Akin Gump today announced that Terrence R. Allen, a public and private mergers and acquisition lawyer has joined the firm as a partner in its Irvine, Calif., office. He comes to Akin Gump from Pepper Hamilton after many years at Gibson Dunn’s Orange County office.

Mr. Allen, who has more than two decades of experience, represents companies, private equity funds and leading entrepreneurs in event-driven M&A transactions as well as joint ventures, venture capital investments, governance and disclosure matters.

“Terry has a very strong corporate practice in the Southern California market that aligns very well with our team and our strategic goals for the region. His impressive record leading M&A deals across the technology, health care and consumer brands industries is a great fit for us as we continue to expand our client offerings on the West Coast,” said Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith.

Paul Lin, partner in charge of Akin Gump’s Irvine office, said, “I am confident Terry’s presence at Akin Gump will resonate strongly with our clients as they seek to invest and grow here in the United States as well as in Asia. I am delighted to have Terry with us as we expand our footprint, including here in Orange County.”

Added Kerry E. Berchem, head of Akin Gump’s corporate practice, “Terry is an impressive addition to our corporate group. He complements our team and shares our commitment to providing superior service to, and creating solutions for, clients. He will be a great asset to our firmwide corporate practice.”

Mr. Allen commented, “Akin Gump is a terrific platform for me and offers a compelling U.S. and global footprint through which I will be able to assist my clients. I am very much looking forward to working with my new partners in an effort to further strengthen Akin Gump’s market-leading corporate practice, both here in California and elsewhere. This is an incredibly appealing opportunity, and I am very excited to be here.”

Mr. Allen is a frequent lecturer on indemnification and related M&A practice topics. He received his J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. He received B.S. and B.A. degrees, also from the University of Southern California.

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