Akin

Akin is a global law firm, based in the US but with a strong presence in the London legal market.

Founded in Dallas, Texas in 1945 by former FBI agents Robert Strauss and Richard Gump, the firm carved out a niche in political work from the outset. Strauss himself, who went on to become chairman of the Democratic National Committee and US Ambassador to the Soviet Union, played a key part in this - making connections that helped the firm build one of the largest lobbying practices in America.

Today, Akin combines its lobbying pedigree with strong expertise in restructuring, funds, energy, disputes, and international trade.

Despite its Texas roots, where it still maintains four offices, Akin now counts Washington DC as its headquarters, a city where it launched in 1971 with more expansion following. It opened in Brussels in 1989 and then in New York in 1993, Moscow the following year and London as well as Los Angeles in 1997.

Although it entered the international legal market later than many peers, Akin has thrived as a global player. The firm posted record results in its most recent financial year, growing revenue by 9% to $1.5 billion and increasing profit per equity partner by 23.5% to just under $4 million. It now boasts over 900 lawyers across 18 offices worldwide, according to Law.com.

One of the most significant moments in Akin’s recent history was the transformation of its London office, which went from modest outpost to City hub in 2014 with the arrival of 21 partners from collapsing US firm Bingham McCutchen.

Among them was top-tier restructuring lawyer James Roome, who became London senior partner and, together with managing partner Sebastian Rice, sought to turn the office into a major profit centre. London revenue quickly jumped and growth has continued ever since, with the office surpassing $200 million in income in 2024 - a 43% increase over two years.

Today, London is Akin’s third-largest base globally, housing some 150 lawyers - including around 50 partners. The team is currently based at 10 Bishops Square in Spitalfields, with a move to slightly larger premises at 155 Bishopsgate with 77,000 sq ft of space in the works for 2026.

Today, Akin finds itself at a transitionary moment in its history. In April 2025, Kim Koopersmith stepped down as chair after a decade-long tenure in which the firm’s revenue grew by 77% to $1.4 billion - and profit per equity partner doubled.

Koopersmith is succeeded by London-based Dan Walsh and New York-based Abid Qureshi, who took over as co-chairs in her wake. Speaking to The Lawyer, Walsh described the geographical pivot as a "strategic decision" that reflects the firm’s commitment to the transatlantic market and its aim of securing recognition as a member of the "global elite".

Other things to know

Bye bye Beijing: In December 2023, Akin announced plans to wind down its four-lawyer Beijing office. The move follows a wave of similar withdrawals by international firms reassessing their China strategies.

What is Akin known for?

Akin is a full service corporate law firm. In the London market it is best known for its strengths in the following areas:

Restructuring/Insolvency: Probably its strongest card in London, Akin is known as a restructuring heavyweight, particularly for its advice to creditors on major restructurings. It has a Band 1 ranking from Chambers for restructuring work.

Investment Funds: Akin has a highly-regarded London funds practice known in particular for its work for hedge fund and private equity fund clients on fund formations and ongoing regulatory advice. Akin's hedge funds practice has a Band 2 ranking from Chambers, while its private equity funds practice gets a Band 3 ranking.

Energy and Infrastructure: Akin has a leading oil and gas practice, advising on both transactional and disputes mandates. It has a Band 3 ranking from Chambers.

What's Chambers?

We use Chambers rankings to demonstrate a firm's strengths. Chambers is the most highly-regarded provider of law firm rankings in the legal industry. Law firms are ranked in bands from 1 (highest) to 6 (lowest) across a range of practice areas.

It's important to note that being ranked in any band at all is still considered a significant achievement.

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Who does Akin compete with?

In the London market, Akin is best known for its work on major restructurings where it competes with the likes of US rival Kirkland & Ellis and the Magic Circle firms.

In 2024, Akin’s total revenue was $1.5 billion, according to Law.com / ALM.

In 2024, its profit per equity partner (PEP) was $3.9 million, according to Law.com / ALM.

How much does a partner at Akin make?

In 2024, Akin's profit per equity partner (PEP) was $3.9 million.

This is the total amount of profit available for distribution among equity partners, divided by the number of equity partners at the firm.This represents the average amount that equity partners are entitled to.

Some will receive significantly more, some less. It depends on the firm’s profit-sharing formula and each partner’s seniority.

How many trainees does Akin take?

Akin currently takes on up to 8 trainees each year in London.

Trainees complete four seats in different departments, each lasting six months.