: The firm is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a significant presence in Texas and other major cities worldwide.
- Size: As of 2024, Akin Gump boasts more than 900 lawyers and professionals across its global offices.
- Global Presence: Operating in over 90 countries, the firm has offices in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Diverse Practice Areas
Akin Gump offers a wide range of legal services, making it a versatile and comprehensive law firm.
- Practice Areas: The firm provides services in corporate law, litigation, regulatory and public policy, and more.
- Bankruptcy/Restructuring: Known for its expertise in bankruptcy and restructuring, the firm consistently earns top-tier rankings in Chambers USA.
- Government Relations: Akin Gump excels in government relations, advising clients on public policy and regulatory matters.
- Healthcare: The firm has a significant presence in the healthcare sector, offering specialized legal services.
- Privacy & Data Security: Recognized for its expertise in privacy and data security, the firm helps clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
- Native American Law: Akin Gump has a dedicated practice in Native American law, assisting tribes and organizations.
Corporate and Energy Expertise
The firm has a robust corporate practice and a strong focus on the energy industry.
- Corporate Practice: Akin Gump's corporate practice includes mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, corporate governance, finance, and private equity.
- Energy Industry: The firm advises clients on transactions and projects related to oil and gas, petrochemicals, liquefied natural gas, coal, utilities, and renewables.
Texas Roots and Recognition
Akin Gump's deep roots in Texas have earned it a reputation as one of the state's elite law firms.
- Dallas Office: The Dallas office is a key hub for the firm’s corporate practices, including mergers and acquisitions, finance, and energy law.
- Texas Presence: With five offices across Texas, the firm maintains a strong presence in the Lone Star State.
- Elite Firms in Texas: Recognized as one of the elite firms in Texas, Akin Gump is known for its prestige and strength in the legal community.
- Texas Powerhouse: Listed among the top Texas Powerhouse firms by Law360, the firm is celebrated for delivering exceptional results for clients.
Commitment to Pro Bono and Diversity
Akin Gump is dedicated to pro bono work and fostering diversity and inclusion within the firm.
- Pro Bono Work: Over 70% of the firm's attorneys participate in pro bono projects each year, with each attorney dedicating more than 100 hours on average.
- Diversity and Inclusion: The firm hired its first chief diversity and inclusion officer in 2017, with Nimesh Patel succeeding Michele Meyer-Shipp in 2019.
Lobbying and Political Contributions
Akin Gump is a major player in lobbying and political contributions, influencing public policy and supporting federal candidates.
- Lobbying Firm: As the second-largest lobbying firm in the U.S. by revenue, Akin Gump plays a significant role in shaping public policy.
- Political Contributions: The firm donated $2.56 million to federal candidates in the 2012 election cycle, with 66% going to Democrats.
- Lobbying Spending: Since 2003, Akin Gump has spent $8 million on lobbying, contributing a total of $19.84 million to federal candidates since 1990.
International Clients and Offices
Akin Gump serves clients around the globe and has offices in major cities worldwide.
- International Clients: The firm represents governments from countries like Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, the Maldives, and Nicaragua.
- Office Locations: With offices in cities such as Dallas, Washington, D.C., San Antonio, Houston, Irvine, Fort Worth, New York, Moscow, Philadelphia, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, and Hartford, the firm has a truly global footprint.
- Beijing Operations: In December 2023, the firm announced plans to wind down operations in Beijing by 2024.
Addressing Antisemitism and High-Profile Cases
The firm has taken a stand against antisemitism and has been involved in high-profile legal cases.
- Antisemitic Incidents: Akin Gump joined other major law firms in warning top law school deans of corporate hiring consequences if antisemitic incidents continued.
- Russian Investigation: Partner Melissa Laurenza represented Paul Manafort in the 2017 Special Counsel investigation and was compelled to testify.
Leadership and Structure
Akin Gump has made significant strides in leadership and partnership structure.
- Leadership: Kim Koopersmith served as the firm's chairperson from 2012 to 2013, becoming the first woman to hold this position and one of the few women to head an Am Law 50 law firm.
- Partnership Structure: In 2013, the firm adopted a single-tier partnership structure, where all partners have equity, abandoning the two-tier structure.
Recruitment and Summer Associate Program
The firm offers a comprehensive summer associate program and recruits from top law schools.
- Summer Associate Program: The program includes real-world projects, training, mentorship, teamwork, and social activities. Summer associates also participate in pro bono projects and receive feedback on a project-by-project basis.
- Recruitment: Akin Gump recruits from top law schools, including American, Berkeley, Boston University, Cardozo, Catholic, Columbia, Duke, George Washington, Georgetown, Harvard, Howard, Houston, McGill, Michigan, New York University, Penn, UCLA, USC, SMU, Stanford, Texas, Toronto, Vanderbilt, Virginia, and William & Mary.
Community Involvement and Social Media Presence
Akin Gump is committed to community service and maintains a strong online presence.
- Social Media Presence: The firm is active on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, engaging with potential recruits and maintaining a strong online presence.
- Community Involvement: The D.C. office raised over $78,500 in the 2022 Food From the Bar campaign, exceeding its fundraising goal by 105%.
Akin Gump: A Legal Powerhouse
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld stands out as a major player in the legal world. Founded in 1945, it has grown into a global firm with over 900 lawyers across 17 offices. Known for its expertise in corporate law, litigation, government relations, and bankruptcy/restructuring, the firm serves clients in diverse sectors, including healthcare and energy. Its commitment to pro bono work and diversity sets it apart, with a significant portion of its attorneys participating in community service. The firm also boasts a strong lobbying presence, ranking as the second-largest lobbying firm in the U.S. by revenue. With a rich history and a broad range of services, Akin Gump continues to be a leader in the legal industry, making a significant impact both domestically and internationally.
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