Family, friends, and colleagues are mourning the tragic and sudden loss of associate, friend, and Morgan Lewis family member Blake Ackerman, who was killed on July 10 in a hit-and-run accident while bicycling in Los Angeles. Blake was just beginning a bright and promising career in law, and his death has left an unfillable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. He was kind, vibrant, and full of limitless potential—qualities that defined both his personal and professional life.
Blake was a litigation associate in the Morgan Lewis Century City office, where he quickly distinguished himself for his intellect, dedication, and warmth. Those who worked alongside him speak of his collaborative spirit, sharp legal mind, and genuine care for clients and colleagues alike. His future in the legal profession was as promising as it was inspiring.
Before joining Morgan Lewis, Blake served as a law clerk for Judge Clyde J. Wadsworth of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals from 2023 to 2025. He also worked as a Judicial Extern to Judge Autumn D. Spaeth of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in 2021. These prestigious roles reflected not only his legal acumen, but also the trust and respect he earned early in his career.
Blake’s academic journey was equally impressive. He graduated from the University of Southern California in 2020, where he served as undergraduate student body vice president—a role that underscored his commitment to service, advocacy, and student leadership. He went on to earn his JD in 2023 from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. At Loyola, he served as a senior articles editor for the Loyola Law Review, president of the school’s Surf and Ski Club, and an active member of the Jewish Law Students Association.
Blake’s commitment to justice and human rights extended beyond the classroom and courtroom. As an undergraduate, he co-founded a human rights advocacy group focused on prison education and the prison-to-school pipeline—demonstrating a deep and enduring passion for equity, access, and second chances. He lived with empathy and conviction, embodying values that continue to inspire those who knew him.
Blake’s life, though heartbreakingly short, was rich in purpose and love. He brought people together with ease and joy, made friends wherever he went, and approached each day with an infectious sense of curiosity and hope. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the causes he championed, and the example he set for others.
Blake Ackerman was more than a colleague—he was a bright light in every room, a loyal friend, and a beloved member of the Morgan Lewis family. His loss is immeasurable, and he will be missed profoundly.
