Atty. David P. Ackerman

Atty. David P. Ackerman

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.

West Palm Beach West Palm Beach 43 yrs experience 43 year
Call (561) 653-5000 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About David P. Ackerman at a glance

David P. Ackerman is a business, litigation, and adr attorney based in West Palm Beach, Florida, practicing at Akerman LLP. They have 43+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1983. Admitted to practice in Florida (1983). Educated at The George Washington University (J.D., 1982) and George Washington University (—, 1982). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Serands clients in West Palm Beach, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • 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

Practice Areas Explained

David P. Ackerman's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David P. Ackerman handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

David P. Ackerman is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Florida →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

David P. Ackerman is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Florida →

Mediation & Arbitration

Mediators and arbitrators for civil, commercial, family, and employment dispute resolution.

David P. Ackerman is one of 73,906 adr attorneys indexed nationally. Browse adr attorneys in Florida →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Florida

Practicing law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in West Palm Beach are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in West Palm Beach or all attorneys in Florida.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about David P. Ackerman

Where is David P. Ackerman's law office located?
David P. Ackerman's law practice is located in West Palm Beach, Florida. The firm is Akerman LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does David P. Ackerman handle?
David P. Ackerman focuses on business, litigation, adr. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Florida.
How long has David P. Ackerman practiced law?
David P. Ackerman has 43+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1983.
Where did David P. Ackerman go to law school?
David P. Ackerman earned their education at (J.D., 1982); (—, 1982); (—, 1979).
How can I contact David P. Ackerman for a consultation?
You can contact David P. Ackerman directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has David P. Ackerman received?
David P. Ackerman's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration; Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities.

Education

J.D.
The George Washington University
- 1982
George Washington University
- 1982
Bucknell University
- 1979

Awards

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
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

Bar Admissions

Florida
Admitted: 1983

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