Jim David
Partner & Head of Washington
Washington, D.C.
A seasoned strategist with experience at the highest levels of policy, financial, and corporate communications, Mr. David advises clients on their most important public priorities, including advocacy campaigns, transactions, regulatory matters, litigation, and crises. Prior to Prosek, he was a partner at Hamilton Place Strategies (HPS) in Washington, D.C., where he helped lead the firm’s M&A practice in addition to handling a variety of mission-critical public affairs and strategic communications engagements. Earlier in his career, he was a managing director and member of the executive committee at Kekst and Company, where he worked on high-profile M&A, bankruptcies, and activist shareholder situations as well as a large portfolio of private equity, hedge fund, and credit investment accounts.
Mr. David specializes in public affairs related to antitrust and complex M&A, including transactions involving DOJ, FTC, CFIUS, state-level, and international reviews. As part of this and other special situations work, he leads teams in strategic message development, press strategy, third-party engagement, rapid response, and digital campaigns, among other disciplines. He has experience across all industries, most notably alternative asset management, telecom, energy, and healthcare.
Mr. David earned a Ph.D. in history from the College of William & Mary and a B.A. magna cum laude from Boston College, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He is the author of Dunmore’s New World (University of Virginia Press), a book about the British Empire in the era of the American Revolution focused on the last royal governor of Virginia. He is a member of the William & Mary Graduate Studies Advisory Board and serves as co-chair of its communications and advocacy committee.
Q & A
What are you most proud of in your career?
I’ve made several transitions in my career—from academia to financial communications to public affairs. Along the way, I’ve had to quickly climb the learning curve in a variety of demanding situations. It’s more comfortable, at a certain point, to be the expert than the one asking questions, but I’ve never let ego get in the way of growth.
Name one thing most people don’t know about you.
I played quarterback and nose tackle for my high school football team—an unusual combination.
How would your mother describe you?
As a leader…and a devoted dad. (I had an exceptionally biased mother, which is a huge advantage in life.)
What are your greatest strengths as a communications practitioner?
Strategic judgement, a love of language, and respect for the details of the work.
What is your favorite food?
Fresh bread.
Describe your perfect client.
A true partner, with a sense of humor.
What three hobbies or activities do you enjoy most?
Playing tennis, listening to music, and reading (preferably a physical book or newspaper).
What’s your favorite part of the workday?
It changes. Every day is a new enterprise.
Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
Luke Wilson.
What is your favorite quote?
“Better slip with foot than tongue.” – Benjamin Franklin