.svg?rev=0123a45359b34a45b72f615f84c63d11&hash=D9D267D4F8A003D6A105C987E125D147){kind=logo}
David L. Williams
Partner
Overview
David Williams is the leader of the firm's investment management group. He represents and counsels clients in the investment management industry, with particular focus on counseling investment advisers and investment company boards on registered investment company fund formation, regulatory requirements and corporate governance. He has experience advising global fund managers on environmental, social and governance (ESG) and impact funds, and their unique investment and governance considerations. In addition, David counsels investment advisers on the design and launch of closed-end interval and tender offer funds that enhance distribution channels for advisers.
“David is an excellent attorney: knowledgeable and responsive.”CHAMBERS USA (CLIENT QUOTE)
Registered Investment Companies
Mutual Funds
David counsels registered investment companies, their boards and registered investment advisers on SEC registration, operations and regulatory obligations. David advises multi-series and multi-class mutual funds and their boards, including money market funds, exchange-traded funds and multi-manager funds.
Closed-End Funds
David has significant experience advising clients on the registration process for, and ongoing regulatory obligations of, continuously offered closed-end funds, including interval funds and tender offer funds.
Environmental and Socially Responsible Funds
David has recognized experience in the formation of socially responsible, ESG and impact funds, and in advising fund managers and sponsors regarding their unique considerations. He advises global money managers on funds, concentrating on investments in socially responsible entities, renewable energy companies and sustainable companies.
Personal Interests
Diversity and Inclusion
David is involved in and committed to diversity and inclusion initiatives at the firm. He is a member of the firm’s Engagement and Diversity Committee and has conducted firm-wide implicit bias trainings.
Credentials
Bar Admissions
Illinois
Education
George Washington University Law School
J.D. (2008)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
B.A. (2005)
Insights & Events
Latest
Insights
Leadership & Community
Pro Bono
David has assisted not-for-profit pro bono clients with the 501(c)(3) application and filing process. He is also a volunteer teacher with the Lawyers in the Classroom Program and a volunteer with the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic (DVLC).
Professional Associations
- National Bar Association — Commercial Law Section
- Federal Bar Association
Civic Activities
- Leadership Greater Chicago, Signature Fellow, 2024
- Mercy Home for Boys & Girls — Board of Regents, 2023-present
- Metropolitan Planning Council — Board of Governors, 2021-present
Firm Leadership
- Leader, Investment Management Group, 2024-present
- Deputy Group Leader, Investment Management Group, 2023-24
- Engagement and Diversity Committee (Co-vice Chair, 2020-2024)
- Chicago Hiring Committee, 2020-2025
- Financial Services Industry Group — Steering Committee
- ESG & Impact Investing Team — Steering Committee
- Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP — Diversity and Inclusion Committee; Planning Committee, Annual Diversity and Inclusion CLE Event; Diverse 1L Internship Program; Partner Liaison, Associate Committee
Honors
- Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2025
- Chambers Global — 2025-26
- Chambers USA — Nationwide, Registered Funds, 2024-26
- Crain’s Chicago Business — “Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting and Law,” 2026
- Minority Corporate Counsel Association – Rising Star, 2023
- Crain’s Chicago Business — “Notable Minorities in Accounting, Consulting and Law,” 2020
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Fellow — 2017
- Chicago Bar Association Leadership Institute — 2017
- Illinois Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyers — 2015, 2017
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.