Akerman Executive and Leadership Team

Jacob Akerman, the Chief Executive Officer at Akerman, directs the firm's overarching strategy and vision. This leadership position involves guiding the firm's growth initiatives and ensuring alignment with its core mission of supporting successful enterprises and entrepreneurs. Jacob Akerman oversees the strategic deployment of legal expertise across key sectors such as financial services and real estate, focusing on navigating complex challenges and seizing opportunities for clients. The role demands a deep understanding of market dynamics and a forward-thinking approach to legal service delivery, ensuring Akerman remains at the forefront of industry innovation. This executive's focus is on driving operational excellence and fostering a collaborative environment that empowers the firm's legal professionals to achieve exceptional client outcomes. The strategic direction set by Jacob Akerman directly impacts the firm's market position and its ability to deliver results in middle market M&A and complex disputes.

Scott Meyers, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Akerman, presides over the firm's strategic direction and governance. This dual role encompasses both the executive leadership responsibilities and the oversight functions of the Chairman. Scott Meyers guides the firm's long-term vision, ensuring its continued recognition as a forward-thinking legal institution. The executive's purview includes fostering client relationships and driving business development initiatives that align with Akerman's strengths in middle market M&A and complex disputes. Scott Meyers champions the firm's collaborative approach, working to integrate the expertise of its more than 650 lawyers and business professionals. This leadership ensures that Akerman effectively navigates change and seizes opportunities for its diverse clientele across the United States and Latin America. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's influence extends to shaping the firm's culture and operational framework, reinforcing its commitment to client success and innovation.

Matthew Squire, the Chief Financial Officer at Akerman, manages the firm's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. This role involves overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation, to support Akerman's growth objectives. Matthew Squire ensures robust financial controls are in place, enabling the firm to effectively manage its resources and investments across its diverse practice areas. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical part in evaluating financial performance, identifying opportunities for increased efficiency, and supporting strategic decision-making that aligns with the firm's business model. This executive's responsibilities extend to managing relationships with financial institutions and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility. By optimizing financial strategies, Matthew Squire directly contributes to Akerman's capacity to undertake complex disputes and middle market M&A transactions, reinforcing the firm's position as a leader in the financial services and real estate sectors.

David Ristaino, the Chief Operating Officer at Akerman, directs the firm's operational infrastructure and efficiency. This executive oversees the day-to-day business functions, ensuring seamless execution of services across all practice groups and geographic regions. David Ristaino focuses on optimizing internal processes, implementing best practices, and leveraging technology to enhance productivity and client service delivery. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing administrative departments, facilities, and operational support systems that enable the firm's more than 650 lawyers and business professionals to operate effectively. This leadership role is crucial for driving operational excellence and supporting the firm's strategic goals in areas like complex disputes and middle market M&A. David Ristaino ensures that Akerman's operational framework supports innovation and growth, facilitating the firm's ability to navigate change and seize opportunities for its clients throughout the United States and Latin America.

Howard Janis, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Akerman, supports the Chief Operating Officer in managing the firm's extensive operational functions. This role involves assisting in the implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery across the firm's practices. Howard Janis contributes to the oversight of administrative departments and operational support systems, ensuring they align with Akerman's commitment to innovation and client success. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer works to streamline processes and identify opportunities for improvement within the firm's day-to-day operations. This executive's focus is on executing operational plans that facilitate the firm's ability to handle complex disputes and middle market M&A transactions effectively. Howard Janis plays a key part in ensuring the seamless integration of resources and personnel, supporting the firm's dynamic sectors across the United States and Latin America.

Amy Mattos, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Akerman, leads the firm's talent management and organizational development strategies. This executive is responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining the firm's legal and business professionals, fostering a high-performance culture. Amy Mattos oversees all aspects of human resources, including compensation, benefits, employee relations, and professional development programs designed to support career growth. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a vital role in aligning HR initiatives with Akerman's overall business objectives, ensuring the firm has the skilled workforce necessary to excel in complex legal environments. This leadership position is instrumental in cultivating an inclusive and collaborative workplace that empowers employees to achieve their full potential. Amy Mattos's strategic approach to human capital management directly supports Akerman's mission to serve leading enterprises and entrepreneurs by ensuring a robust and dedicated team.