Advisory Board

Benjamin F. Wilson is the Managing Principal of Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. He has been lead counsel in many complex environmental litigation and regulatory matters for major consumer products corporations, retailers, oil and gas companies, municipalities, and developers. He has represented financial bodies on a wide variety of environmental issues pertaining to the sale and ownership of real property, and on wetlands and Endangered Species Act litigation, as well as several complex commercial litigation matters. He also has counseled small and developing businesses throughout his career. He has also counseled on a variety of commercial contract matters and negotiated player contracts on behalf of professional athletes.

Andrew Smulian has served as Akerman's Chairman and CEO since 2008, transforming the firm through strategic growth, a commitment to advancing client-driven initiatives, and a focus on building a culture of collaborative innovation. Under Andrew’s leadership, Akerman has grown into a powerhouse law firm with more than 650 lawyers and business professionals who serve clients across the Americas from 24 offices nationwide, including New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington D.C.

Noah J. Hanft is President and CEO of  International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR). A long-time supporter of dispute resolution, Mr. Hanft has devoted his career to finding the most effective and efficient resolutions for resolving business disputes. Prior to joining CPR, Mr. Hanft was General Counsel and Chief Franchise Officer for MasterCard, where he was responsible for overseeing legal and regulatory affairs, public policy and compliance. Mr. Hanft has an LL.M from New York University School of Law in trade regulation, a JD from Brooklyn Law School, and a BA from American University, School of Government and Public Administration.

Daniel A. Neff is the co-chairman of the Executive Committee and partner in the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, which he joined in 1977.  He is a corporate and securities lawyer, and has focused on mergers and acquisitions and advice to boards of directors and board committees.  During his more than 30 years of practice, Mr. Neff has been extensively involved in negotiated as well as hostile acquisitions, and has represented bidders and targets, public and private companies, private equity firms, leveraged acquirers and special committees of directors.