Responsible Business

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

DEI is woven into everything we do, from recruiting talent, fostering a culture that values collaboration and different perspectives, and partnering with clients on our mutual commitment to DEI.

A Firm Commitment

Diversity, equity and inclusion is in our DNA and we have a long-standing commitment to DEI. We believe that the various perspectives and experiences of our lawyers and professionals enable us to identify creative solutions for our clients and enrich all aspects of our firm and communities.

Our focus on building a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is present at every level. Across our offices worldwide, firm leaders build inclusive teams, practice groups partner with clients to foster meaningful relationships and lawyers collaborate with organizations that advance DEI in the legal profession.

Akin is proud to have received various recognitions for our DEI efforts. These recognitions are based on our commitment to DEI and demonstrated results from our actions related recruiting terrific talent, focusing on development and advancement, and ensuring leadership commitment and engagement in our efforts.

Our global DEI strategy provides the vision to guide our efforts and enables everyone in the firm the opportunity to contribute. From unconscious bias and inclusive leadership training to DEI councils, firmwide resource groups, our signature health and wellness program, and a range of industry-leading benefits and services, we strive for a culture where our lawyers and business services professionals can see themselves working far into the future.

“Everything drives from leadership commitment. At Akin, our greatest strength is our leadership commitment to DEI which starts with our Chairperson Kim Koopersmith. She is able to drive that commitment throughout our firm management committee, practice group leaders and the firm community overall.”

Nimesh Patel
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

From the Top

As one of the few women leading an AmLaw 50 law firm, Akin chairperson Kim Koopersmith brings a deep commitment that empowers everyone at the firm to work together in moving the needle on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Our chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer (CDEIO) reports directly to the chairperson and is responsible for leading our strategy and executing key initiatives. As CDEIO, Nimesh Patel brings an extraordinary track record of public and private sector leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion at the C-suite level.

Our firmwide DEI Council is led by our chair Kim Koopersmith and CDEIO Nimesh Patel and includes senior leaders from across the firm, as well as partners in charge of firmwide and local DEI initiatives. The council sets the tone from the top, setting priorities, providing oversight and driving accountability to ensure Akin is a model for DEI.

Highly Ranked for our DEI Efforts

Mansfield Rule Certified Plus firm (2020-22), which means that we achieved at least 30 percent representation of women, lawyers of color and LGBTQ+ lawyers in candidate pools and key firm leadership roles and committees.
Our firmwide DEI Council received the 2021 Diversity Team Award from Diversity Journal, which recognizes the talented and dedicated team members who work together to support and advance diversity, inclusion and equity within their respective organizations.
Recipient of the Gold Standard certification (2022, 2021, 2019 and 2018) from the Women in Law Empowerment Forum, based on meaningful representation of women in key leadership positions.
15x rated 100% on the Corporate Equality Index, which benchmarks corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBTQ+ employees.
Selected by Seramount in 2022 and 2021 as one of their "Best Law Firms for Women," which identifies leading firms with best practices to recruit, retain, promote and develop women lawyers.
National finalist for the 2020 Minority Corporate Counsel Association's (MCCA) Thomas L. Sager Award, which recognizes law firms that champion a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Recipient of the 2019 National Asian Pacific American Bar Association's (NAPABA) Law Firm Diversity Award.

Kim Koopersmith accepts the Thomas Sager Award, presented to AmLaw 200 law firms that champion a more diverse and inclusive workforce and have demonstrated a sustained commitment to improving the hiring, retention and promotion of diverse attorneys.