Akerman Launches Emerging Companies Practice

NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Akerman LLP, a leading law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced the formation of an Emerging Companies Practice, expanding its services for startup companies and venture capitalists through all stages of the corporate lifecycle. The new Practice is a continuation of Akerman's long-standing relationships with serial entrepreneurs and investors, and is an extension of the firm's work with business incubators and accelerators.

The multidisciplinary team provides clients with lawyers experienced in venture capital funding, intellectual property protection, tax planning, employee arrangements, real estate, and various other strategic business transactions.

Adding to Akerman's expansion in this space, Jeremy Shure has rejoined the firm as of counsel in the New York office where he will serve as one of the leading members of the Emerging Companies Practice. He previously served as founder and managing principal of a venture capital and consulting firm focused on emerging growth companies. Shure counsels entrepreneurs who are expanding their companies to the next level, advising startups in the education, financial, and media technology industries, as well as those engaged in health and wellness and IT services.

"Akerman's Emerging Companies Practice is a continuation of our commitment to be 'innovation ready,' providing clients with a team of lawyers experienced in start-up culture and venture capital transactions," said Mary Carroll, chair of Akerman's Corporate Practice Group. "Jeremy will play an instrumental role in the Practice, helping clients address complex business challenges and discover new opportunities for success."

"Akerman embraces a culture of collaborative innovation," said Shure. "That makes the firm an effective ally for emerging growth companies and investors. Its national platform and deep roots within the international business community provide my clients with access to the resources they need to thrive."

Akerman lawyers are heavily invested in the entrepreneurial movement. In August, Akerman became the first law firm to establish an outpost at startup incubator The LAB Miami in Miami's Wynwood Art District, a rising center of innovation for U.S. and international entrepreneurs. Furthering its alliance with startup incubators and accelerators, Akerman was selected as an official 2014 law firm sponsor of TechStars NYC, the premier startup accelerator in the world. In this capacity, Akerman lawyers will interact side-by-side with accelerator companies, venture capital firms, and angel investors through all phases of their lifecycles while also providing networking and educational opportunities that reach the larger startup community in New York City. Shure served as a resident mentor for TechStars.

"Our involvement with TechStars reaches beyond traditional legal or business counsel," said Shure. "We serve as a principal advisor and confidant for serial entrepreneurs – acting as their intermediary and right-hand for all of their crucial business needs, while collaborating within the comforts of their natural environment."

Akerman lawyers counsel emerging growth companies and their investors through all stages of the corporate life cycle – from initial organization and funding through follow-on financing rounds, transformational M&A transactions, and liquidity events. Our team-oriented approach provides clients with access to advisors across multiple legal disciplines who understand the mission-critical decisions facing executive management and are intimately familiar with each client's products, technology, and business model.

About Akerman LLP
Akerman LLP is a leading transactions and trial law firm known for its core strengths in middle market M&A, within the financial services and real estate industries, and for a diverse Latin America practice. With more than 550 lawyers and government affairs professionals and a network of 19 offices, it is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the United States by The National Law Journal NLJ 350 (2013). Akerman also is ranked among the top 100 law firms for diversity by MultiCultural Law magazine (2012) and recognized as the Law Firm of the Year for Diversity – South by Benchmark Litigation (2012). More information can be found at akerman.com or twitter.com/akerman_law.

SOURCE Akerman LLP

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