Akija is an Associate Attorney in the Chicago office. She defends product and equipment manufacturers in general liability, mass toxic tort, and product liability cases. Prior to joining the firm, Akija worked with the Westside Justice Center as the Lead Staff Attorney of the Criminal Records Relief practice group. Akija was a zealous advocate for disproportionately criminalized neighborhoods and provided representation for individuals seeking expungement and/or sealing of their criminal records. 

Post undergrad, Akija was admitted to the University of Illinois (formerly The John Marshall Law School) and enrolled as a part-time evening student. While in law school part-time, Akija worked full time as a docket manager for a boutique civil litigation firm and was a student representative for BarBri. During law school, Akija also worked as a law clerk for the Health Related Prosecution unit of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and as a law clerk and analyst for the Uniform Law Commission (ULC). Akija is a certified mediator with the Center for Conflict Resolution and has developed the analytical and conflict resolution skills to assess, recommend, and implement alternative dispute resolutions. 

Outside of work, Akija is a devoted dog Mama who enjoys nature walks, gardening, and traveling. She is a cardio junkie in desperate need of some accountability for weightlifting. When she is not on her spin cycle, you can catch her at Club Pilates, completing her routine retail therapy, or spending time with friends and family.