Biography
Akshay is a litigator who guides clients through all stages of the dispute resolution process, from inception through trial, particularly in the cannabis, pharmaceutical, construction and municipal sectors. He also develops strategies to help clients mitigate litigation risk.
Akshay represents cannabis operators in class actions involving THC potency testing, labeling and related breach-of-contract and consumer protection claims. He handles high-stakes cannabis contract litigation and represents clients in multimillion-dollar disputes arising from interstate supply, manufacturing, distribution and white-label agreements across state markets. Akshay is an advocate for clients in highly regulated sectors, such as cannabis and pharmaceuticals, where compliance, testing standards and licensing regimes drive litigation strategy.
He also litigates matters in construction-related claims and municipal ordinances, permitting and public contracting.
Before Fox Rothschild
A former summer associate, Akshay joined us full time after earning his law degree.
He previously clerked for the Champaign County Public Defender's Office and practiced as a student attorney for the University of Illinois Immigration Law Clinic.
Akshay was a member of his law school trial team and participated in the COL ABA Negotiation Competition and the COL ABA Client Counseling Competition. He was also treasurer of OUTLaw and the South Asian Law Students Association. Akshay mentored middle schoolers through the Champaign-Urbana Schools' Mentoring Program. Prior to law school, Akshay developed strong business experience as a merchandise planner for several national retailers.
Beyond Fox Rothschild
Akshay has an active pro bono practice centered on advocacy and community impact. He is involved with organizations including the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Anti-Cruelty Society, immigration-focused nonprofits, and remains closely engaged with local Hindu and Sikh community institutions throughout the Chicago area.
Client Resources
In the Weeds Blog
In the highly regulated cannabis industry, success is reserved for those who take a thoughtful and strategic approach to entering this market. In the Weeds aims to help keep today’s cannabis entrepreneur well informed. Akshay contributes to the blog, offering insights on a host of issues that are distinct to companies in the legal marijuana space.
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Education
- University of Illinois College of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 2024)
- Pro Bono Notation
- Leadership Scholar Notation
- Ohio State University (B.S., 2016)
Memberships
- Chicago Bar Association
- Vice-Chair, Federal Civil Practice Committee (2024-2025)
- South Asian Bar Association of Chicago
- Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago
