US firm Akin Gump has strengthened its West Coast litigation capabilities by adding Neal R. Marder, a specialist in business and commercial litigation, as a partner in its Los Angeles office. Washington, DC-based law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has given itself something to smile about after four of its IP partners decamped to Vinson & Elkins, prompting it to close its Austin office, …