David Comerford draws on his 28 years of Big Law experience, deep market knowledge, extensive network, and trusted judgment to help partners, associates and law firms find their next great opportunity.

During his 22 years at Akin Gump, David served in many significant leadership roles, including as a member of Akin Gump’s Partner Admissions Committee, Co-chair of Litigation, member of the Litigation Steering Committee, and Partner in Charge of the Philadelphia office. In those roles, David vetted hundreds of partner candidates, analyzed strategic and firm culture fit, and helped integrate lateral partners at the firm, practice and office levels.

As a high stakes commercial litigator, David helped all types of businesses and individuals solve complex problems and protect their brands and assets. David’s many recognitions include The Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for securities litigation, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and the Irish Legal 100.

David is a rare trusted advisor for lateral candidates and law firms looking to capitalize on opportunities.  Few legal recruiters can bring to bear the invaluable insights that come from David’s experience practicing law at the highest level for decades while driving a major law firm’s practice and strategic growth both internally and through lateral hiring. 

David’s deep firsthand experience on both sides of the lateral hiring equation is an asset for law firms looking to invest and for attorneys looking to improve their professional path.  David eschews a cookie cutter approach to recruiting.  Instead, David treats each candidate’s search and each firm’s growth plan as something unique to them, because finding an ideal fit that mutually benefits all sides is not a one size fits all proposition.

David graduated with a B.A. in history from the University of Virginia, and a J.D. with honors from Rutgers University School of Law.