William J. Akins
Partner | Litigation
william.akins@pierferd.com
+1.214.924.9504 cell
+1.737.667.5994 office
Austin | Dallas
About
William is a go-to trial lawyer and the Co-Chair of two practice groups: Products Liability Litigation and Counseling and Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
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As a strategist and accomplished advocate, he has first-chair and second-chair success in trial and arbitration, drawing on his 20 years of litigation and appellate practice in state and federal courts throughout the nation.
With billions of dollars at stake, he has represented private and public companies on the plaintiff and defense sides, navigating to successful resolution through verdict or settlement, including class action settlements and judgments in complex business disputes in many states.
Recent results include defeating a multi-million dollar dispute for a public company in confidential arbitration, obtaining summary judgment in favor of a family business in a bet-the-company case, and multiple confidential settlements for millions of dollars.
He regularly represents an international company in numerous claims and lawsuits. He has represented the world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer concerning sales of multi-million dollar jet aircraft and international product manufacturers in wrongful death cases seeking hundreds of millions of dollars. An international manufacturer called on William to spearhead its trademark campaign against a network of illicit importers, resulting in agreed injunctions and settlements.
Outside of work, William enjoys rowing on Lake Austin, spending time with his wife and three kids, hiking, and traveling.
Practices
Arbitration and Mediation
Banking and Financial Services
Environmental, Health, and Safety
Insurance
Intellectual Property Litigation
International Disputes
Appellate
Civil Pretrial and Trial Services
Litigation and Risk Management
Political Law and Litigation
TCPA Defense
Professional and Management Liability
Products Liability Litigation and Counseling
Admissions
Texas
U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
Education
Dedman School of Law, Southern Methodist University; J.D., 2002
University of Texas at Arlington; B.B.A., Finance and Economics, 1999
Honors and Awards
Texas Super Lawyers, Texas Rising Star (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
Texas Super Lawyers for Professional Liability – Defense (2014, 2015)
Law Firm Experience
FisherBroyles, LLP
Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, LLP
Clerkship Experience
United States District Court, Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez – Law Clerk, 2002 – 2004
Publications
New Amendments and Additions to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (2012)
Changes to Regulations Governing Federal Removal and Venue (2012)