Former Associate White House Counsel Christopher Oprison Joins Akerman LLP

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Akerman  LLP, a leading law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced that it has expanded its Litigation Practice Group with the addition of white collar defense lawyer and former Associate White House Counsel, Christopher Oprison. He joins the firm as a partner in the Washington, D.C. and Miami, Florida offices from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

Oprison brings a varied practice in white collar criminal defense, representing U.S. and international corporations and individuals in connection with complex civil and criminal litigation matters, as well as government investigations, including healthcare fraud and issues arising under the False Claims Act (FCA) and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). He represents clients before federal and state courts and administrative agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Oprison also assists clients with corporate compliance matters, conducting internal investigations on behalf of public company boards and audit committees.

Oprison served as a special assistant and associate counsel to President George W. Bush in the White House Counsel's Office from 2006 to 2008, handling a variety of legal, legislative and policy issues, including congressional oversight investigations and litigation impacting White House. From 1998 to 2002, he served as aCaptain in the United States Marine Corps where he earned significant trial experience prosecuting some of the most serious crimes under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He was an honor graduate of both the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School at Quantico, Va., and the Naval Justice School in Newport, R.I.  He also previously served as a law clerk to Judge Fred Parker on the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and then-Chief Judge Terrence Boyle on the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. 

"We are pleased to welcome Chris to our talented litigation team," said James Miller, chair of Akerman's Litigation Practice Group. "Chris' unique background makes him a valuable resource for our clients facing increased government scrutiny."

"Akerman lawyers are highly regarded for their trial experience," said Oprison. "The firm's expansive platform and leading reputation across the Americas will provide my clients with the resources necessary to handle the most complicated and sensitive litigation matters. I am honored to join the team."

Oprison plans to expand his practice to include the Florida and Latin America markets, working closely with Akerman's international litigation and arbitration team. He follows the addition of international transactions lawyer Michael Kelley in Washington, D.C., who concentrates his practice on fund formation in emerging markets, with an emphasis on Latin America. 

Akerman's Litigation Practice Group is recognized nationally by U.S. News - Best Lawyers in the Commercial Litigation. The firm's team has vast experience in a wide range of civil and criminal litigation, including actions involving banking, securities, healthcare, insurance, real estate, and construction.

About Akerman LLP
Akerman LLP is a leading transactions and trial law firm known for its core strengths in middle market M&A, within the financial services and real estate industries, and for a diverse Latin America practice. With more than 550 lawyers and government affairs professionals and a network of 19 offices, it is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the United States by The National Law Journal NLJ 350 (2013). Akerman also is ranked among the top 100 law firms for diversity by MultiCultural Law magazine (2012) and recognized as the Law Firm of the Year for Diversity – South by Benchmark Litigation (2012). More information can be found at akerman.com or twitter.com/akerman_law.

SOURCE Akerman LLP