Kim Koopersmith
Partner & Chairperson
Areas of Focus
- Complex Commercial Litigation
- Chairperson of the firm.
- Recognized for her innovative and transformative approach to law firm leadership, including being named one of Financial Times’ Innovative Law Firm Leaders in 2020.
- Emphasis on client service has led the firm to repeated recognition as a client service leader.
- Industry leader in advocating for and promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment.
As chairperson of the firm, Kim Koopersmith guides the strategic direction of Akin and heads the firm’s 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 and inclusion, pro bono work and attorney excellence.
Kim has played a key part in the enhancement of the firm’s overall performance and has earned numerous industry recognitions and plaudits for her leadership. Among them, in 2020 she was named by the Financial Times as one of its Innovative Law Firm Leaders for her groundbreaking approach to leadership, commitment to diversity and inclusion and employee wellbeing, and success in guiding the firm’s continued growth.
As chair, Kim has made it a hallmark of her leadership to foster a culture of creative thinking around Akin’s client service and ensuring the highest levels of client satisfaction. This includes adopting a hands-on approach to client relationships, as well as regularly meeting with and obtaining feedback from clients to ensure that the firm is consistently meeting and exceeding expectations.
Throughout her career, Kim has been a pioneer in efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion and attract the best talent to the profession. She is frequently quoted in national and industry media on the importance of the legal industry fostering a culture of diversity and inclusiveness.
Under her leadership, Akin has earned Mansfield Certified Plus certification for four years in a row for its success in promoting women, lawyers of color, LGBTQ+ lawyers and lawyers with disabilities into leading roles at the firm. Kim also spearheaded Akin’s efforts to join with other firms in launching the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance.
Prior to her role in management, Kim was 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.
EducationJ.D., Fordham University School of Law, 1984
B.A., University of Pennsylvania, cum laude, 1981
J.D., Fordham University School of Law, 1984
B.A., University of Pennsylvania, cum laude, 1981
Bar AdmissionsNew York
New York
- Feerick Center for Social Justice, Spirit of Service Award, 2023.
- Financial Times, North American Innovative Lawyers – Law Firm Leaders, 2020.
- Fordham Law Alumni Association, Fordham Law School’s Medal of Achievement, 2019.
- New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, Law & Society Award, 2019.
- Diversity & Flexibility Alliance, Flex Leader Award, 2018.
- The Lawyer, The Hot 100, 2015.
- Law360, Most Innovative Managing Partner, 2012.
- InsideCounsel, Transforming Leadership Award, 2011.
- Member and Co-chair, Board of Directors, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
- Member, Board of Directors, TEAK Fellowship, an academic and personal growth program that helps talented students from low-income families achieve their potential
- Former Member and Vice-chair, Board of Directors, Her Justice, an organization dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence
- Member, Senior Leadership Council, Her Justice, an organization dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence
- Member and Former Chair, Board of Directors, Equal Justice Works