Overview
Ira Coleman is the chairman of McDermott Will & Emery. When Ira took on this role in 2017, the Firm embraced a new strategic direction focused on being indispensable to clients, enhancing performance and nurturing a happy, fun culture. In line with this, McDermott also adopted the unofficial mantra of #AlwaysBetter, representing the Firm’s commitment for constant improvement with the goal of delivering ever-greater value for our clients, people and communities.
With this as a foundation, the Firm has achieved the strongest upward trajectory among big law firms, with consistent double-digit growth across all key metrics. McDermott has also expanded across practices and geographies, and has become a Firm of choice for top talent—supported by the Firm’s commitment to be the leading career accelerant in the profession. McDermott has also soared to the top of various industry rankings, including “Best Firms to Work For” by both The American Lawyer and The Vault.
Prior to taking on this role, Ira led the Corporate & Transactional Practice Group and served as the managing partner for the Firm’s Miami office.
He focuses his practice on all aspects of representing major private and publicly held corporations. In particular, he advises clients in navigating M&A and controversy matters that have “bet the company” implications. His other areas of focus include health, private equity and compliance.
Ira also serves as the general counsel for the Healthcare Private Equity Association (HCPEA). He presents regularly at private equity, national health care and leadership-focused conferences on a variety of subjects. He has authored and been quoted in numerous articles on private equity, health law, diversity and inclusion, and leadership. In 2021, he received the “Most Innovative Law Firm Leader” award by the Financial Times.
Recognitions
- Financial Times, Most Innovative Law Firm Leader, 2021
- Daily Business Review, Distinguished Leaders, 2021
- Chambers USA, Florida: Healthcare, 2007 to 2022
- The Legal 500 US, 2016
- The Best Lawyers in America, Health Care Law and Corporate Law, 1997 to 2023
- Who’s Who Legal, Global Leader: Healthcare, 2021
- Super Lawyers, Health Care, 2006 to 2020 and 2022
- Florida Bar, Board Certified Specialist (BCS) in Health Law
Community
- Healthcare Private Equity Association (HCPEA), general counsel
- American Bar Association
Credentials
Education
University of Miami School of Law, LLM, 1987
Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, JD, 1986
State University of New York – Albany, BA, 1983
Admissions
Florida
District of Columbia
