Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced the expansion of its Houston office with veteran trial lawyer Joel Mohrman and Andy Cao. They join as partners in the firm's Litigation Practice Group and deepen the firm's experience in intellectual property litigation, class actions, and complex commercial litigation, particularly in the healthcare and maritime sectors.
"We have a notable litigation bench in Texas and we are committed to growing our capabilities for clients in the region," said Litigation Practice Group Chair Lawrence Rochefort. "Joel and Andy are an excellent team of trial lawyers who bring a deep knowledge in the healthcare and maritime sectors. Our clients facing high-stakes, bet-the-company disputes will benefit from their able counsel."
Mohrman’s practice encompasses intellectual property litigation, class actions, and high-profile complex commercial litigation. With more than four decades of practice serving clients in the healthcare, energy, insurance, and financial services sectors, among others, his experience ranges from trying high-stakes, bet-the-company disputes to helping clients navigate day-to-day issues. As a first chair litigator, he has tried more than 40 commercial and intellectual property litigation cases to verdict for Fortune 500 companies and other organizations and individuals, as well as litigating approximately 100 trade secret and covenant not-to-compete cases. Mohrman also counsels clients on creditor issues under maritime law, providing risk assessment, advising on alternatives, arresting vessels, enforcing liens and litigating issues where appropriate or necessary. Mohrman serves a nationwide client base, handling matters in 25 states from Florida to California.
Cao focuses his practice on commercial litigation and intellectual property litigation in state and federal courts. He advises clients on matters in trial courts, bankruptcy courts, as well as appellate matters. In his commercial litigation practice, Cao counsels a variety of clients including small businesses, insurance brokerage firms, vehicle manufacturers, maritime lenders, and health care providers. He also has experience representing clients in intellectual property disputes including patent infringement, trademark infringement, copyright infringement, noncompete agreements, no-hire agreements, non-solicitation agreements, and trade secrets matters.
The new partners are part of Akerman's recent client-driven growth in Texas. Last month, the firm welcomed litigation partner William Sentell to its Houston office, where he brings experience in franchise dispute resolution and related corporate, regulatory, and compliance matters.
About Akerman
Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth. Akerman is known for its results in middle market M&A and complex disputes, and for helping clients achieve their most important business objectives in the financial services, real estate and other dynamic sectors across the United States and Latin America.