Akin Partners Recognized in 2024 Women, Influence and Power in Law Awards
Corporate Counsel has recognized Akin international trade partner Kimberly Myers and media & entertainment partner Marissa Román Griffith for its Women, Influence and Power in Law Awards. The awards honor women “who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the empowerment of women in law.” Kimberly is recognized as an Innovative Leader, while Marissa is recognized as a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Champion.
Kimberly is a co-founder of OverRuled, a groundbreaking legal data productivity platform that empowers lawyers and compliance practitioners to access and analyze data from disparate sources in seconds. The award-winning platform has earned significant recognitions, including Am Law’s Legal Services Innovation Award, the CIO 100 Award, a “Standout” recognition in Financial Times’ North America Innovative Lawyers report and top prize for “Innovation through Technology – Private Practice” at the Law.com Middle East Legal Awards.
Marissa plays a crucial role in promoting DEI at Akin, focusing her efforts on recruitment, retention and advocacy for diverse groups in the legal industry and beyond. She serves on Akin’s Firmwide DEI Council, co-chairs the LatinX Firm Resource Group and serves on the Los Angeles office’s hiring committee. A respected thought leader and voice in the entertainment industry, Marissa often speaks at leading industry events to discuss and promote DEI.
In their individual Q&A profiles for their recognitions, Kimberly and Marissa both discuss the most significant barriers/challenges in their careers and how they overcame them, and the best leadership advice they’ve given or received.
Kimberly noted her most significant challenge as being an introvert. When she anticipates needing to network or speak up in a group, she plans for it and has some strategies and goals for the situation. Kimberly also leverages her strengths as an introvert by actively listening and seeking to understand the perspectives of her team members, which has helped her build strong relationships and earn their trust.
In Marissa’s profile, regarding leadership, she emphasizes the importance of being an active listener and creative problem solver and advises against simply just saying “no” and to instead always offer a solution. She encourages leaders to give their team “a voice as well as recognition” and to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.
Kimberly and Marissa will be recognized, alongside the other honorees, at an awards dinner on September 24 in Chicago.
