New York Law Journal Profiles Kerry Berchem as one of its Top Women in the Law

New York Law Journal has profiled Akin Gump corporate practice head Kerry Berchem as one of its Top Women in the Law 2016. The publication says the group of 30 women comes from nearly every sector of the law with each of the individuals having “contributed to the profession well beyond the billable hour as volunteers on legal boards and committees, task forces and commissions. And nearly all have done so while balancing the demands of motherhood and family obligations.”

Berchem has led Akin Gump’s corporate practice for the past two years, having previously served as co-head since 2008. In the article, she discusses a variety of topics, including:

• The mentor/lawyer she most admires: Her father who is “a brilliant, multifaceted, trusted advisor to his very large and loyal client base, but he has always made his family his number one priority.”
• Whether she has ever been treated differently on the job because of her gender: “I think it is vitally important to be who you are. Own it. Trying to be someone you are not is an effort in futility.”
• What the legal profession must do to improve opportunities for women lawyers: “Like successful athletic franchises, big law must recognize that no two players need play the same position and no player can be her best without strong coaches, committed teammates and supportive fans. Communicate the goal, embrace the challenge and appreciate the economic and cultural results of diversity.