Overview
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce that David Pratt, one of the nation’s most respected private client lawyers, has joined the firm as a partner based in Boca Raton, Florida. David previously chaired the nationally ranked Private Client Services group at Proskauer and is the only lawyer in Florida, and one of just four nationwide, ranked as a “Star Individual” by Chambers High Net Worth.
“David is a trusted advisor to some of the most sophisticated clients in the country, and his addition reflects our continued commitment to delivering best-in-class counsel to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families,” said Neil Kawashima, Head of McDermott’s Private Client Practice Group. “McDermott’s private client practice is singularly strong, and with David on board, our services and experience are greatly enhanced.”
David advises a highly loyal client base of ultra- and high-net-worth individuals, including entrepreneurs, private equity and hedge fund principals, medical professionals, and multigenerational families. Clients rely on him for estate and wealth transfer planning, trust and estate administration, tax efficiency and asset preservation, and charitable and private foundation work.
“I’m excited to join the firm. McDermott’s platform is uniquely positioned to support the evolving needs of sophisticated clients,” said David. “The firm’s collaborative culture, global reach, and commitment to excellence make it the ideal home for my practice and my clients.”
In addition to his legal practice, David is deeply committed to community service and philanthropy. He holds leadership roles with the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and Birthright Israel, where he helps drive strategic initiatives in annual campaigns, planned giving, and endowments. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the LLM program in estate planning at the University of Miami School of Law and frequently lectures to legal and professional audiences nationwide.
David’s move underscores McDermott’s growing appeal as the premier destination for elite lateral talent. His addition further strengthens the firm’s presence in South Florida, a region with a significant concentration of private wealth, and enhances its ability to serve clients’ complex estate, tax, and succession planning needs.
About McDermott
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Emery for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. With more than 1,400 lawyers across 20+ offices worldwide, we leverage data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
