David Scott Sloan

David Scott Sloan leads Holland & Knight's Wealth & Tax Section, which consists of professionals practicing in the following disciplines:

• Global Wealth and Family Office
• Private Client Dispute Resolution
• Tax-Exempt Organizations and Philanthropy
• Tax Transactions and Structuring
• Tax Controversies
• Tax Credits and Community Development
• Executive Compensation and Benefits

In his practice, David serves as general counsel to wealthy individuals, their families and closely held businesses, helping clients navigate complex income, estate and gift tax planning, philanthropy, business succession and wealth transfer matters. His practice is particularly well known among principals of private equity, venture capital and hedge fund firms, as well as entrepreneurs, real estate developers, and public and private company executives.

Family Offices and Family Investment Structures. David helps families establish and operate single-family offices and investment entities that centralize asset management, facilitate access to broader investment opportunities and support long-term family wealth and tax planning objectives.

Wealth Planning for Private Fund Principals. David advises private equity, venture capital and hedge fund principals on wealth transfer strategies involving carried interests and other fund holdings. He is also frequently called upon by fund counsel to develop planning strategies tailored to fund principals. David works closely with clients to structure transfers, address fund-specific considerations and identify opportunities to maximize wealth transfer efficiency while minimizing transfer tax exposure.

Business Succession and Liquidity Planning. David guides owners of privately held businesses through succession planning and pre-liquidity event strategies. He helps clients balance retirement, family and business goals while preparing for ownership transitions, sales and other significant liquidity events. His planning frequently focuses on transferring ownership to younger generations in a tax-efficient manner.

Executive and Industry-Focused Planning. He advises public company executives and entrepreneurs on wealth planning matters that intersect with securities law requirements and SEC restrictions. David also represents clients in the equine industry on succession planning, joint ventures, breeding and racing operations, entity structuring and related business matters.

David is consistently recognized by Chambers High Net Worth for his work with sophisticated private clients and their advisers. Beyond his practice, he serves as a trustee of Berklee College of Music, is a trustee of Bellforge Arts Center and is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). He previously chaired the Board of Trustees of The Boston Conservatory and led its merger with Berklee College of Music. David has also been quoted by leading national business and legal media outlets on tax and wealth planning issues.

David Scott Sloan is the top in his field. I highly recommend him. … David has helped us with some of our most sophisticated clients. He has significant experience with most situations. He is a great attorney and easy to work with.

– ­Chambers High Net Worth 2025 guide