Agatha Akers is an associate in Tressler's Insurance Practice Group. Aggie handles all areas of insurance coverage law including assisting clients with Special Investigation Unit (SIU) investigations, pre-litigation best practices, insurance policy interpretation, issues regarding independent counsel, bad faith litigation, actions for declaratory relief, disputes between multiple coinsurers and related appeals. Aggie has prepared legal opinions regarding insurance coverage questions and enjoys the nuance and complexities of difficult coverage scenarios.
Aggie received her B.A. from Northwestern University, her A.A. from Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey and J.D. from University of La Verne College of Law. Aggie currently works out of Tressler's Orange County office.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Muskegon, Michigan and completed my undergraduate studies in Chicago, Illinois. I have lived in a number of states, including California, Texas, Arizona and Colorado. I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
What was your first job?
My first job was a junior tennis professional at a tennis club. I strung tennis racquets and assisted in teaching tennis lessons to young kids.
What are you most proud of, professionally and/or personally?
I am proud of my six years of active-duty military service for the U.S. Army. This experience in my early adulthood fostered a tenacious spirit of courage, work ethic and strength that continues today. It was an honor to serve beside our nation’s finest during my two combat tours to Iraq. Today, I implement the military service lessons I learned to cultivate an environment of camaraderie, lead by example, undertake the most challenging of missions and perform my current duties with loyalty, integrity and respect.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I am exceptionally good at parallel parking. It was my favorite aspect of driver’s training, and I have improved on the skill for several decades. My vehicle does not have back-up cameras or auto-pilot mode, so I regularly show off my skills in the greater Charlotte area. Sadly, my talent is quickly being usurped by technology.
Do you have any unique hobbies?
I have a passion for gardening in all forms: vegetables, flowers, shrubs and indoor plants. I enjoy the daily tending of the plants, watching them grow, identifying possible problems and finding solutions to keep the plants healthy and thriving. I find gardening very peaceful, and it's a rewarding way to interact with nature. I have an avocado tree named Groot, which I sprouted from an avocado pit in 2018. Groot is now over five feet tall!
Aggie's favorite flower in her garden, a dahlia.
The avocado tree Aggie sprouted from a pit. His name is Groot.
Why did you decide to become an insurance coverage attorney?
I believe insurance companies play an important role in society. Insurance helps to spread risk and protects the financial security of individuals and businesses. As an insurance coverage attorney, I have the opportunity to help insurers protect their interests and ensure they fulfill their obligations to their policyholders. I particularly enjoy the intellectual challenge of this complex and ever-changing field, which challenges me everyday to think critically and solve problems.
What do you like most about Tressler?
The best part about working at Tressler is the positive and productive work environment formed by a wonderful, supportive team. I am motivated and inspired everyday to learn, grow professionally and produce the best work for our clients. Tressler provides me with many opportunities to develop as an attorney and excel in my chosen field.
Aggie serving in the U.S. Army. Photo taken at Fort Huachuca, AZ during a training exercise.
Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
I recently travelled to the Canadian Arctic, specifically Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada. It is such a remote, isolated and beautiful place. The scenery is simply breathtaking. The vastness, quiet and cold are an experience. With temperatures typically around -30 degrees Fahrenheit during the “early Spring” trip, I had the opportunity to utilize specialized Arctic gear clothing that protected me from the extreme elements. I went out into the wilderness for a multi-day excursion with native Inuit guides in a komatik, an open-air sled designed to travel on snow and ice, built using traditional Inuit design techniques. A snow mobile pulled the sled at speeds topping 35 miles per hour. We crossed the frozen Arctic ocean and saw caribou, musk ox and arctic fox amid the frozen boulders and tundra. I saw the spectacular northern lights accompanied by a sky full of stars. Cambridge Bay is truly a special place where you can experience the beauty of the Arctic and the warmth of the Inuit people. I highly recommend it if you are looking for an unforgettable travel destination.
Cambridge Bay arctic landscape.
Aggie sitting on the komitek wearing all of her arctic gear.
Aggie with a frozen face.
Agatha Akers can be reached at aakers@tresslerllp.com. Learn more about our attorneys by visiting www.tresslerllp.com/attorneys.
