Kim Koopersmith is the chairperson of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. Prior to serving in this role, she was the firm’s United States managing partner, overseeing the operations of the Firm, including client service, finance, recruitment and professional development. In addition, she has chaired the Partner Compensation Committee and the Partnership Admissions Committee.

Practice & Background

Ms. Koopersmith’s practice has focused on litigating complex commercial disputes on behalf of corporate entities, including consumer class actions, representing creditors’ committees in complex bankruptcy proceedings and representing foreign interests litigating claims in the U.S. courts.  Ms. Koopersmith also has extensive experience in the New York state court system and is fully versed in effectively litigating in that forum. 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.

Throughout her career, Ms. Koopersmith has also helped pioneer many of Akin Gump’s efforts to enhance diversity and attract and retain the best talent.  She has overseen the creation of the Women’s Professional Development Initiative and development of the Firm’s core competency program.  She has also been instrumental in the firm’s diversity efforts, including the firm’s participation in numerous scholarships and pipeline efforts.

Ms. Koopersmith has received industry and media recognition for her efforts and accomplishments in making Akin Gump a diverse and dynamic organization.  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.” More recently, Law360 selected her as one of its “2012 Most Innovative Managing Partners,” citing “almost two decades creating and expanding advancement opportunities for women and minorities both inside and outside of the firm, making her among the most innovative leaders at U.S. firms.”

Community Involvement

Ms. Koopersmith is involved in numerous community, civic and charitable activities, including serving 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 and overseeing the Firm’s corporate partner relationship with inMotion.

Awards & Accolades

• “2012 Most Innovative Managing Partner: Akin Gump’s Kim Koopersmith,” Law360 (October 5, 2012)
• “Transforming Leadership Award” from InsideCounsel (December 2011).