Profile
Akiesha Gilcrist Sainvil is a trusted advocate and strategist, focusing on complex and high-stakes litigation. Using an innovative and results-driven approach, Akiesha has represented both domestic and international clients across a spectrum of industries in multidistrict litigation, single-plaintiff product liability cases, mass tort actions, business disputes, and high-profile matters. Her diverse industry experience spans manufacturers, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, health care providers, transportation firms, retailers, financial institutions, and insurers, giving her a unique perspective to address her clients’ multifaceted legal challenges. Akiesha’s ability to craft tailored strategies and her dedication to protecting her clients’ interests allow her to navigate intricate legal landscapes.
Akiesha is deeply committed to pro bono work, community service, and the advancement and promotion of diversity in the legal profession. She has served as a mentor and advocate for young and aspiring lawyers nationwide through her involvement with the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) and various Bar organizations.
Concentrations
- Pharmaceutical, medical device, and health care litigation
- Products Liability
- Multidistrict litigation
- Class and mass action litigation
Capabilities
Experience
- Won dismissal of lawsuit alleging civil RICO conspiracy and respondeat superior/vicarious liability claims filed by former U.S. President on behalf of British intelligence agency. See Law360, Trump's RICO Suit Against Clinton Dismissed As 'Manifesto'; Law.com, Judge Trashes Trump's RICO Lawsuit Against Hillary Clinton, Perkins Coie.
- Argued and won dismissal of a breach of warranty claim on behalf of medical device manufacturer of flush devices in state court product liability lawsuit.
- Key member of trial team that obtained a complete defense verdict following a two-week trial in July 2021 in a multimillion-dollar action involving cardiovascular intravascular device against our client, a medical device manufacturer of numerous life-saving devices and products.
- Represent manufacturer of flush medical devices against wrongful death suit involving product liability claims in state court.
- Defend medical device manufacturer of vascular devices against product liability claims in federal courts across the country.
- Served as National Coordinating Counsel for Fortune 50 Transportation Company.°
- Represented and defended manufacturers of various products, including HVAC systems, fire extinguishers, engines, and pharmaceutical drugs, against product liability actions in state and federal courts around the country.°
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a multinational retailing corporation in contract dispute in federal court.°
- Obtained dismissal on behalf of international banking and financial services institution in vehicle repossession class action in federal court.°
°The above representations were handled by Akiesha Gilcrist Sainvil prior to her joining Greenberg Traurig, P.A.
- Judicial Intern, Honorable David S. Cercone, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- Certified Legal Intern, Immigration Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Recognition & Leadership
- Listed, Benchmark Litigation, “40 & Under - U.S. Edition,” 2024
- Listed, The Legal 500 USA, Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action- Defense: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, 2023-2024
- Listed, “The Best Lawyers in America,” 2021-2025
- Commercial Litigation, 2024-2025
- Ones to Watch: Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2023
- Ones to Watch: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, 2023
- Ones to Watch: Commercial Litigation, 2021-2023
- Ones to Watch: Alternative Dispute Resolution, 2021-2023
- Recognized, The National Black Lawyers, “Top 40 Under 40” Attorney in Florida, 2020-2024
- Recognized, Daily Business Review, Florida Legal Awards, "Diversity & Inclusion Honoree," 2022
- Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Florida Super Lawyers, "Rising Stars," 2021-2024
- Team Member, a Law360 “Product Liability Practice Group of the Year,” 2021-2022
- Recognized, Palm Beach Media Group’s Aventura Magazine, “Top Lawyer,” 2021-2024
- Recognized, Legacy Magazine, “40 Under 40: Black Leaders of Today and Tomorrow,” 2020
- Selected, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Program, “Pathfinder,” 2017
- Member, Personal Care Products Council (PCPC)
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD)
- City Lead - Miami, Success in Law School Mentoring Program, 2020–Present
- City Lead – Miami, Alumni Group, 2020
- LCLD Pathfinder Program Participant, 2017
- The Florida Bar
- Member, Eleventh Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee "M," 2024-2027
- Member, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2022-2023
- Fellow, Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. (WRS) Leadership Academy, Class IX, 2021-2022
- Dade County Bar Association
- Member, Diversity & Inclusion Committee
- Member, Federal Court Committee
- Playmakers Young Professionals Support Group, Miami Children’s Museum, 2019–Present
- Federal Bar Association
- Member, South Florida Chapter
- Member, Young Lawyers Division
- Museum Ambassadors, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
- Alumna, International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy, 2016
- Allegheny County Bar Association
- Council Member, Homer S. Brown Division, 2014–2017
- Diversity Committee Co-Chair, Young Lawyer’s Division, 2014–2015
Credentials
-
J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law
- Senior Topics Editor, Law Review
- B.A., cum laude, University of Pittsburgh
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, 2013-2014
- Florida
- Pennsylvania
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania