Akerman supports a diverse group of men and women in their professional development as lawyers. We strive to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that provides opportunities for advancement through partnership and leadership roles within the firm and the communities in which we practice. Our diversity committee is co-chaired by Joseph W. Hatchett and Michael B. Chavies. Joseph Hatchett was the first African American to serve on the Florida Supreme Court, and the first African American to serve as a Chief Judge of a federal appellate court in the southern United States. Michael Chavies was appointed to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court in Miami by Florida Governor Lawton Chiles in 1992. Prior to his appointment, he was an accomplished trial lawyer, both as an Assistant Public Defender and in private practice.

	Established the first minority legal pipeline program in Florida in partnership with FAMU Law School to promote diversity in the legal profession
	Developed same-sex domestic partner medical benefits for all firm employees
	Implemented firm-wide sensitivity training for all firm employees

	MultiCultural Law magazine 2012 - Top 100 law firm for diversity - Top 25 law firm for Hispanic Americans - Top 100 law firm for women
	Benchmark Litigation 2012 - Law Firm of the Year for Diversity - South
	Minority Corporate Counsel Association 2006 - Thomas L. Sager award recipient, presented in recognition of the highest commitment to improving the hiring, retention, and promotion of minority and women attorneys