Kim Koopersmith Honored with NYLPI Law & Society Award

March 13, 2019New York Lawyers for the Public Interest

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(New York) – At a ceremony held in New York City, Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith was recognized by New York Lawyers for the Public Interest with the organization’s Law & Society Award at its 26th annual NYLPI Law & Society Award Luncheon.

The award recognizes Ms. Koopersmith’s “key role in enhancing the firm’s overall performance, earning recognition for her innovative and transformative approach to law firm leadership… pioneer[ing] many of Akin Gump’s efforts to enhance diversity and attract and retain the best talent, including driving the firm’s participation in scholarship and pipeline efforts.”

The award also lauds her community participation, including “serving on the board of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, co-chairing the Pro Bono Institute Law Firm Committee and sitting on the board of Her Justice.” Ms. Koopersmith also chaired the board of Equal Justice Works, whose executive director, David Stern, presented her with the award.

In her remarks, Ms. Koopersmith noted, “The work that NYLPI and so many of you in this room have done to address the needs of so many New Yorkers and others around this country and around the world is the true work of greatness.”

In speaking of her mission as Akin Gump chairperson, she said, “I could not think of a better way to strengthen our culture than to ensure that Akin Gump remains firmly grounded in a commitment to addressing the needs of the vulnerable in our communities and that we use our formidable legal skills to work towards a more just society. In a small way, I hope I have found a constructive path by unleashing the power of many.”

Ms. Koopersmith spoke of the influence of the late Akin Gump co-founder Robert Strauss and of senior counsel Vernon Jordan Jr., and thanked Akin Gump lawyers—who performed more than 100,000 hours of pro bono legal work in 2018—and staff for their part in realizing this vision, as well as her family for their support and commitment.

This is the second recent recognition for Ms. Koopersmith, who was honored earlier this month with the Fordham Law Alumni Association’s Medal of Achievement. (Learn more here.)

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

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