Summary: The law firm of Akerman LLP will add Judge William Van Nortwick as the head of the firm’s pro bono program in January when he retires from the bench.
Akerman LLP announced via a press release today that the Honorable William A. Van Nortwick, Jr. has joined the firm as a partner-in-charge of the national pro bono program. He will also be a member of the firm’s Appellate Practice.
Judge Van Nortwick is a Florida First District Court of Appeals Judge.
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Judge Van Nortwick will begin his tenure with Akerman LLP when he retires from the bench in January of 2015.
Andrew Smulian is the chair and CEO of Akerman. Smulian said the following about the addition of Judge Van Nortwick:
“Judge Van Nortwick’s arrival will mark the next chapter in Akerman’s important tradition of doing good and giving back. We made an institutional pledge this year to achieve even greater impact in our communities by intensifying our volunteerism and pro bono legal service, with a particular focus on education and youth development programs. Judge Van Nortwick has been at the center of some of the most innovative and influential pro bono programs in the legal industry, and we are immensely proud to have him join our firm.”
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Judge Van Nortwick will be responsible for expanding the pro bono work of the law firm, with a focus on youth development and education.
“Akerman’s culture is extremely impressive, with the firm’s lawyers and staff centered around core values of loyalty, generosity, and collaborative innovation,” said Judge Van Nortwick. “I look forward to joining Akerman and helping expand the firm’s pro bono efforts so that those most in need have access to justice from some of the most capable and committed lawyers in the country.”
Judge Van Nortwick is the former chair of the Florida Supreme Court’s Standing Committee of Pro Bono Legal Services. He is also a member of the Special Commission on Access to Justice by the Florida Bar.
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