al-Taie Brings Expertise in White Collar Criminal Defense, Securities Enforcement and Compliance, and Antitrust and Competition Law

Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced the expansion of its national litigation bench in Texas with former federal prosecutor and Partner Ferdose al-Taie, who brings extensive experience in the areas of white collar criminal defense, securities enforcement and compliance, and antitrust and competition law. al-Taie, whose practice is based in Dallas, dedicated 10 years to the federal government. She held various prosecutorial roles within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including serving as first-chair trial lawyer and trying over 40 civil and criminal jury trials to verdict, before returning to private practice.

"Ferdose's extensive courtroom experience as a federal prosecutor builds upon our national litigation capabilities in white collar criminal defense, securities and compliance, and all facets of federal and state enforcement proceedings," said Lawrence Rochefort, chair of Akerman's Litigation Practice Group. "Her expertise in government investigations and enforcement matters are an added benefit to our clients who routinely face a growing web of compliance regulations from civil and criminal agencies, as well as numerous regulatory entities."

Most recently in the federal government, as SEC Senior Counsel in the Division of Enforcement, al-Taie led investigations and prosecutions of federal securities law violations, such as insider trading, Ponzi schemes, municipal securities violations, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) allegations. During her posts at the DOJ, she served in significant capacities within both civil and criminal divisions, including as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona in Phoenix; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandra, commonly known as the "rocket docket;" and as a Trial Attorney for the DOJ’s Antitrust Division in Washington, D.C.

al-Taie's white collar defense practice is focused on advising clients navigating all aspects of federal and state regulatory schemes, including before self-regulatory organizations. She uses her experience with government enforcement actions to help clients anticipate potential issues and correct them before they become larger problems. Her securities and compliance practice includes cryptocurrencies, initial coin offerings (ICOs), virtual exchanges, the EB-5 visa program, anti-money laundering rules (AML), and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) issues. al-Taie regularly counsels clients with regard to antitrust/competition issues, including private party litigation, Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) filings, mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, government investigations, and high-stakes private-party antitrust litigation. 

al-Taie is the latest strategic addition to Akerman's national Litigation Practice Group. George Tate joined Akerman in March, expanding the firm's capabilities in construction litigation in Orlando. Former SEC branch chief Douglas Paul and Michael Kelly joined Akerman's Washington, D.C. office in January, where they advise individuals and companies involved in government investigations. Trial lawyers Amy Doehring and Ellen Robbins also arrived recently to Akerman’s Chicago and Los Angeles offices.

Akerman's presence in Texas has spread significantly in less than three years to 65 lawyers and business professionals in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Recent hires include Ryan Beard, who extends Akerman's intellectual property skills in Austin. The Dallas office recently grew its insurance litigation and real estate strengths with Mark McElree, Kacy Whitehead, and Elliot Strader. In Houston, the firm attracted a four-person team of insurance litigators. 

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.

Akerman’s Litigation Practice Group has vast experience in a wide range of civil and criminal litigation, including class action defense, securities and corporate litigation, banking, white collar crime and government investigations, insurance, and real estate. The team is ranked tier one nationally by U.S. News – Best Lawyers in several categories including Commercial Litigation and Appellate.