DP

David P. Ackerman, ADR Attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and General

West Palm Beach, FL

Practicing adr in West Palm Beach since 1983.

43+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

David P. Ackerman is an attorney based in West Palm Beach, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and General. David has over 43 years of legal experience.

Based in
West Palm Beach, FLORIDA
Experience
over 43 years
Known for
ADR · Business · General
  • Handles ADR, Business, and General matters from West Palm Beach, FLORIDA.
  • Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (West Palm Beach) (2024).

About David P. Ackerman: David P. Ackerman is an attorney based in West Palm Beach, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and General. David has over 43 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by David P. Ackerman

David concentrates on adr, business, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in West Palm Beach, Florida

David takes adr matters in West Palm Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Business cases in West Palm Beach, Florida

David takes business matters in West Palm Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

General cases in West Palm Beach, Florida

David takes general matters in West Palm Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in West Palm Beach, Florida

David takes litigation matters in West Palm Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

About David P. Ackerman — Over 43 years of Florida adr experience

David P. Ackerman is an attorney based in West Palm Beach, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and General. David has over 43 years of legal experience.

David Ackerman defends law firms in professional malpractice and legal ethics actions. A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, clients value his litigation experience and strategic insight in resolving disputes through trial and appeals, negotiation, or arbitration. Ranked by Chambers USA, where he is described as “an even-keeled, thoughtful and smart attorney,” he is repeatedly recognized by Florida Trend’s Legal Elite and included in The Best Lawyers in America listing since 2003 for Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, and Securities Litigation, among others.

On behalf of law firms, David and his team have obtained favorable rulings on the basis of judgmental immunity, lack of privity, and the lawyers’ scope of work. They have obtained favorable evidentiary rulings for law firms; and recovered attorneys’ fees for law firm clients.

In addition, David litigates a variety of commercial matters, including class actions, antitrust and trade regulation, and business disputes. His team’s work has involved a variety of high stakes disputes across a number of sectors, including telecommunications, food and beverage, and storage.

With a strong commitment to the profession and the community, David is a member and past-president of the Federal Bar Association, Palm Beach Chapter and served on the Advisory Committee on Mediation for the U.S. District of Court for the Southern District of Florida. He received the Professionalism Award given by the Palm Beach County Bar Association to an individual who exemplifies the highest ideals of ethics within the legal system. David is active with The Salvation Army where he currently serves on its Advisory Board and is chair of both the Long Range & Strategic Planning and Northwest Community Center Event Committees. He was its William Booth (national) and Hearts of Gold (local) honoree. David is also a member of The Legal Aid Society of Florida, Board of Trustees, is past chair of the Board of Directors, and is a past recipient of their Pro Bono Service award.

How David handles adr matters

David Ackerman defends law firms in professional malpractice and legal ethics actions. A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, clients value his litigation experience and strategic insight in resolving disputes through trial and appeals, negotiation, or arbitration. Ranked by Chambers USA , where he is described as “an even-keeled, thoughtful and smart attorney,” he is repeatedly…

Who David represents

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and general matters in West Palm Beach and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

David P. Ackerman's legal education and bar admissions

  • The George Washington University

    J.D. · 1982

  • George Washington University

    — · 1982

  • Bucknell University

    — · 1979

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

  • Florida

    1983 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in The George Washington University, — in George Washington University, and — in Bucknell University.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in The George Washington University, — in George Washington University, and — in Bucknell University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of David P. Ackerman

David has received 17 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (West Palm Beach)

    2024

  • Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (West Palm Beach)

    2021

  • Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (West Palm Beach)

    2019

  • Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Securities (West Palm Beach)

    2018

  • Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (West Palm Beach)

    2015

  • Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Securities (West Palm Beach)

    2014

  • Lawyer of the Year — Commercial Litigation (West Palm Beach)

    2012

  • Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (West Palm Beach)

    2010

  • Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Breach of Contract

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Complex Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Securities

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (West Palm Beach) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (West Palm Beach) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (West Palm Beach) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Securities (West Palm Beach) (2018). Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (West Palm Beach) (2015). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Securities (West Palm Beach) (2014).

Locations

David P. Ackerman's office in West Palm Beach

David's primary office is at 777 South Flager Drive, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

777 South Flager Drive

West Palm Beach, Florida 33401

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Client feedback

Client reviews of David P. Ackerman

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Hiring guide

How to hire David P. Ackerman — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David P. Ackerman

  • How much does it cost to hire David for a adr case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does David offer a free consultation?

    David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

  • How long do adr cases in Florida typically take?

    Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can David take my case if I'm outside West Palm Beach?

    David is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is David accepting new adr clients right now?

    David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving West Palm Beach, Miami and Tampa in Florida

David handles adr matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in West Palm Beach handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.