Dewey & LeBoeuf filed for bankruptcy in 2012 in a major shock to the legal system. It had been perceived as one of the most successful firms in the world. Kim Koopersmith of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld told the Bloomberg Big Law Business summit: 'In the post Dewey era, two lessons: Make sure partners feel comfortable about the financial status of the firm, coupled with excellent transparency. We have an audit committee, a significant amount of financial information is sent to partners. We really have invested in making people feel this is a secure platform.'

Washington DC base

A complex litigation specialist, Ms Koopersmith was taking part in a panel discussion at the summit. The firm is based in Washington DC and has 22 offices around the world. Source: Bloomberg Business of Law