Akerman Launched Data Intelligence Division
The firm expanded its professional services with a new unit focused on information governance and eDiscovery for corporate clients.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Professional Services
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Akerman has introduced PineWest Data Intelligence, a new service division designed to handle information governance, transactional data diligence, and privacy obligations. The launch addresses rising organizational data volumes in the $28 billion Alternative Legal Services Provider market.
Why it matters
As regulatory requirements and data volumes grow, organizations need specialized consulting that goes beyond traditional litigation support. This launch moves legal service firms further into integrated data management and AI-enabled technical workflows.
The unit enters the $28 billion Alternative Legal Services Provider market. Akerman, which currently employs 700 lawyers and professionals, is leveraging this move to scale its data capabilities.
The players
Akerman
A national law firm founded in 1920 with 700 lawyers and professionals providing integrated legal and consulting services.
Elan Hersh
The Managing Director of PineWest Data Intelligence leading the division's strategy and service offerings.
PineWest Data Intelligence
A new service division within Akerman providing information governance, eDiscovery, and transactional data diligence.
The details
PineWest Data Intelligence combines legal expertise, project management, and AI-enabled review tools to provide end-to-end data services. The division extends the capabilities of Akerman’s existing eDiscovery practice to include privacy and data subject request fulfillment. By centralizing these tasks, the firm aims to assist corporate clients in managing data governance challenges that fall outside of traditional litigation workflows.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: Akerman officially announced the launch of the PineWest Data Intelligence division.
Market Landscape
This move follows the documented trend of law firms expanding into the $28 billion Alternative Legal Services Provider market. It mirrors broader efforts across the legal industry to capture revenue from technical data management and regulatory compliance services.
Operators managing high volumes of sensitive information should evaluate whether their current legal partners can offer transactional data diligence and automated privacy fulfillment. Firms may need to assess if consolidating these services under a single legal provider reduces compliance risk compared to managing multiple technical vendors.
The takeaway
The firm’s expansion signifies that data governance is no longer just a litigation expense but a core operational function that requires specialized technical oversight. Evaluate your current data storage and privacy response protocols to determine if your existing legal counsel has the necessary AI-enabled tools to handle upcoming regulatory inquiries.
Further reading
For more on evolving service models in the industry, see the Professional Services section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Globallegalchronicle.
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