Patrick J. Duffey
Partner
Overview
Patrick Duffey is an attorney in Holland & Knight's Tampa office and a member of the Private Wealth Services Group. Mr. Duffey advises some of the country's wealthiest families, business owners, executives and family offices on their most important planning decisions.
Patrick is an exceptional lawyer who has an impeccable reputation.
– Chambers High Net Worth 2026 guide
Building Enduring Family Wealth. Mr. Duffey devises exceptional solutions to preserve wealth for families across the country. He structures sophisticated wealth transfer strategies designed to preserve capital, reduce tax exposure and position future generations for success. Discerning and discreet, his practice sits at the intersection of tax, governance and family dynamics.
Preparing for Business Exits. Whether by a sale, an initial public offering or a transition to the next generation, every successful business ultimately faces a change of ownership and control. Mr. Duffey helps business owners navigate that transition with clarity and confidence. He translates complex tax and succession challenges into practical advice and works closely with the client's advisory team to execute on their decisions. His thoughtful and strategic counsel goes beyond the transaction to help owners address the personal, family and governance questions that emerge when a lifetime of work changes hands.
Family Offices and Private Capital. Mr. Duffey advises families as they build the institutions that will steward their wealth across generations. He assists with the creation and operation of family offices, private trust companies and other bespoke structures designed to preserve capital and facilitate family governance. Families frequently call upon Mr. Duffey to help them shape the transition from entrepreneurial wealth to family wealth.
Complex and Contested Tax Matters. Mr. Duffey represents taxpayers in IRS examinations, administrative appeals proceedings and matters before the U.S. Tax Court. His experience creating and implementing sophisticated wealth transfer techniques gives him a clear understanding of risk, leverage and opportunity in defending them. He brings that judgment to every engagement, helping clients navigate high-stakes tax matters with precision and resolve.
Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Duffey served as fellow at the University of Florida Levin College of Law's Center for Estate Planning.
Credentials
- New York University School of Law, LL.M., Taxation
- University of Florida Levin College of Law, J.D., cum laude
- University of Florida, B.S., Psychology, cum laude
- Florida
- New York
- U.S. Tax Court
- The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), Fellow
- The Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
- Executive Council
- Co-Chair, Model & Uniform Acts Committee
- ACTEC, Florida Fellows Institute, Graduate of Class I, 2016
- Tampa Connection, Class of 2016-2017
- The Best Lawyers in America guide, Trusts and Estates, 2026, 2027
- Chambers High Net Worth guide, Private Wealth Law: Florida, 2025, 2026
- The Legal 500 USA, Tax – U.S. Taxes: Contentious, 2026
- The Best Lawyers in America guide, Tampa Trusts and Estates Ones to Watch, 2021-2025
- Rising Star, Florida Super Lawyers magazine, 2017-2026
- Florida Legal Elite Up & Comer, Florida Trend magazine, 2017