No shortcuts in legal profession, chairman says

David Spector, a trial lawyer and founding co-chair of Akerman LLP’s Fraud and Recovery Practice Group, was recently elected to succeed Andrew Smulian, as the firm’s ninth chairman and chief executive officer, for a three-year term beginning Feb. 1, 2018. Spector, who joined the firm in 2009, is a partner in Akerman’s West Palm Beach and Miami offices, and a member of the firm’s board of directors and executive committee. Everything Spector does, and everything his firm’s leadership is focused on, revolves around the idea of experience, says Spector. Akerman has more than 650 lawyers and business professionals across 24 offices.

Strategies

The job: In today’s legal market a lawyer’s job is multifaceted and evolving. There are no shortcuts. You must practice law more efficiently while delivering value: Clients require highly specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of their business.

Growth: In my new role, I will be available to clients. I will also be in a position to contribute to their success in different ways. Building diverse teams, rethinking how we deliver our services and investing in innovations that further address the needs of our clients are key ways I will be able to make an impact.

Transition: In the interim, I continue to co-chair the Fraud and Recovery Practice Group, and maintain my trial practice, and work hand-inhand with the executive committee to plan an orderly transition and chart Akerman’s long-term course.

Leadership: This transition process has ensured our stability and seamless delivery of services to clients for nearly a century, keeping us well-positioned to meet the needs of our clients, our people and the many communities we serve.

What’s new: Civil recovery for defrauded companies will be the next wave of litigation, and our firm has one of the largest legal teams dedicated to the eradication of fraud against corporate victims.

DAVID SPECTOR