Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Washington has passed sweeping legislation that will make nearly all non-compete agreements — past and future — void and unenforceable starting June 30, 2027, regardless of compensation level or industry.   Key implications for employers:   • Existing non-competes cannot be enforced • Workers must be notified their non-competes are void by October 1, 2027 • Only narrowly drafted non-solicit and confidentiality provisions remain permissible.   Read our full alert to understand what this means for your agreements and next steps: https://lnkd.in/gNGJw3GM   By: Bob Lian, Laura Smolowe, Kate Heise, Lindsey Prutsman   #EmploymentLaw #Labor #NonCompete

Akin advised Millrose Properties, Inc. in connection with a $1.835 billion borrower‑side unsecured credit facility, consisting of a $1.335 billion revolving credit facility and a $500 million delayed‑draw term loan facility, with a maturity of March 25, 2030. The Akin team was led by finance partner Alan Laves and included corporate practice co-head Zach Wittenberg; finance partner Matthew Bivona; finance counsel Trevor Vega; and associates Brady Pedneau and Kathryn Faulk.       Read more here: https://lnkd.in/efREJkzF    #Corporate #Finance 

As annual reporting and proxy season continues, our final installment of the Director’s Agenda series examines two issues now firmly at the center of board oversight: human capital governance and cybersecurity and operational resilience.   In 2025, rapid shifts in technology, regulation and workforce expectations elevated talent, culture and cyber risk from operational considerations to core governance priorities—bringing increased scrutiny from regulators, investors, activists and litigants alike. Together, these developments frame critical considerations that boards must actively oversee in 2026 as part of their core governance responsibilities.   The latest insights in our series include:   ▪ Talent, Culture and Human Capital Governance: https://lnkd.in/e-j3CPQd ▪ Cybersecurity and Operational Resilience: https://lnkd.in/erYr7wi4 ▪ 2026 Director’s Agenda Podcast: https://lnkd.in/er_8iwu6   Learn more and explore the full series here: https://lnkd.in/ey9FT6Q9 #CorporateGovernance #BoardLeadership #ProxySeason #Cybersecurity #HumanCapitalManagement

The firm is named a 2026 CIO100 Awards winner for its platform OverRuled “Sanctions Sidekick.” The awards recognize, “the organizations and teams that demonstrate excellence in using technology to deliver outcomes such as operational efficiency, innovation, business value, and long-term competitiveness.” For more: https://lnkd.in/eT7zvWxw #LegalTechnology #AI

Akin international arbitration partner Kabir Duggal, Ph.D. and associate Radu Suciu have co-authored a Corporate Disputes Magazine article analyzing the proposed reform of investor-state dispute settlement in response to legitimacy concerns around the current ad hoc arbitration system. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ek_wtt2D   #AkinArbitration #InternationalArbitration #ISDS #WGIII #UNCITRAL #InvestmentArbitration

📢 Applications are still open for Akin’s Middle East English Law Training Programme.   Launching in September 2026, this two-year programme offers aspiring lawyers the opportunity to train and qualify as an England & Wales solicitor in the Middle East.   Designed for ambitious, globally-minded candidates, the programme includes structured training, rotations across practice areas and Middle East offices and the opportunity to build a long-term legal career in the region.   Applications close on Friday, April 10.   Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/4aWFJpD   #MiddleEast #LegalCareers #Lawyers #LawStudents

Akin has once again been recognized in Global Arbitration Review’s annual GAR 100 guide of the world’s leading firms for international arbitration. A strong reflection of our global capabilities and the complex, high value matters we handle for our clients globally. Our global international arbitration practice is led by Mark Clarke the team traverses Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Asia. Partners Shane Jury FCIArb, Kabir Duggal, Ph.D. and Felipe Nazar Pagani are the latest additions to the firm’s growing international arbitration practice. Commenting on the ranking, Mark Clarke said, “A year ago, we set about strengthening Akin’s international arbitration team. I am delighted to see our progress recognized by GAR, and I am grateful to all the colleagues and clients who have supported the development of the practice. In the coming years, we will make further additions to the team, as we look to build a collegial, future-fit and sustainable practice that will continue to deliver real value to our clients in their most complex international disputes.” Read more on Akin’s GAR ranking here: https://lnkd.in/eDW3CPTY #AkinArbitration #InternationalArbitration #GeneralCommercial #ISDS #GAR100

Jen Becker-Pollet—former clerk and subcommittee staff director at the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations—has joined Akin as senior counsel in its lobbying & public policy practice in Washington, D.C., strengthening the firm’s ability to support clients navigating the increasingly complex federal funding environment.  Commenting on the move, Brian Pomper, co‑leader of Akin’s lobbying & public policy practice said, “Having a star appropriations staffer like Jen is a must in an environment in which appropriations bills are among the best bets for clients with issues before Congress. Jen’s long experience with appropriations in both the House and the Senate makes her a fantastic addition to our all-star bipartisan team and will be invaluable to Akin’s clients. I’m very excited to watch her do great things in the private sector for our clients.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/egCch5_f    #Lobbying #PublicPolicy #Appropriations #FederalFunding 

Ibrahim Siddiki has joined Akin as co-partner-in-charge Riyadh, alongside Alexander Malahias, further advancing the firm’s strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia and strengthening its ability to support clients driving the Kingdom’s economic transformation. “Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing markets globally, and a core pillar of Akin’s long-term strategy in the Middle East,” said Akin co-chair, Abid Qureshi. “Ibrahim’s market reputation and technical strengths align exceptionally well with our clients’ needs in the Kingdom. His appointment underscores our continued commitment to building a market-leading presence in the region.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e5mpQJJD #Corporate #MergersAndAcquisitions #Riyadh

Akin funds litigation partner Uri Itkin has been named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers guide.   According to the publication “the accomplishments of these lawyers astound in both the sheer size of the financial compensation they achieve and in the perseverance and legal skill required to succeed in these cases.” For the full guide: https://lnkd.in/g8BHmR6Z #FundsLitigation