Shade Vaughn oversees all marketing, communications and business development efforts by the firm. He works closely with firm management and lawyers to develop and execute the firm’s growth strategy. He identifies key platforms to drive revenue technology and operations. He leads a team of professionals across disciplines, including business development, growth and brand marketing, communications, client development and market intelligence.

Shade has more than 20 years of experience in a variety of marketing, communications and business development roles across professional services industries. Prior to joining Akin, he served as the Chief Growth and Communications Officer at another large international law firm. Before that, he served as Chief Marketing Officer, North America at Capgemini building a business development team with a highly integrated approach to marketing and sales. Earlier in his career he was the Global Head of Marketing and Communications at SapientRazorfish (now Publicis Sapient) developing the strategic and brand position of the network of digital transformation agencies.