2012

Chambers and Partners  - “Lawyer of the Year”

Chambers USA has nominated Dianne Elderkin (Philadelphia) for “Intellectual Property Lawyer of the Year” in its first-ever Women in Law Awards program. Chris LaFollette (Houston) was nominated for “Corporate/M&A Lawyer of the Year.”

The awards ceremony was held on February 2 at the Plaza in New York.

Law360 – Practice Groups of the Year

Akin Gump’s health and project finance practices were recognized by Law360 among its 2011 Practice Groups of the Year. More than 500 law firms submitted nominations to the reviewing committee of Law360 editors. The recognized practice groups were selected on the basis of several factors, including the significance of the practice’s engagements as well as their size and complexity.

California Academy of Appellate Lawyers

Rachel Lerman (Los Angeles) has been elected to membership in the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers, the nation's oldest professional organization dedicated to appellate practice. Its membership comprises California lawyers with substantial appellate experience who are elected to membership after rigorous scrutiny of their skill in advocacy before the appellate courts.

2011

Washingtonian – Best Lawyers

Val Slater, Patricia Millett and John Dowd (Washington) were named to Washingtonian magazine’s Best Lawyers list. Val was named in the “Frequent Fliers” category for her international trade work, Pattie was named in the “Supremes” category for her Supreme Court work and John was listed in the “White Collar Worries” category for his criminal defense work. The list is compiled through informal balloting of selected lawyers in the city.

Diversity & the Bar – Law Firm Rainmakers and Lifetime Achievement Award

Dino Barajas (Los Angeles) was profiled as part of the “2011 Law Firm Rainmakers” feature in the November/December issue of Diversity & the Bar. In this competitive selection, Dino was one of 16 partners and principals from across the country to be acknowledged.

The cover story of the publication is a profile of partner Vernon Jordan (Washington), who is the first recipient of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

First Street Research Group - “First Street 30” Top Lobbyists

Vic Fazio, Bill Paxon, Jeffrey McMillen and Barney Skladany (Washington) were selected by the First Street Research Group in the inaugural group of the “First Street 30,” the top lobbyists in Washington, D.C.

The organization, a division of CQ Press that specializes in political intelligence analysis, used the information in its databases to arrive at the “most influential and connected lobbyists in the industry” in three categories: ex-members of Congress, ex-congressional staffers and professional lobbyists. Vic and Bill were featured in the first category, Jeffrey in the second and Barney in the third.

Those selected were ranked by factoring revenue, number of clients and client size. Akin Gump was the only firm to place four practitioners among all of those ranked; our nearest competitors tied at two apiece.

National Legal Aid & Defender Association – Beacon of Justice Award

On December 6, 2011, at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., Akin Gump was honored by the National Legal Aid & Defender Association with the organization’s Beacon of Justice Award. This year’s award acknowledges “law firms that have innovative public-private partnerships that protect equal justice for all through appellate litigation.” Akin Gump is one of only 14 firms recognized nationwide with this distinction.

Human Rights Campaign – Top Rating on Corporate Equality Index

Akin Gump, for the fifth year in a row, has earned the top rating of 100 percent on the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The Index measures an employer’s commitment to policies, practices and protections pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.

Each year, HRC invites the largest and most successful public and private companies in the United States to participate in the rating process. The 2012 Index rated a total of 636 employers.

Best Lawyers in America – Best Law Firms

Akin Gump received multiple recognitions in the U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers’ second annual joint ranking of America’s Best Law Firms.

Evaluated on topics such as expertise, responsiveness and cost-effectiveness, over 11,000 law firms were ranked by the two organizations in 75 practice areas. The firm had many of its practices’ work recognized at both the national and metropolitan levels. These honors follow on the heels of the 64 individual recognitions Akin Gump attorneys received in The Best Lawyers in America, published in early September.

Houston Chronicle – Top Workplaces

Akin Gump was named as one of the top places to work in Houston for the second consecutive year by the Houston Chronicle.

The Chronicle’s list of Top 100 Workplaces recognizes businesses nominated by their employees. The findings are based on responses from nearly 55,000 employees at over 230 Houston-area companies to questions covering issues such as opportunities for advancement, the value of compensation and benefits, and the communication and management skills of their supervisors, among other issues.

Financial Times - Corporate Law - Emerging Markets Law Firm of the Year 2011

Akin Gump was named “Corporate Law - Emerging Markets Law Firm of the Year 2011” at the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards 2011 on October 5 in London, taking the category from a shortlist of seven leading international law firms.

The firm was nominated for the award based on our successful advice to long-term client and leading emerging market mobile telecoms operator VimpelCom in acquiring Wind Telecom to create the world’s sixth-largest mobile telecommunications carrier by subscribers, operating in 20 countries. The acquisition closed in April 2011.

American Jewish Committee – Judge Learned Hand Award

Bruce McLean (Washington) was honored by the American Jewish Committee on October 27 (AJC) with the prestigious Judge Learned Hand Award in a well-attended ceremony held at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. AJC’s Judge Learned Hand Award commemorates the widely respected jurist and writer who served as judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit for 37 years. Judge Hand believed that the pursuit of justice rested not only in a lawyer’s practice of the legal profession, but also in his or her conduct as a citizen. The AJC presents this award to “outstanding leaders of the legal profession who exemplify the high principles for which Judge Hand was renowned.”

Career Center – Top Partners to Work For

Prakash Mehta (New York) and Paul Butler (Washington) were selected by readers of Above the Law as among the “Top Partners to Work For” in New York and Washington, D.C., respectively. Prakash was described as “truly exceptional” by associate respondents, while Paul was characterized as “quite simply the best at what he does.”

Best Lawyers in America

Best Lawyers has recognized 62 Akin Gump partners as among the best in their respective cities and practices for 2012.

Additionally, several of our lawyers were recognized by Best Lawyers as Lawyers of the Year. These lawyers received particularly high marks from their peers, and only one attorney in each city and practice area receives this designation. Congratulations are in order for—

• John V. Jansonius (Dallas), who was named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Dallas Employment Law - Management Lawyer of the Year
• R. Laurence Macon (San Antonio), who was named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 San Antonio Litigation - Intellectual Property Lawyer of the Year
• Robert S. Strauss (Washington), who was named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Dallas International Trade and Finance Law Lawyer of the Year.

Super Lawyers

82 partners, counsel and associates have been recognized as 2011 Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Three of our partners have been singled out for special recognition in their markets:

• Murry Cohen (Houston) and John Jansonius (Dallas) have been recognized as two of the Top 100 Lawyers in Texas.
• Dianne Elderkin (Philadelphia) has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Pennsylvania.

Daily Journal – Top 100 Lawyers

Edward Zaelke and Adam Umanoff (Los Angeles) were named by Daily Journal as among the Top 100 Lawyers in California. This is Mr. Zaelke's third consecutive year on the list and the second consecutive year for Mr. Umanoff. The list is compiled based on submissions from members of California’s legal community and includes attorneys like Mr. Zaelke and Mr. Umanoff who are playing leading roles in some of the largest deals around the globe.

Washingtonian - 100 Most Powerful Women in Washington

Patricia Millett (Washington) was named as one of the “100 most powerful women in Washington” by Washingtonian magazine.

Best Lawyers in America

62 Akin Gump partners were named in the 2012 edition of the guide, which is based on an exhaustive yearlong peer-review survey in which leading attorneys nationwide rate the top practitioners in their specialties.

Environmental Finance - Renewable Energy Deal of the Year

The Caithness Shepherds Flat wind farm financing was recognized by Environmental Finance as the 2011 Renewable Energy Deal of the Year. Akin Gump partner Adam Umanoff (Los Angeles) led the team serving as counsel to Caithness for the transaction.

Law360 – Pro Bono Firms of the Year

Akin Gump was recognized as a Pro Bono Firm of the Year, one of 10 firms that stood out for dedicating a significant number of attorney hours and racking up big wins in pro bono matters over the past year by Law360.

The Hollywood Reporter – Power Lawyers

John Burke (Los Angeles) has been named a "Power Lawyer" by The Hollywood Reporter. Attorneys selected to the "Power lawyers" list are those who are the "forces behind every deal, dispute and decision in Hollywood."

This is the fifth consecutive year that Mr. Burke has been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter. He was acknowledged for his involvement in major deals such as Goldman Sachs and Assured Guaranty's agreement to provide a credit facility critical to the reorganization of the Weinstein Co., as well as for pacts for Comerica Bank and Union Bank to finance movies through Summit Entertainment and Relativity Media, respectively.

Daily Journal – Top Labor & Employment Lawyers

Catherine Conway (Los Angeles) has been named by The Daily Journal as one of “California's Top Labor and Employment Attorneys” in the field of employment defense. This is the third year in a row that Ms. Conway has been selected as one of the state's top employment lawyers by the publication.

In selecting Ms Conway, The Daily Journal noted her and fellow partner Greg Knopp's (Los Angeles) successful defense of Starbucks in Starbucks v. Superior Court. In the case, the plaintiffs in a class action against Starbucks had sought access to Starbucks' employee applicant files in order to identify potential new plaintiffs after the initial plaintiff was deemed to lack standing. Ms. Conway and Mr. Knopp successfully argued that allowing such access would be an invasion of the privacy of Starbucks applicants.

Metropolitan Corporate Counsel Association – Lifetime Achievement Award

The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) will bestow its first ever lifetime achievement award upon Mr. Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. (Washington) on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at the MCCA Diversity Honors Gala, a red carpet evening that will take place at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City.

He will receive the award for making important and lasting contributions to advancing a society that fully appreciates, celebrates, and recognizes the value of diversity.

Daily Variety – Hollywood Law: Up Next

Christopher Spicer (Los Angeles) has been profiled in a new feature spotlighting the next generation of attorneys in entertainment. The feature highlights individuals who are at a relatively early stage in their careers, who have already demonstrated sharp legal skills, and who promise to rise to prominence as they advance in their profession.

Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business

A survey of lawyers and corporate counsel recognized 66 Akin Gump partners as being among the best in their respective practice areas, according to the latest edition of this guide.

Washingtonian – 40 Under 40

James Meggesto (Washington) was recognized as one of 40 lobbyists under 40 with the most influence in Washington.

Corporate Board Member – America’s Best Corporate Law Firms

Akin Gump has been ranked as one of the nation’s Top 20 national corporate law firms in separate annual surveys of general counsel and senior officers and directors of U.S. publicly traded companies.

National Law Journal – Appellate Hot List

For the fourth year in a row, Akin Gump was named to The National Law Journal’s Appellate Hot List. Firms selected for inclusion on The Hot List included only those that demonstrated “exemplary, cutting-edge appellate advocacy” and made “singular contributions to appellate practice” during the past year. In addition to citing several defining victories achieved by Akin Gump attorneys in 2010, the NLJ noted the exceptional experience and deep team of respected courtroom figures within the group.

National Law Journal – Most Influential Lawyers

Joel Jankowsky (Washington) has been named one of the nation’s Most Influential Lawyers, those attorneys who are shaping the law, the economy and the physical fabric of the United States and the world by the National Law Journal.

Law 360 – Rising Stars

Nate Oleson (Washington) and Mike Simons (Austin) were named one of 5 Rising Stars, individuals who have catapulted to the top of their profession before the age of 40, in the areas of Employment Law and Intellectual Property Law, respectively, by Law360.

Daily Journal – Top Clean Tech Lawyers

Edward Zaelke, Adam Umanoff, Dino Barajas and Elliot Hinds (Los Angeles) were recognized as being among the Top 25 Clean Tech Lawyers in California. The list represents attorneys with notable achievements in the field of clean energy technology, and includes only those who “are shepherding through the largest and most innovative [clean technology] projects.”

Project Finance and Infrastructure Finance – Deals of the Year

The San Jacinto-Tizate geothermal project financing was recognized as the Latin American Geothermal Deal of the Year for 2010. Akin Gump represented Ram Power, the project sponsor in the transaction.

BTI – Client Service All-Star

Bob Dockery (Dallas) was recognized as a BTI Client Service All-Star for 2011. These attorneys are the leaders in client service excellence as voted on by corporate counsel.

Asialaw – Leading Lawyers

Ying White (Beijing) was recognized as one of the most highly acclaimed legal experts in investment funds law in the Asia Pacific region based on an extensive survey of senior corporate executives, in-house counsel and private practice lawyers.

China Business Law Journal – Deals of the Year

The CNOOC/Bridas Corporation joint venture was recognized by the China Business Law Journal as one of the top deals of 2010. Akin Gump advised Bridas on the transaction.

The Daily Deal – Top M&A Deals of 2010

The Daily Deal recognized the sale of Philadelphia Newspapers LLC, the publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News, as one of the top 10 M&A deals of 2010. Akin Gump represented the Steering Group of Secured Lenders of Philadelphia News during the contentious chapter 11 proceedings that resulted in the all-cash sale of the publisher.

Chambers Europe – Award for Excellence

Akin Gump has been nominated for an Award for Excellence for International Firms in Russia by Chambers Europe.

The American Lawyer – Lateral All-Star

Dianne Elderkin (Philadelphia) was named a Lateral All Star, one of the most significant partner moves of 2010.

InsideCounsel – Thomas A. Mars Pathmaker Award

Kim Koopersmith (New York) has been named by InsideCounsel magazine as the recipient of the Thomas A. Mars Pathmaker Award. This prestigious award, named after the executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Walmart U.S., recognizes a law firm managing partner or law firm senior 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 law firms.”

Latin Finance – Deal of the Year

The CNOOC/Bridas Corporation joint venture has been named Best Cross-Border M&A Deal of the Year by Latin Finance magazine.  Akin Gump represented Bridas Corporation.

The Legal Intelligencer – Top Lateral Hires

Dianne Elderkin, Steve Maslowski and Barbara Mullin (Philadelphia) were named to the newspaper's list of the top lateral hires in Pennsylvania in 2010.

The American Lawyer – 45 Under 45

Kerry Berchem (New York) was recognized by The American Lawyer as one of “the best young women lawyers in The Am Law 200.” 

In choosing its list of the top 45 female lawyers under the age of 45, the magazine sought women “leading billion-dollar deals or financings, first-chairing high-stakes litigation, arguing appeals, or managing important firm clients.”  In recognizing Kerry, the magazine cited her longtime representation of reinsurer Max Capital Group Ltd., noting that she not only helped to structure Max at its formation and take the company public in 2001 but last spring advised the company in its $3 billion merger of equals with Harbor Point Limited to form Alterra Capital Limited (a deal that was completed in just 70 days).

2010

The Wall Street Journal – 5 Most Important M&A Deals of 2010

The Wall Street Journal’s Deal Journal named 2 recent energy transactions: the CNOOC/Bridas Corporation joint venture and the CNOOC/Bridas Corporation/Pan American Energy acquisition as 2 of the Most Important M&A Deals of 2010. Akin Gump served as legal advisor to Bridas on these transactions.

M&A Advisor – Woman Dealmaker of the Year

Christine LaFollette (Houston) was named "Woman Dealmaker of the Year" at the 9th Annual M&A Advisor Awards and Summit. The awards ceremony was held at the New York Athletic Club on December 14.

In recognizing Ms. LaFollette, the M&A Advisor noted her track record of tremendous leadership and ingenuity as well as her ability to motivate internal and external teams and negotiate through the many challenges wrought by the current economic conditions.

Financial Times – U.S. Innovative Lawyers

Dino Barajas (Los Angeles) was one of 10 U.S. attorneys recognized as an Innovative Individual in this inaugural feature from Financial Times. His structuring of the Polaris Geothermal project financing was highlighted. 

The Daily Deal – Top Completed Financial Services Mergers in 2010

The Daily Deal has recognized Max Capital Group Ltd.’s $3 billion acquisition of Harbor Point Ltd. as one of the top completed financial services deals this year. Kerry Berchem (New York) led the team to a successful closing of this transaction. 

Coca-Cola – Living the Values Award

Akin Gump was the recipient of the Coca-Cola Company’s Living the Values Award. Established in 2006, the award recognizes the law firm that best demonstrates its commitment to diversity with creative and innovative solutions that advance the Coke legal division’s diversity goals.

Houston Chronicle – Top Workplaces

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has been named as one of the top places to work in Houston. The Houston Chronicle’s inaugural list of Top 100 Workplaces recognizes businesses nominated by their employees.

Asialaw - Leading Lawyer

Ying White (Beijing) was recognized as one of the most highly recommended investment funds lawyers in the Asia Pacific region by Asialaw. 

Business Journal – Who’s Who in Law

John Burke (Los Angeles) was recognized as one of the top 40 entertainment lawyers in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

Human Rights Campaign – Top Rating on Corporate Equality Index

For the fifth year in a row, Akin Gump achieved a perfect score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index, which rates employers on a scale from 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) employees, consumers and investors. 

The American Lawyer – Litigator of the Week

Patricia Millett (Washington) was named “Litigator of the Week” by The American Lawyer in recognition of her winning oral argument in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on behalf of Galleon Group founder  Raj Rajaratnam.

The Legal Intelligencer – Lawyers on the Fast Track

The Legal Intelligencer recognized Steven Maslowski (Philadelphia) as one of 30 “Lawyers on the Fast Track,” young lawyers across Pennsylvania who have worked tirelessly in their professional, personal and civic lives to improve the legal landscape and the future of others.

Legal 500 UK – Akin Gump was recognized as one of the top firms in the UK in the areas of Equity Capital Markets, M&A (both UK and U.S. capabilities), International Arbitration, Debt Capital Markets, Investment Funds, Hedge Funds, Private Funds and Projects, Energy and Natural Resources. 

Daily Journal – Top Labor & Employment Lawyers

The Daily Journal named Catherine Conway, Howard Fabrick and Gregory Knopp (Los Angeles) to its 2010 list of California’s top labor and employment lawyers.

The Hollywood Reporter – Power Lawyers

John Burke and Howard Fabrick (Los Angeles) were named to The Hollywood Reporter's annual list of “Power Lawyers,” the 100 most influential entertainment lawyers in America. 

The National Law Journal – Washington’s Most Influential Women Lawyers

The National Law Journal named Patricia A. Millett (Washington) to its 2010 list of Washington’s Most Influential Women Lawyers. In the words of The NLJ, “Within the elite U.S. Supreme Court bar, Patricia Millett has achieved a starring role.”

The NLJ’s list of “power players” includes 33 lawyers from private firms, government, and advocacy and trade groups “who set the legal agenda in the nation’s capital.”

The Deal – Faces of Deal Lawyers

John Goodgame (Houston) was one of 8 attorneys featured in The Deal’s “Faces of Deal Lawyers”, recognizing the best up-and-coming transactional law talent.

Dallas Business Journal – 40 Under 40

Sarah Schultz (Dallas) was selected as a “40 Under 40” honoree by the Dallas Business Journal.  The “40 Under 40” recognizes those business leaders who have achieved an outstanding level of success before the age of 40.

M&A Advisor – Law Firm of the Year, Distressed Financing Deal of the Year and Consumer & Retail Products Deal of the Year

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP received top honors in three categories at The M&A Advisor’s 5th Annual Middle-Market Financing Awards Gala.

Akin Gump won the “Distressed Financing Deal of the Year” award for its representation of an informal committee of second lien lenders of Recycled Paper Greetings (RPG), the third-largest greeting card company in North America, in negotiations that culminated in a pre-packaged, court-approved plan of reorganization and the subsequent purchase of RPG by American Greetings, the United States’ second-largest greeting card company.

Akin Gump won the “Consumer and Retail Products Deal of the Year” award for its representation of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (A&P), an East Coast grocery chain with over 400 grocery stores operating under the A&P, Food Emporium and Pathmark brands, in a $175 million private offering of convertible preferred stock and a $260 million secured high-yield bond offering.

In addition, Akin Gump was named “Law Firm of the Year” for its success in closing middle-market M&A deals.

Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business

A survey of lawyers and corporate counsel recognized 61 Akin Gump partners as being among the best in their respective practice areas, according to the latest edition of this guide.

Institute of International Education – Extraordinary Service

The Institute of International Education presented Steven H. Schulman (Washington) with the 2010 Award for Extraordinary Service in recognition of the generous support and counsel he has provided to the Institute’s Scholar Rescue Fund. An independent not-for-profit founded in 1919, the Institute is among the world’s largest and most experienced international education and training organizations. Its Scholar Rescue Fund provides fellowships for established scholars whose lives and work are threatened in their home countries.

Corporate Board Member – America’s Best Corporate Law Firms

Akin Gump has been ranked as one of the nation’s Top 20 national corporate law firms in an annual survey of senior officers and directors of U.S. publicly traded companies.

Turnarounds and Workouts – Outstanding Young Bankruptcy Lawyers

Turnarounds and Workouts has named James Savin (Washington) to its annual list of Outstanding Young Bankruptcy Lawyers.

D Magazine – Best Women Lawyers in Dallas

Gemma Descoteaux, Mary O'Connor and Sarah Schultz (Dallas) are among those on this list of the top female attorneys in North Texas as chosen by their peers.

The Legal Intelligencer – Woman of Distinction

Dianne Elderkin (Philadelphia) has been named a "Woman of Distinction" by The Legal Intelligencer for her efforts in securing the largest patent infringement verdict in U.S. history: a $1.67 billion award to Johnson & Johnson's Centocor unit in a patent-infringement case against drug maker Abbott Laboratories.

MergerMarket – Top Legal Advisors

Akin Gump was ranked 3^rd by value in the Legal Advisors to U.S. (Mid-West) M&A table and FirstEnergy Corp/Allegheny Energy Inc. was named one of the Top Announced Deals in both the Americas and Global tables.

Corpfin

Akin Gump was ranked 1^st by value and 9^th by volume for M&A with any Republic of Ireland involvement.

Thomson Reuters – Announced & Completed Deals

Akin Gump was ranked 1^st by value for announced M&A Energy and Power deals with any Japanese involvement.

The National Law Journal – Appellate Hot List

For the third year in a row, Akin Gump was named to The National Law Journal’s Appellate Hot List. In compiling its third annual list of firms “with stellar records in appellate advocacy,” the NLJ sought firms that scored at least one significant appellate win since February 2009 “before the U.S. Supreme Court, a federal circuit court or a state court of last resort when the financial stakes were high or an important legal principle was at stake” and maintained “an impressive track record overall.”

Law360 – Rising Legal Stars

Steven Maslowski (Philadelphia), James Savin (Washington), Philip Dublin (New York), Jeffrey King (Washington), Katherine Katchen (Philadelphia), David Park (Washington) and Richard Welsh (Los Angeles) were each named one of 10 Rising Legal Stars, individuals who have catapulted to the top of their profession before the age of 40, in their respective practice areas by Law360.

Legal Aid Society of D.C. – Servant of Justice Award

The Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia honored Vernon E. Jordan Jr. (Washington) with the 2010 Servant of Justice Award. The award is presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated “faithful dedication and remarkable achievement in ensuring that all persons have equal and meaningful access to justice in the District of Columbia.” 

Bryce Harlow Foundation – Business-Government Relations Award

The Bryce Harlow Foundation honored Joel Jankowsky (Washington) with the Business-Government Relations Award in recognition of his lifelong leadership in the advocacy profession. The Award is presented annually to a lobbyist who, during the course of a lifelong career, has been an exemplary role model.

The National Law Journal – Top Verdict of 2009

Akin Gump partner Dianne Elderkin (Philadelphia) secured a $1.67 billion verdict on behalf of her client, Centocor, in a suit against Abbott Laboratories. The verdict was the largest of 2009 according to The National Law Journal.

EMEA Legal 500

Akin Gump’s energy and natural resources practice in Russia is ranked in the top tier in the 2010 Europe, Middle East & Africa edition of the Legal 500. The firm’s capital markets and mergers & acquisitions practices in Russia were also recognized.

California Lawyer – Attorneys of the Year

California Lawyer magazine has named Cathy Conway and Rex Heinke (Los Angeles) to its annual Attorneys of the Year list in recognition of their appellate victory on behalf of Starbucks in Chau v. Starbucks Corp.

Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business

A survey of lawyers and corporate counsel recognized 14 Akin Gump partners as being among the best in their respective practice areas, according to the latest edition of this guide.

Daily Journal – Top 20 Under 40

Richard Welsh (Los Angeles) was named one of the Top 20 Lawyers Under 40 in California by the Daily Journal. The Daily Journal recognized Mr. Welsh for his work as lead counsel for one of the world’s largest energy companies in a high-profile $400 million lawsuit in the San Francisco Bay area and related insurance coverage litigation in Virginia arising from that suit. In addition, the publication cited his work as lead trial counsel in San Mateo County for a videogame developer in a lawsuit involving allegations of over $10 million in lost profits.

Turnarounds and Workouts – Top Restructurings

Turnarounds and Workouts named the Quebecor restructuring among the most successful of 2009. Akin Gump represented the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Quebecor.

Euroweek – Emerging Markets Deal of the Year

Euroweek named the LUKOIL Eurobond the Emerging Markets Deal of the Year. Akin Gump served as legal advisor to LUKOIL on this transaction.

Law360 – Top Employment Defense Firms

Law360 named Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as one of the top employment defense law firms of 2009. The firm was recognized as one of five employment defense firms that “stood out for their work on some of the year’s major cases.” The newswire noted the firm’s success in overturning on appeal a $105 million verdict against Starbucks Corp. in a tip pooling class action, as well as in other class action lawsuits, including a “significant win” for Home Depot in defeating class certification in a misclassification action.

Law360 – Top Insurance Firms

Law360 named Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as one of the top insurance law firms of 2009. Akin Gump earned a place on the newswire’s list of the six top insurance firms for its representation of the Lloyd’s of London insurance market in coverage litigation arising from allegations that Stanford International Bank and its affiliates, officers and directors perpetrated a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of $7 billion. Akin Gump’s insurance team also drew praise from Law360 for its work in reaching a settlement in a decades-old nationwide class action arising from the manufacture and sale of E-Ferol, a drug given to premature infants.

2009

MergerMarket – Top Legal Advisors

Akin Gump was ranked 1^st by value in the Legal Advisors to Central & Eastern Europe M&A table; 1^st by value and 3^rd by volume in the Legal Advisors to Russian M&A table; and VimpelCom/Altimo/Telnor deal named one of Top Announced Deals – Europe.

Corpfin

Akin Gump was ranked 6^th by volume and 8^th by value for M&A with any Eastern European involvement.

Bloomberg – Announced Deals

Akin Gump was ranked 3^rd by deal count for M&A in Russia.

Thomson Reuters – Announced & Completed Deals

Akin Gump was ranked 5th for announced  M&A deals with any Nordic involvement; 4^th for announced M&A deals with any Eastern European involvement; and 3^rd for announced M&A deals with any Russian involvement.

M&A Advisor – Law Firm of the Year and Energy Deal of the Year

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP received top honors in two categories - “Law Firm of the Year” and “Energy Deal of the Year” - at The M&A Advisor’s Eighth Annual M&A Awards Gala. 

In naming Akin Gump “Law Firm of the Year,” The M&A Advisor recognized the firm’s successful participation in complex transactions with master limited partnerships, including its representations of the special committee of Regency Energy Partners LP in a $1.053 billion joint venture, the “Energy Deal of the Year”; the special committee of Magellan Midstream Holdings, L.P. in its $1.014 billion combination with Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.; and El Paso Pipeline Partners, L.P. in its $736 million acquisition of significant assets from its sponsor, El Paso Corporation.

Washingtonian – Washington’s Top Lawyers

Washingtonian magazine has named six partners at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP to its list of “Top Lawyers.” 

John M. Dowd, Terence J. Lynam, Mark J. MacDougall, Patricia A. Millett and Valerie A. Slater (Washington) were recognized in their respective practice areas, while Robert S. Strauss, Akin Gump's founder, was singled out as one of just 10 “legendary Washington lawyers who will forever leave their mark on the District's legal landscape.”

Public Utilities Fortnightly – Groundbreaking Lawyer

G. Philip Nowak (Washington) has been named a “Groundbreaking Lawyer” in both Mergers and Acquisitions and Litigation work by Public Utilities Fortnightly. In its “2009 Groundbreaking Law And Lawyers Report,” the publication released the results of an online survey of in-house counsel at utilities, public utility commissions and trade associations to develop the first-ever hotlist of “Groundbreaking Lawyers,” which includes just 35 U.S. lawyers practicing in diverse areas ranging from mergers and acquisitions and litigation to renewable energy and clean air compliance.

The Hollywood Reporter – Movers and Shakers

John Burke (Los Angeles) was identified by THR as one of “20 movers and shakers you should meet at the American Film Market (AFM.)

Best Lawyers in America – Lawyer of the Year

Best Lawyers has named Rex Heinke (Los Angeles) as the “Los Angeles Best Lawyers Appellate Lawyer of the Year”, John Jansonius as the “Dallas Best Lawyers Labor and Employment Lawyer of the Year” and Larry Macon (San Antonio) as the “San Antonio Best Lawyers Bet-the-Company Litigation Lawyer of the Year” for 2010. The lawyers being honored as “Lawyers of the Year” have received particularly high ratings in the Best Lawyers surveys by earning a high level of respect among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

Institutional Investor – Top Hedge Fund Service Providers

Akin Gump was named one of the Top 5 onshore law firms for both small and big firms in Institutional Investor’s annual survey of Top Hedge Fund Service Providers

Human Rights Initiative of North Texas - Angel of Freedom Award

Human Rights Initiative of North Texas (HRI) presented Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld with a 2009 Angel of Freedom Award on November 2. In honoring Akin Gump, the Dallas nonprofit agency praised the firm for providing “considerable pro bono legal resources” to the organization; in the last fiscal year alone, the firm has donated more than $400,000 in legal services – 30% of HRI’s legal donations. In addition, HRI recognized Akin Gump’s participation on HRI’s Pro Bono Committee, a body that leads and sets the direction for the HRI Pro Bono program and works to build greater involvement within the legal community.

Los Angeles Business Journal – Top 100 Lawyers

Rex Heinke and Cathy Conway (Los Angeles) were recognized as two of the Top 100 Lawyers in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal in the categories of Litigation and Labor and Employment, respectively.

Appleseed - Pro Bono Leader Award

Steven H. Schulman (Washington), leader of the pro bono practice at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, received the Pro Bono Leader Award from Appleseed. The award was presented at the organization’s Raising the Pro Bono Bar event, held on October 8 in Washington, D.C. In honoring Mr. Schulman, Appleseed praised him as “one of the country’s leading immigration attorneys,” citing his work on the organization’s Assembly Line Injustice report, a groundbreaking project to reform U.S. immigration courts, and lauding his experience and insight as “invaluable resources.”

Bloomberg – Announced Deals

Akin Gump was ranked 10^th by deal count for M&A in Eastern Europe; 8^th by volume for M&A Global Energy; and 2^nd by deal count for M&A in Russia.

Thomson Reuters – Announced Deals

Akin Gump was ranked 10^th by value for M&A with any Nordic involvement.

MergerMarket – Top Legal Advisors

Akin Gump was ranked 6^th by value in the Legal Advisors to Central & Eastern Europe M&A table; 7^th by value in the Legal Advisors to Swedish M&A table; and 4^th by value in the Legal Advisors to Russian M&A table.

MergerStat

Akin Gump was ranked 10^th by deal count for M&A with European (Eastern and Western) Targets.

Corpfin

Akin Gump was ranked 6^th by value for M&A with any Nordic involvement.

M&A Advisor – Financial Services Deal of the Year

Akin Gump won the 2009 “Financial Services Deal of the Year” award at the fourth annual M&A Advisor Middle-Market Financing Awards. The firm was recognized for its representation of First Southwest Company in its acquisition by Plains Capital Corporation.

M&A Advisor – Energy Deal of the Year

Akin Gump won the 2009 “Energy  Deal of the Year” award at the fourth annual M&A Advisor Middle-Market Financing Awards. The firm was recognized for its representation of El Paso Pipeline Partners in its acquisition of assets from El Paso Corporation.

M&A Advisor - Media, Entertainment or Telecom Deal of the Year

Akin Gump won the 2009 “Media, Entertainment or Telecom Deal of the Year” award at the fourth annual M&A Advisor Middle-Market Financing Awards. The firm was recognized for its advisory role on Media Rights Capital’s $350 million credit facility.

Washington Business Journal – Top Washington Lawyer (Bankruptcy)

The Washington Business Journal named partner James Savin (Washington) as the winner of 2009 Top Washington Lawyer honors in the category of Bankruptcy. The winners were culled from nearly 500 nominations. 

IP Law & Business – Patent Litigation Survey

Akin Gump ranked among the top 20 firms for patent litigation overall and in the top 20 on the defense side in this annual survey of the nation’s busiest intellectual property practices.

Corporate Counsel – Who Represents America’s Biggest Companies

In a survey of corporate counsel at the Fortune 100, Akin Gump was identified as one of the Top 10 firms used for Labor and Employment Litigation.

The Ethisphere Institute – Attorneys Who Matter

Edward L. Rubinoff (Washington) has been named to The Ethisphere Institute’s first annual list of “Attorneys Who Matter.” The list recognizes more than 100 attorneys who have made exceptional contributions to the corporate compliance field.

The Hollywood Reporter – Power Lawyers

John Burke and Howard Fabrick (Los Angeles) were named to The Hollywood Reporter's annual list of "Power Lawyers," the 100 most influential entertainment lawyers in America.

Daily Journal – Top Employment Defense Lawyers

The Daily Journal named Catherine Conway (Los Angeles) one of California’s Top 10 Employment Defense Attorneys.

Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs – Outstanding Achievement Award

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs in recognition of the firm’s contributions to public education. The award was presented at the Committee’s annual Wiley A. Branton Awards Luncheon on June 16.

In recognizing Akin Gump’s 12-year partnership with John Tyler Elementary School, the Committee cited the firm’s extensive list of accomplishments, including “investing in a program to improve the skills of the teachers, providing tutors and mentors to the students, collaborating with other volunteer organizations in the school and community to provide positive outcomes for the students, and taking the lead in bringing Internet access to the entire school.”

Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business

A survey of lawyers and corporate counsel recognized 53 Akin Gump partners as being among the best in their respective practice areas, according to the latest edition of this guide.  

Chambers USA Awards for Excellence

Akin Gump was shortlisted for the Investment Funds Team of the Year Award.

Nightingale’s Healthcare News – Outstanding Healthcare Fraud and Compliance Lawyers of 2009

Nightingale’s Healthcare News named Robert Salcido (Washington) to its list of 10 Outstanding Healthcare Fraud & Compliance Lawyers of 2009. 

Washington Life – Power 100

Vernon E. Jordan Jr. (Washington) has been named to Washington Life magazine’s “Power 100,” a list of movers and shakers who “hold sway inside the Beltway.”

The Hill – Top Lobbyists

Vic Fazio, Joel Jankowsky, Rob Leonard and Bill Paxon (Washington) were once again named to this annual list of the best “hired guns” and corporate lobbyists on K Street. The list is determined through conversations with members of Congress, key aides and lobbyists themselves.

The National Law Journal – Appellate Hot List

For the second year in a row, Akin Gump was named to The National Law Journal’s Appellate Hot List. In compiling its second annual list of firms “with stellar records in appellate advocacy,” the NLJ sought firms that scored at least one significant appellate win since February 2008 “before the U.S. Supreme Court, a federal circuit court or a state court of last resort when the financial stakes were high or an important legal principle was at stake” and maintained “an impressive track record overall.”

Turnarounds and Workouts – Outstanding Restructuring Lawyers

For the second year in a row, Turnarounds & Workouts has named Fred S. Hodara (New York) to its annual list of Outstanding Restructuring Lawyers.

Turnarounds and Workouts – Outstanding Young Bankruptcy Lawyers

Turnarounds and Workouts has named Abid Qureshi (New York) to its annual list of Outstanding Young Bankruptcy Lawyers.

The M&A Advisor – Food and Beverage Deal of the Year Award

Akin Gump was recognized by The M&A Advisor with the “Food and Beverage Deal of the Year” Award at the 3^rd Annual Turnaround Awards for its leading role in the reorganization of Pierre Foods.

inMotion – John K. Geiger Award

Elizabeth Young (New York) was named as the recipient of inMotion’s 2009 John K. Geiger Award.  The award recognizes Ms. Young’s “extraordinary commitment to pro bono work” and her “energy and encouragement” in recruiting other lawyers at Akin Gump to represent inMotion’s clients. 

Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia – 2008 Employer Diversity Award

The Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia has named Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as the recipient of its 2008 Employer Diversity Award. Presented annually, the Employer Diversity Award recognizes the D.C. metro-area employer that has shown “a commitment and success rate in recruiting and retaining Hispanic professionals” and has served as “a role model for other legal employers who are looking to implement and improve diversity in the workplace.” 

2008

Nightingale’s Healthcare News – Outstanding Healthcare Litigators of 2008 Nightingale’s Healthcare News named John R. Jacob (Washington) to its list of 10 Outstanding Healthcare Litigators of 2008. 

Nightingale’s Healthcare News – Outstanding Healthcare Antitrust Lawyers of 2008

Nightingale’s Healthcare News named Mark J. Botti (Washington) to its list of 10 Outstanding Healthcare Antitrust Lawyers of 2008. 

India Business Law Journal – Deal of the Year

India Business Law Journal recognized Akin Gump’s role as one of the principal legal advisors in Tata Chemicals’ acquisition of General Chemical Industrial Products.

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association - 40 Under 40

James Chou (New York) was named by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association as one of the best lawyers under the age of 40. The Best Lawyers Under 40 Awards recognize talented individuals in the Asian Pacific American legal community who have achieved prominence and distinction in their respective fields while demonstrating a strong commitment to the community. 

The M&A Advisor – Consumer and Retail Products Deal of the Year

Akin Gump was recognized by The M&A Advisor with the “Consumer and Retail Products Deal of the Year” Award at the 7^th Annual Middle-Market M&A Awards for its leading role in the acquisition of Nellson Nutraceutical, Inc.

Institutional Investor News - Rising Stars Of Bankruptcy/Restructuring Law And Workouts

Philip Dublin (New York) was identified by Institutional Investor News as a “Rising Star Of Bankruptcy/Restructuring Law And Workouts,” one of the 10 individuals they expect to shape the bankruptcy, restructuring and turnaround field in the years to come.

IP Law and Business – Top Firms for IP Litigation

Akin Gump ranked among the top 20 firms for IP litigation in a survey of the top 50 most innovative companies (as ranked by BusinessWeek) regarding which law firms helped them protect their patents, copyrights and trademarks.

Financial Times/Mergermarket - European M&A Awards

Akin Gump was shortlisted for the Legal Advisor of the Year (Russia) Award.

The Network Journal – Top Minority Lawyers

Trey Muldrow (New York) was profiled as one of five African-American “Attorneys at the Top.” 

Washington Business Journal – Top Washington Lawyer (Corporate Litigation)

The Washington Business Journal named partner Anthony T. Pierce (Washington) as the winner of 2008 Top Washington Lawyer honors in the category of Corporate Litigation. The winners were culled from nearly 400 nominations in 15 areas of law. 

Tahirih Justice Center – Law Firm of the Year

The Tahirih Justice Center named Akin Gump Law Firm of the Year in recognition of the firm’s commitment to pro bono work.

Institutional Investor – 10 Rising Stars of Private Equity and M&A Law

Institutional Investor named Prakash Mehta (New York) to its list of “10 Rising Stars of Private Equity and M&A Law.” In identifying “the cream of the crop” – lawyers expected to “shape the private equity and M&A legal field in the years to come” – Institutional Investor sought nominations from investment banking, finance and legal professionals throughout the business world. The magazine then narrowed its list to 10 individuals it calls “the legal dealmakers of the future.” 

Human Rights Campaign Foundation – Top Rating on Corporate Equality Index

For the second year in a row, Akin Gump achieved a perfect score on the 2009 Index, which rates employers on a scale from 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) employees, consumers and investors. 

Corporate Board Member – America’s Best Corporate Lawyers

For eight consecutive years (2001-2008), Akin Gump has been named in a survey of corporate board members as one of the 20 top law firms in the country. 

The Hollywood Reporter – Power Lawyers

John Burke and Howard Fabrick (Los Angeles) were named to The Hollywood Reporter's annual list of “Power Lawyers.” In compiling its roster of “the attorneys who wield as much power as they moguls they represent,” The Hollywood Reporter sought input from “the most plugged-in executives within the entertainment community.” The paper recognized Mr. Burke as one of “the creative minds keeping deals moving and finding money where there isn’t any” and singled out Mr. Fabrick for being “the labor lawyer that other labor lawyers have turned to in sticky situations for more than 30 years.”  

The M&A Advisor – “Deal of the Year”

Akin Gump won the 2008 “Media, Entertainment or Telecom Financing Deal of the Year” award at the third annual M&A Advisor Middle-Market Financing Awards gala. The firm was recognized for its advisory role in the IPO of Cinemark Holdings, Inc. 

The National Law Journal – The 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America

Vernon Jordan Jr. (Washington) and Prakash Mehta (New York) were named to this list of lawyers “who have had a national impact in their legal fields and beyond during the past five years.”

Legal Times – The Greatest Washington Lawyers of the Last 30 Years

Bob Strauss (Washington) was named to this list of lawyers “who have had the greatest impact on the Washington legal community” over the past three decades.”

Intellectual Property Today – Top Trademark Firms

In a list of firms ranked according to the number of trademark registrations issued in 2007 (where the firm or individual is listed as the legal representative on the face of the registration), Akin Gump is #46.

International Financial Law Review – Restructuring of the Year

The International Financial Law Review named the prepackage of Remy International as Restructuring of the Year. Akin Gump was one of six firms working on this transaction. 

Human Rights Campaign – Ally of Justice Award

Human Rights Campaign honored Akin Gump with this award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community through pro bono service to the HRC. 

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless – Site Adoption of the Year Award

The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (WLCH) honored Akin Gump with its Site Adoption of the Year Award in recognition of the firm’s work with Miriam’s Kitchen, a Washington, D.C., organization that provides homeless individuals with access to a wide range of social services. 

Human Rights Initiative of North Texas – 2008 Angel of Freedom Award

Diane P. Couchman (Dallas) was named as a recipient of the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas’ 2008 Angel of Freedom Award.  resented annually, the Angel of Freedom award recognizes organizations and individuals that have made significant contributions to HRI, enabling the nonprofit organization to better serve its clients and to succeed in its mission.

The Hill – Top Lobbyists

Vic Fazio, Joel Jankowsky, Rob Leonard and Bill Paxon (Washington) were named to this annual list of the best “hired guns” and corporate lobbyists on K Street. The list is determined through conversations with members of Congress, key aides and lobbyists themselves.

The National Law Journal – Appellate Hot List

Akin Gump was recognized on this inaugural list of the nation’s top appellate firms. 

The American Lawyer – Litigation Department of the Year

Akin Gump was named as one of four finalists in this biennial competition.

Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business

A survey of lawyers and corporate counsel recognized 14 Akin Gump partners as being among the best in their respective practice areas, according to the latest edition of this guide. 

Chambers USA Awards for Excellence

Akin Gump was shortlisted in the areas of bankruptcy and investment funds. 

PLC Top 50 Global Law Firms

In a survey of in-house counsel and private-practice attorneys conducted by the research staff of the Practical Law Company, Akin Gump was identified as one of the 50 leading law firms worldwide.

Turnarounds and Workouts - Outstanding Restructuring Lawyers of the Year

Turnarounds and Workouts named Fred Hodara (New York) as one of the Outstanding Restructuring Lawyers of 2007. 

Turnarounds and Workouts - Successful Restructurings

Turnarounds and Workouts named the Granite Broadcasting restructuring among the most successful of 2007.