Akerman Executive and Leadership Team

Jacob Akerman, the Chief Executive Officer at Akerman, directs the firm's overarching strategic vision and market positioning. Akerman prioritizes the expansion of legal services within the middle market M&A landscape, ensuring the firm maintains its status as a top 100 U.S. legal entity. By fostering collaboration among 650 lawyers and business professionals, the Chief Executive Officer aligns internal expertise with the complex needs of entrepreneurs navigating rapid industry change. This leadership role involves identifying emerging opportunities in the financial services and real estate sectors to secure long-term growth. Jacob Akerman actively monitors competitive dynamics across the United States and Latin America to refine service delivery models. Through rigorous oversight of firm-wide initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every legal engagement supports the primary business objectives of clients while maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence and innovation.

Scott Meyers, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Akerman, governs the firm's board activities and long-term corporate trajectory. Meyers architects the high-level governance framework that supports the firm's reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the legal industry. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer manages relationships with key stakeholders and ensures that the firm's 650 professionals remain focused on overcoming barriers to innovation for successful enterprises. By overseeing the strategic direction of complex dispute resolution practices, Scott Meyers drives the firm's ability to deliver results in high-stakes environments. This role requires constant evaluation of market trends across the United States and Latin America to maintain a competitive edge. Ultimately, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's stability and growth by aligning internal resources with the evolving demands of the global business landscape.

Matt Squire, the Chief Financial Officer at Akerman, manages the firm's fiscal health and capital allocation strategies. Squire oversees the financial planning and analysis functions that support the firm's 650 lawyers in delivering high-value legal services. The Chief Financial Officer directs budgeting processes and investment decisions to ensure the firm remains agile in the competitive U.S. and Latin American markets. By optimizing financial performance, Matt Squire enables the firm to seize opportunities in middle market M&A and complex litigation. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to align fiscal resources with long-term growth objectives. Through the implementation of robust financial controls and reporting systems, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the operational integrity required to support the firm's status as a top 100 legal entity while driving sustainable profitability across all dynamic sectors.

David Ristaino, the Chief Operating Officer at Akerman, executes the firm's daily operational strategies and infrastructure management. Ristaino directs the internal processes that allow 650 lawyers and business professionals to collaborate effectively on complex client matters. The Chief Operating Officer optimizes service delivery models to ensure efficiency in the financial services and real estate sectors. By streamlining administrative workflows and technology integration, David Ristaino removes barriers to innovation and growth for the firm's clients. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to ensure that operational capacity aligns with the firm's strategic goals across the United States and Latin America. Through the continuous improvement of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's reputation for excellence in middle market M&A and complex disputes, ensuring that all operational activities directly contribute to client success.

Amy Mattos, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Akerman, leads the firm's talent acquisition, retention, and professional development initiatives. Mattos architects the human capital strategy that supports the firm's 650 lawyers and business professionals in navigating complex legal landscapes. The Chief Human Resources Officer directs programs designed to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, ensuring the firm attracts top-tier talent across the United States and Latin America. By aligning workforce capabilities with the firm's strategic objectives in the financial services and real estate sectors, Amy Mattos drives organizational performance. This leadership role involves managing performance evaluation systems and professional growth pathways to maintain the firm's status as a forward-thinking industry leader. Through the cultivation of a high-performing workforce, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm possesses the expertise required to overcome barriers and achieve critical business results for clients.