Beloved Los Angeles Attorney Blake Ackerman Killed in Hit-and-Run: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Mourns Sudden Loss
LOS ANGELES, CA — A deep sense of loss and disbelief hangs over the Los Angeles legal community following the tragic death of 34-year-old Blake Ackerman, a respected attorney at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, who was struck and killed in a hit-and-run accident earlier this week.
The fatal incident occurred late Tuesday evening, July 8, near the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and La Jolla Avenue in the Beverly Grove area. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Ackerman was crossing the street when he was hit by a dark-colored vehicle that fled the scene without stopping to render aid. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and transported him to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Ackerman’s untimely passing has left his colleagues, friends, and family devastated, as tributes pour in from across the city and beyond.
A Rising Star in Law
Blake Ackerman was widely regarded as a rising talent in the legal profession. A graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, he joined Morgan Lewis as a junior associate and quickly rose through the ranks, known for his sharp legal mind, tireless work ethic, and unwavering professionalism. He had recently been promoted to senior associate and was widely seen as a future partner.
“Blake was not just a brilliant attorney—he was the soul of our office,” said Morgan Lewis partner Cynthia Reyes. “He was dependable, sharp, and full of heart. He mentored junior staff, volunteered in the community, and handled his caseload with grace and precision. We are shattered.”
His legal career spanned complex litigation, corporate advising, and pro bono work for immigrant families and victims of housing discrimination. Clients often described him as both relentless in the courtroom and deeply empathetic outside it.
Community Involvement and Personal Passions
Outside the office, Ackerman was just as driven. He volunteered with youth mentorship organizations and legal outreach programs for underserved neighborhoods in L.A. He was also known for his love of photography, indie films, and live jazz music. Friends say he often spent weekends exploring the city with his rescue dog, Juno.
“Blake had this rare ability to connect deeply with people from all walks of life,” said longtime friend Daniel Li. “He made time for others—whether it was mentoring a law student, helping a neighbor, or just showing up when it mattered. He was the kind of person who made people feel safe and heard.”
Ackerman was preparing for a long-awaited trip to Japan this summer—his first real vacation in years—hoping to explore Kyoto’s gardens and Tokyo’s art scene.
Hit-and-Run Investigation Underway
As tributes grow, the hunt continues for the driver responsible. LAPD detectives have released surveillance images of a possible suspect vehicle—a dark four-door sedan seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the crash. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information, no matter how minor it may seem.
“This is a case where every second counts,” said LAPD Detective Maria Castillo. “This was someone’s son, brother, colleague, and friend. We are committed to finding the person responsible for this crime.”
A $50,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.
Remembering Blake
Ackerman is survived by his parents, Judith and Nathan Ackerman of Santa Monica; his younger sister, Molly Ackerman-Rao; and a wide circle of friends, coworkers, and clients who admired him deeply.
A candlelight vigil was held outside the Morgan Lewis Los Angeles office on Wednesday evening, drawing over 150 attendees. Tearful speeches were delivered, and flowers were laid beneath a photo of Ackerman smiling outside a courtroom.
A public memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, at Forest Lawn in Glendale at 10 a.m. The family has requested donations be made in Blake’s memory to the ACLU of Southern California or the Los Angeles Youth Network—two causes close to his heart.
A Final Word
Blake Ackerman lived with purpose, led with compassion, and practiced law with integrity. In a world too often shaped by indifference, he chose empathy. In a profession that demands strength, he gave it with grace.
His legacy will endure not only in the courtroom, but in the lives he touched, the justice he pursued, and the people who will carry his memory forward.
If you have any information regarding the hit-and-run that killed Blake Ackerman, please contact the LAPD West Traffic Division at (213) 473-0234 or submit an anonymous tip at www.lacrimestoppers.org.