David Patton

A competent attorney, but communication could be improved

I engaged David Patton of Hecker Fink LLP for guidance during a complex SEC inquiry that had the potential to escalate into a formal investigation. His credentials are impressive, and his recognition in white-collar defense by Best Lawyers was a primary factor in my selection. Mr. Patton’s substantive knowledge was evident; his analysis of the regulatory landscape and his strategic advice during our initial meetings were precise and reassuring. He clearly understands the pressures and nuances of cases in New York’s financial district. However, the experience fell short in day-to-day execution. Response times to emails were often slower than expected, sometimes stretching several business days, which created anxiety during a time-sensitive matter. While his legal work product was thorough, I sometimes felt I had to proactively seek updates rather than receiving them routinely. For straightforward phases of the process, his team handled things well, but for a client expecting more frequent touchpoints, the communication style felt somewhat detached. He is undoubtedly a skilled attorney from a respected firm, but the client service aspect felt merely adequate, not exceptional.