Grasford Smith

Grasford Smith is an Akerman board member, partner and nationally recognized litigator whose practice focuses on high-stakes commercial disputes involving Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and athletic organizations. A Florida Supreme Court-certified mediator, Smith has secured multimillion-dollar victories throughout his career and has been recognized among Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in America and by Best Lawyers. He began his career at a leading Wall Street law firm and worked at Goldman Sachs before later becoming the first Black equity partner in his prior firm’s history.

Smith brings an uncommon technology and business perspective to the practice of law. A former computer programmer with advanced training in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity from Stanford and Harvard, he incorporates data-driven strategies into litigation and risk management. He is also a graduate of the Wharton School’s Advanced Management Program. Earlier experience as a boxing judge and referee has further shaped the discipline and decision-making he brings to complex disputes.

Beyond his legal practice, Smith has built an extensive record of institutional and professional leadership. As a member of The Florida Bar Board of Governors, he helps shape matters affecting more than 115,000 attorneys and has received multiple President’s Awards. He also serves as Vice President of Finance for the National Bar Association and on the Florida State University College of Business Executive Committee. His leadership has earned recognition including the National Bar Association’s Clyde E. Bailey Sr. Award, Florida Trend’s Florida 500 and Legacy’s Corporate Executive of the Year.

Smith earned his J.D. as a Dean’s Scholar from NYU School of Law, where he co-founded the NYU Journal of Law & Business, and graduated summa cum laude from Florida State University. A former law professor and Leadership Florida graduate, he has also completed executive programs at Harvard Kennedy School and Cornell University.