Kim Koopersmith is the chairperson of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.  As chairperson, Ms. Koopersmith guides the strategic direction of the firm and heads its management committee. She plays a leading role in ensuring the firm’s continued commitment to the highest levels of client service and in strengthening its dedication to diversity, pro bono work and attorney excellence.

Prior to serving in this role, Ms. Koopersmith was the firm’s United States managing partner, overseeing operations, client service, finance, recruitment and professional development. During her tenure as U.S. managing partner, she played a key role in the enhancement of the firm’s overall performance, earning recognition for her innovative and transformative approach to law firm leadership. For many years, Ms. Koopersmith was also a partner in the firm’s litigation practice, where she handled complex commercial litigation matters and served as relationship partner to several of the firm’s largest clients.

Practice & Background

Throughout her career, Ms. Koopersmith has helped pioneer many of Akin Gump’s efforts to enhance diversity and attract and retain the best talent.  She has overseen the creation of the Women’s Professional Development Initiative and development of the firm’s core competency program.  She has also been instrumental in the firm’s diversity efforts, including the firm’s participation in numerous scholarships and pipeline efforts.

Ms. Koopersmith has received industry and media recognition for her efforts and accomplishments in making Akin Gump a diverse and dynamic organization.  In 2011, she was the recipient of InsideCounsel magazine’s Pathmaker Award, presented annually to a law firm leader whose “courage, unyielding vision, integrity, conviction and authenticity [have] carved a groundbreaking path and laid a new foundation to accelerate the economic empowerment of attorneys of color or women.” More recently, Law360 selected her as one of its “2012 Most Innovative Managing Partners,” citing “almost two decades creating and expanding advancement opportunities for women and minorities both inside and outside of the firm, making her among the most innovative leaders at U.S. firms.”

As a partner in Akin Gump’s litigation practice, Ms. Koopersmith focused on litigating complex commercial disputes, including consumer class actions, in federal and state courts; representing creditors’ committees in complex bankruptcy proceedings; and representing foreign interests litigating claims in the U.S. courts.

Community Involvement

Ms. Koopersmith is involved in numerous community, civic and charitable activities, including serving on the board of Equal Justice Works, which works to facilitate opportunities and financial support for law students and law school graduates who seek to pursue a career in public service. She is also on the board of Her Justice, an organization dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence.

Awards & Accolades

• “2012 Most Innovative Managing Partner: Akin Gump’s Kim Koopersmith,” Law360 (October 5, 2012)
• “Transforming Leadership Award” from InsideCounsel (December 2011).

Education

J.D., Fordham University School of Law, 1984

B.A., University of Pennsylvania, cum laude, 1981

Bar Admissions

New York

Court Admissions

U.S.C.A., 2nd Circuit

U.S.C.A., 3rd Circuit

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S.D.C., Eastern District of New York

U.S.D.C., Southern District of New York