Stacey Mitchell and Steven Zager Named National Law Journal Trailblazers
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(Washington, D.C./New York) – The National Law Journal has named Akin Gump partner Stacey H. Mitchell to its 2018 list of Energy & Environmental Trailblazers and partner Steven M. Zager to its 2018 list of Intellectual Property Trailblazers.
In its profile of Ms. Mitchell, NLJ noted that she helped the Obama administration tackle climate change in a business-smart approach while she was at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This followed a tenure as a line attorney and later as chief of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division at the Department of Justice. As a line attorney, she also oversaw the first Clean Air Act Title V criminal prosecution.
Looking ahead, Ms. Mitchell spoke of sustainable development as the key to the future. “We’re trying to help clients align their business strategies to minimize financial impact and achieve environmental goals,” she said.
In its profile of Mr. Zager, who co-leads Akin Gump’s intellectual property practice, NLJ reported on one of his early cases—a high-profile trade secrets matter involving nearly $160 million. It came at a time, he pointed out, when people were questioning whether trial lawyers and IP lawyers could work together, and his mission was to get them to.
Mr. Zager said he is concerned about talk of possible specialized IP courts and “the assault on the jury system and jury trial lawyers.” He thinks such a move would make it difficult to train new IP trial lawyers.
Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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