Partner Shereef Akeel Honored by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in its 2026 Hall of Fame Class

Achievement
Feb 15, 2026

Akeel Valentine, Partner Shereef Akeel was recently recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in its 2026 Hall of Fame class. This award recognizes the state’s most exceptional leaders who have successful practices and have made valuable contributions to the local community. The honorees are ones who have truly left their mark across their firms and communities.

Attorney Shereef Akeel was recently recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in the 2026 Hall of Fame class. This award recognizes the states most exceptional leaders who have successful practices and have made valuable contributions to the local community. The honor is our ones who have truly left their marks across their firms and communities. https://milawyersweekly.com/event/hall-of-fame-up-coming-lawyers/

Over his 30-year career, Akeel has handled some of the most consequential civil rights and employment cases in the country representing employees and union workers. He has led high-profile class actions involving age, race, and religious discrimination, secured million-dollar verdicts and settlements in both federal and state courts, and represented the wrongfully convicted in their pursuit of justice. Akeel is also a leading voice in False Claims Act (Qui Tam) litigation, advocating on behalf of whistleblowers exposing fraud against the U.S. government. What sets Akeel apart is his unwavering commitment to using the law as a tool for systemic change. He has brought cases that not only secured justice for individuals—but changed policies, industries, and institutional behavior. Early in his career, he filed a landmark lawsuit under the Graham Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act after a defective pool drain led to the tragic death of a young child. The case sparked nationwide reforms, requiring dome-shaped drains in hotels, public pools, and fitness centers to prevent future tragedies. In another case, Akeel sued a multi-billion-dollar defense contractor for engaging in crimes against humanity on detainees that were held in the now infamous Abu Gharib prison. Akeel also challenged U.S. Customs and Border Protection for questioning travelers about their religious practices, ending the unconstitutional practice nationwide. Akeel’s litigation against a fortune 500 company over a forced-distribution performance evaluation system revealed a disparate impact on African Americans and older age employees. In the financial sector, Akeel filed suit against national banks accused of discriminatory targeting based on race, religion, and ethnicity—resulting in the cessation of those practices. Akeel holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, a Juris Doctorate from Detroit College of Law (MSU), obtained a CPA, an received his MBA from Wayne State University. His unique combination of legal skill, financial insight, and moral clarity positions him as a powerful advocate in the fight for accountability, economic, and social justice.