The Akerman LLP law firm recently opened its 20th office in Chicago with a team of eight lawyers, seven of whom were previously associated with Ulmer & Berne LLP.
Akerman Partner Karen Kondell, who focuses on real estate transactions in the multifamily and hospitality space, will serve as a co-resident in the firm's Chicago and Miami offices.
The other seven attorneys assigned to the Chicago office were previously with Ulmer & Berne.
Scott Meyers will serve as managing partner. His concentration is in the financial services and securities sectors, with a particular emphasis on hedge funds, investment advisors and money managers.
Michael Switzer will serve as co-chair of the firm's Intellectual Property Practice Group, along with Partner Mark Passler, who is based in the firm's West Palm Beach, Fla., office. Switzer focuses on intellectual property counseling, licensing and litigation, with particular emphasis on medical devices and consumer electronics.
Mark Anderso, who has a background in mechanical and design engineering, focuses on intellectual property counseling, prosecution and litigation for clients in the mechanical, electro-mechanical and electrical arts.
Stacy Baim represents technology sector clients in litigation and transactions involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and unfair competition.
Brian Bianco focuses on IP litigation, representing clients in Federal District courts throughout the U.S. He also counsels clients in the development and protection of IP.
Litigators Peter Hawkins and Alissa Misun Pohlman have joined the office as associates, bringing experience in general corporate and intellectual property matters, including international patent and trademark issues, and all aspects of discovery.