Some people earn your utmost respect instantly, even if they live an ocean away and you’ve never met them. For me, David Nicol (Dave) Williams is one of them.
When I heard from his son, Dave Jr., that he recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of his Delaware-based company, The Williams Law Firm, and is still practicing law as he nears his 90th birthday, I thought to myself that’s the very definition of “greatness” in my world.
Intrigued by Dave’s story, I exchanged emails with him and was impressed by how much grace one can encapsulate in a few sentences—traces of which were evident in every account of him and his work that I came across.
The more I learned about him, the more I realized that his remarkable journey is not only a testament to his professional achievements but also to the values that have guided him throughout his life.
The credit, of course, goes to Dave for living by these principles, but he was also positively influenced by his parents’ attitude toward work and life.
Dave’s mother, one of the three founders of Delaware Citizens for Clean Air, was known for her strong sense of independence and advocacy for what was right. Her saying, “You can buy clean water to drink but you can’t buy clean air to breathe,” reflects the powerful legacy of her work. Despite going through the Great Depression, her positive thinking shined through.
From his father, a successful businessman and banker, Dave learned invaluable lessons in business acumen, financial discipline, and the importance of strategic thinking and building lasting relationships.
Dave’s career is a true reflection of the principles instilled in him. Earning a high school scholarship, having the qualifications to apply for a Rhodes Scholarship, excelling at Columbia Law School, and becoming the first lawyer in Delaware with a master’s degree in taxation from New York University all highlight his diligence and intellectual rigor. His experience as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force and his service in South Korea were also formative in shaping his discipline and sense of duty.
Since founding The Williams Law Firm, Dave has spent over six decades practicing law, focusing primarily on taxation, estate planning, and business law. His leadership roles include serving as special counsel for the State of Delaware and as vice chairman of the Governor’s Revenue Study Committee.
Dave has also been a prominent figure in various legal organizations, including the Estate Planning Council of Delaware and the Wilmington Tax Group. He has presented seminars for the National Law Foundation and lectured on estates and trusts at Widener University School of Law.
“Persistence pays off. We never give up,” Dave often says, and his career exemplifies this attitude. Besides his perseverance, what binds Dave’s professional endeavors together is a quote by Martin Luther King, Jr., featured on The Williams Law Firm’s homepage: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
And this belief isn’t just for display—it’s something Dave lives by, even in private. According to his sons, Dave Jr. and John, he has a set of favorite sayings that reflect his approach, not only in his professional life but in his personal interactions as well. One of them sums up his commitment to his clients: “Our job is to keep you out of the corner, but if you are in the corner, we will fight like hell for you.”
This unwavering dedication to helping his clients has not gone unacknowledged—Dave has maintained an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell for 30 years. The rating represents the highest distinction for legal ability and ethical standards, serving as a testament to the respect he has earned from his peers.
But Dave is not just a successful entrepreneur. After all, he believes, “Work to live. Don’t live to work.” Beyond his professional accomplishments, he has been a source of light and delight to his family and those around him.
He and Betsy, married since 1969, have maintained a strong bond. Dave has also managed to establish a healthy balance between family relationships and business operations, with his son, John, now serving as the president of their law firm.
Dave’s family values are further reflected in the pride he takes in the accomplishments of Dave Jr., John, and his daughter Elisabeth, each of whom has achieved success independently in their own right.
And don’t let his formal suits and ties deceive you—Dave is nicknamed the “party boy.” With a personality to match his nickname, he says he has two speeds: fast forward work and fast forward fun. When people tell Dave he is always optimistic, he says, “It’s better than the alternative!”
Another aspect of his social life includes periods where he played golf every day, even achieving a hole-in-one four times.
There’s so much more to Dave’s story—so many experiences, achievements, and moments. Yet, as he puts it, “It’s a long time looking forward, it’s a short time looking back.” Even with all there is to say, I’m not sure any article could be long enough to do justice—pun intended—to his ongoing personal and professional legacy.
What I’m confident about, though, is that whether you get a chance to use the services of Dave’s firm, including to “incorporate the right way” in Delaware, known as the world’s incorporation capital, spend time with him at a party or on the golf course, benefit from his community work, or simply get to know him through people to whom Dave has passed on his values, you’ll remember him for all the right reasons.
I, for one, consider his journey a true reflection of character, shaped by decades of consistency, dedication, discipline, integrity, care—and love.
And how interesting it is that Dave’s life and career were foretold by a simple quote under his picture in his high school yearbook: “The reward of a job well done is to have done it.” This captures the essence of who Dave is—someone whose impact is defined by the way he lives, works, and serves others.
Featured image: Dave Nicol Williams, founder and director of The Williams Law Firm (Photo credit: The Williams Law Firm)
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