Akin Gump Elevates 13 to Partnership, Strengthening Expertise Across Key Practice Areas

Akin Gump Elevates 13 to Partnership, Strengthening Expertise Across Key Practice Areas

International law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has announced the promotion of 13 lawyers to partner, effective January 1, 2024. The new partners, representing diverse specialities from tax and financial restructuring to private equity and litigation, demonstrate the firm's commitment to excellence and client service.

The lawyers who have been promoted include Stephanie Bollheimer, Emma Butler, Alexander Cushman, Kate Doorley, Simon Ellis, Hayden Harms, Maka Hutson, David Lee, Mary Lovely, Kaitlin Shapiro, Lauren Talerman, Chris Treanor and Eric Wexler.

“Each of these new partners demonstrates excellence, outstanding judgment and a client-first approach. They are all strong additions to our market-leading practices. I am proud to have them join the partnership and look forward to their continued success," said Kim Koopersmith, chairperson of the firm.

Adept in navigating the intricacies of executive compensation and employee benefits, Stephanie Bollheimer is a valued partner in Akin Gump's New York office. Her expertise extends to providing crucial support on complex compensation matters within the firm's financial restructuring practice.

Stephanie earned her LL.M. from the New York University School of Law in 2015, her J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 2014, and a B.S. from Washington and Lee University in 2009.

Emma Butler, a London-based restructuring wiz at Akin Gump, champions the interests of stressed and solvent investors in intricate domestic and cross-border debt restructurings, financings, and insolvencies. Her sharp legal acumen has benefitted numerous noteholder, bondholder, and creditor groups, particularly in navigating schemes of arrangement and restructuring plans.

Emma earned her L.P.C. from The College of Law, London in 2012 and her B.A. from the University of Oxford in 2011.

A New York-based corporate guru at Akin Gump, Alexander Cushman navigates the complexities of special situations transactions, guiding special situations funds, private equity funds, and strategic investors through the corporate and equity intricacies of these deals.

He earned his J.D. cum laude from Northwestern University School of Law in 2015, his M.B.A. from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management in 2015, and his B.A. from Dartmouth College in 2008.

A seasoned navigator of financial restructuring labyrinths, Kate Doorley at Akin Gump in Washington, D.C. champions the interests of a diverse range of players: debtors, creditors, committees, lenders, investors, and more. Her expertise shines in tackling intricate restructuring challenges, ensuring all parties find their way to a successful resolution.

Kate's academic pedigree is as impressive as her legal acumen. She graduated with honours from the University of Texas School of Law in 2011 and earned a magna cum laude B.A. from Middlebury College in 2006.

Simon Ellis, a London-based investment management maestro at Akin Gump, orchestrates intricate secondary transactions for buyers and sellers, having shaped some of the industry's most significant deals. He also guides private fund sponsors through European mid-market and emerging-market fundraisings. Beyond that, Simon assists fund sponsors and their investors with a diverse range of transactions, including managed accounts, co-investments, and fund structuring, drawing upon his extensive expertise.

Simon's academic journey began with a B.A. in History from the University of Manchester in 2008, followed by a GDL from BPP University Law School in 2009, and culminated in an L.P.C. from The College of Law, Guildford in 2012.

A Houston-based energy mastermind at Akin Gump, Hayden Harms tackles the intricacies of building and running mega-complex power and infrastructure projects, especially within the booming renewable energy and energy transition sectors. From solar farms to wind turbines and beyond, Hayden guides clients through the development, construction, and operation of these crucial assets.

Hayden's academic foundation is as solid as the infrastructure he helps build. He graduated cum laude with a B.S.B.A. from The Ohio State University in 2010, followed by a J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law in 2014.

Maka Hutson, a Dallas-based immigration investigator with eagle eyes and an ironclad grasp of national security, navigates the complexities of federal immigration investigations at Akin Gump. She partners with the firm's international trade and white-collar teams to unravel intricate cases involving visa fraud, sanctions breaches, and immigration law violations. Her expertise extends to guiding companies on compliance strategies and spearheading immigration solutions for their senior personnel.

Maka's academic foundation is as diverse as the global clients she serves. With a B.A. with honours from Moscow State Linguistic University in 1999, she followed it with an M.A. with honours from The University of Texas in 2001, and ultimately capped it off with a J.D. with honours from The University of Texas School of Law in 2011.

In the heart of Washington, D.C., David Lee at Akin Gump reigns as a maestro of intellectual property, guiding clients through the intricate world of patents, trademarks, and beyond. Whether navigating complex mergers, crafting cross-border technology licenses, or ensuring brand protection, David's expertise ensures clients' innovations are safeguarded and empowered.

David's mind is a fertile ground for cutting-edge solutions. As a member of the firm's artificial intelligence & machine learning group, he delves into the complex legal landscape surrounding AI, ensuring clients leverage this powerful technology with confidence. He also leads the charge in trademark and brand protection, spearheading enforcement efforts to keep brands shining brightly.

David's dedication to his clients and the law is as impressive as his academic pedigree. He graduated with a B.A. from the University of North Carolina in 1995 and a J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 1999.

In the ever-evolving energy sector, Mary Lovely at Akin Gump's Houston office stands as a deal-making maestro. She navigates the complex terrain of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) with a focus on both traditional and renewable energy sources, guiding clients through acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic joint ventures across the entire spectrum – upstream, midstream, downstream, and beyond.

Mary's passion for energy is evident in her track record, evident in her work on prominent transactions within the traditional and renewable energy sectors. This dedication is further fuelled by a solid academic foundation, with a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law (2010) and a B.A. from the University of Virginia (2007).

In the intricate arena of funds litigation, Kaitlin Shapiro at Akin Gump's New York office emerges as a formidable champion. She navigates the complexities of regulatory compliance, fiduciary duty, and corporate governance issues for diverse clients, including investment funds, financial institutions, corporations, and individuals. Kaitlin's expertise shines particularly in defending investment fund clients facing federal securities actions under Section 16, drawing upon her extensive experience and keen legal mind.

Kaitlin's impressive academic background lays the foundation for her legal prowess. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2010, followed by a J.D. from New York University School of Law in 2013.

At Akin Gump's Dubai hub, Lauren Talerman stands as a beacon of expertise for international trade compliance. Her strategic location allows her to guide a diverse global clientele through the labyrinthine world of export controls, sanctions, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering laws. Lauren's skill extends beyond mere legal advice – she empowers clients with internal investigations, risk assessments, and unwavering representation in the face of government investigations and enforcement actions. Whether navigating the intricacies of OFAC sanctions or deciphering the complexities of ITAR and EAR regulations, Lauren is a trusted partner, ensuring her clients' compliance and safeguarding their global operations.

Lauren's academic prowess is as impressive as her legal acumen. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from Queens College, City University of New York in 2008, followed by a J.D. summa cum laude from American University Washington College of Law in 2015.

With nearly two decades of navigating the halls of Capitol Hill, Chris Treanor at Akin Gump's Washington D.C. office has carved a niche as a champion for clean energy and environmental policy. He tirelessly advocates for his clients, a diverse mix of tech giants, traditional powerhouses, and clean energy start-ups, guiding them through the intricacies of domestic and international climate, energy, and environmental policies. Chris isn't just a mouthpiece; he's a strategic advisor, empowering his clients to navigate the complexities of policy landscapes and emerge victorious. Whether shaping legislation or influencing regulations, Chris is a force to be reckoned with, ensuring his clients' voices are heard loud and clear in the corridors of power.

Chris' impressive academic background serves as a solid foundation for his impactful work. He graduated cum laude with a B.A. from Duke University in 2005, followed by a J.D. cum laude from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law in 2012.

In the intricate world of corporate transactions, Eric Wexler at Akin Gump's New York office is a tax maestro, guiding clients through the complex intersection of tax and corporate law. His expertise shines in joint ventures, M&A, and private equity deals, where he dissects complex partnership structures and navigates the nuances of cross-border transactions. His strategic advice, a potent blend of tax savvy and corporate acumen, is a prized asset for clients across diverse industries, from family offices and investment funds to tech giants and life sciences trailblazers.

Eric's academic pedigree is as impressive as his legal prowess. He graduated magna cum laude with a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2011, and his B.A. with honours, Phi Beta Kappa, from Johns Hopkins University in 2008.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, a powerhouse in the legal world, boasts over 900 talented lawyers across offices in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, offering unparalleled legal expertise and global reach.