Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has elected New York-based partner Kim Koopersmith as chair of the firm. Koopersmith, now the U.S. managing partner, will replace R. Bruce McLean effective April 1. She is also a member of the firm’s litigation practice. Her current roles include financial oversight, client service, recruitment and professional development. McLean, who has served as chair for 20 years, will stay on with the firm as senior executive partner.
Koopersmith, who practices from offices in Washington and New York, will be the first woman to serve as chair in the firm’s history. “Kim’s dedication and commitment as a lawyer, mentor and leader have been instrumental in helping Akin Gump become the firm it is today,” McLean said in a statement. “Having worked closely with Kim throughout much of the past two decades, I know firsthand she will be successful in continuing to grow the firm in a way that remains focused on our clients, our employees and our communities.”
