- Represented a foreign renewable energy company prosecuted for criminal trade secret espionage and conspiracy by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Defeated the claim for more than $2 billion in fines.
- Representing a national energy company in related federal and administrative nine-figure actions arising from claims related to the storage of spent nuclear fuel. Drafted key briefs that defeated multiple claims for preliminary injunctive relief in District Court and before the Ninth Circuit, which resulted in the action being dismissed with prejudice by District Court.
- Represented a satellite service provider in two related billion-dollar antitrust class action cases involving the NHL’s and MLB’s blackout rules and exclusive telecast territories. Worked with experts, including a Nobel Prize winner, to craft challenges to the plaintiffs’ experts. After an evidentiary hearing, a Daubert challenge defeated certification of the damages class, eliminating all risk of monetary liability.
- Defended a foreign law firm in two distinct eight-figure breach of fiduciary duty claims. Quashed service for lack of jurisdiction after oral argument in both actions.
- Defended a prominent payment processor in a high-profile arbitration over the termination of an alt-right organization who sued, claiming hate speech policy enforcement represented actionable point-of-view discrimination. Given responsibility for drafting a key brief on a motion to dismiss, which provoked claimant to dismiss all claims.
- Represented technology company employees sued by their former employer for theft of trade secrets, technology, corporate sabotage, employee raiding, and breaches of fiduciary duty. Drafted key opposition that defeated a preliminary injunction motion. Case favorably settled on the eve of arbitration.
- Defending a gas energy company from breach of contract and fraud claims in a nine-figure arbitration.
- Represented a luxury automobile manufacturer in multidistrict litigation (MDL) related to alleged emission defeat devices present in certain vehicles. The MDL had regulatory, consumer, and unfair competition components.
- Represented clients ranging from international fast food restaurant chains to retailers in putative class actions under the California Unfair Competition Law related to the redemption of gift cards. Negotiated favorable settlements for all disputes.
- Defended a satellite service provider in several California class actions challenging satellite dish installation practices. Obtained a dismissal with prejudice through motion practice for a lack of jurisdiction relying on the local action doctrine. Dismissal upheld by the Ninth Circuit in a unanimous published opinion.
Senior Associate,
- Phone: 213.576.1149
- Email: alex.akerman@alston.com
Defending his clients in a variety of industries, Alex safeguards his clients' business interests against a gamut of claims, including unfair competition disputes, trade secret litigation and consumer class actions.