John L. Akula

John L. Akula is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He leads the business law curriculum, focusing on legal challenges for startups, high-growth firms, and established companies. His expertise includes entrepreneurship legal risks, complex transactions, finance, and innovation in technology. Akula is affiliated with the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship and holds academic positions in Behavioral and Policy Sciences. Before academia, he practiced law for 15 years, including roles at leading firms like Goodwin Procter, advising senior management and boards across industries like finance and healthcare. He earned a BA from Columbia University, a PhD in Sociology from Harvard University, and a JD from Harvard Law School.

• Education:
• BA, Columbia University
• PhD in Sociology, Harvard University
• J.D., Harvard Law School

Akula's research interests span legal commitments in business contexts, regulatory policy, healthcare law, and the intersection of law with emerging technologies. His work explores how legal frameworks influence entrepreneurship, corporate governance, and public policy, particularly in high-risk industries like healthcare and financial services.

• Awards:
• National Science Foundation Pre-Doctoral Fellow
• Russell Sage Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow

Advising & Grants: Akula has advised numerous senior managers and corporate boards during his legal career, though no formal advisees or students are listed. His professional experience includes significant contributions to legislative drafting and trade association practices.

Labs/Teams: Akula is part of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship and contributes to the school’s executive education and international programs.