"Client needs continue to drive Akerman's growth in Texas and Louisiana where we have substantial bench strength in complex commercial litigation within the financial services, insurance, energy and other dynamic sectors. We are pleased to continue that momentum with David and Gerard," said Lawrence Rochefort, chair of Akerman's Litigation Practice Group.
"With their combined experience in multi-state insurance litigation, white collar defense and government investigations, David and Gerard add important depth to our national trial platform, and bring valuable capabilities in government contract law."
Jones is certified by The Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Trial Law. He is a seasoned first chair trial lawyer with a dedicated, multi-state insurance and complex commercial litigation practice. He represents leading U.S. and international carriers and related entities in insurance coverage issues, bad faith litigation, fraud disputes and property damage, according to the announcement.
Jones joins Akerman from Jones Andrews & Ortiz P.C. He also serves as outside counsel for CaptureRx, a leader in drug pricing technology in the U.S.
Wimberly focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation, as well as white collar defense and government investigations. He has been lead or co-lead counsel in numerous cases involving government contracts law, financial fraud and antitrust matters. He is experienced in False Claims Act qui tam cases, having been lead counsel for major companies in recent actions.
Wimberly joins Akerman from McGlinchey Stafford, where he served as co-chair of the firm's white collar/government investigations group and the leader of its false claims practice group.
Akerman adds Jones and Wimberly as part of its continuing growth in the region. Last summer, the firm opened four new offices in Houston, San Antonio, Austin and New Orleans with a group of 30 litigation and trial lawyers. Today, the firm has nearly 60 lawyers in Texas and Louisiana, with a strong concentration in Dallas and Houston.