David Coulson

1962 - 2025

David Andrew Coulson passed away unexpectedly on September 8, 2025, in Philadelphia, PA, while on his way back to Miami from a dream vacation in Italy with the love of his life, his wife Jeannie Etter Coulson. He is survived by Jeannie and their twin children, Chloe Coulson and Connor Coulson, each just starting college. David spoke of his children often, to anyone who would listenso proud of all their accomplishments in school, on the field, or on the golf course. His family, friends and colleagues are so saddened by his sudden loss.

David had a full and inspiring life, which ended way too quickly. He was loved by all who knew him. He was 62 years old, born on October 11, 1962, in Elgin, Illinois to Alan J. Coulson and Carol Y. (Aurand) Coulson, both deceased. He graduated from Larkin High School in Elgin, IL, and then attended and graduated from the University of Miami in 1985. From there, he went on to attend and graduate from Harvard Law School in 1988. He was especially proud that, after law school, he had clerked for the Honorable Stanley Marcus when he was Judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.



David was a dedicated and hard-working trial lawyer handling complex commercial matters, class actions, and product liability cases for over 30 years. He was admired and respected by members of the Bar and Bench, his colleagues, partners, clients and friends throughout Florida and nationally. He became a founding partner of Winston & Strawn's Miami office in 2022 and was the head of its Florida litigation practice. He had been serving on the firm's Complex Commercial Litigation Advisory Board before he passed. In 2025 he was inducted as a Fellow of The International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He previously was a partner at Kirkland Ellis in Chicago, and a partner for 23 years at Greenberg Traurig in Miami. He was the head of the Litigation Department at Greenberg Traurig from 2008-2017 and served on that firm's National Litigation Executive Committee from 2017-2021. He was rated AV Preeminent® 5.0 out of 5.0. He was a former Director of the Hoeveler-Spellman Inns of Court. Among numerous honors and recognitions, he was recognized as one of 500 Leading Litigators in America for Complex Commercial Litigation, Consumer Class Actions, Product Liability, and Mass Torts (2024–2026), and as one of 500 Leading Lawyers in America for Class Action and Consumer Litigation (2025). From the Best Lawyers in America®, he was recognized for Arbitration (2026); Commercial Litigation (2010–2026); Litigation - Securities (2023–2026); Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (2023–2026); Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2024–2026). Benchmark Litigation U.S. named him a "Florida Litigation Star" (2020-2025) and a "National Litigation Star" (2019). He was also recognized as a "A Top Rated Lawyer" with Super Lawyers – Florida (2006-2024). From the Legal 500 U.S., he was recognized for Dispute Resolution - Product Liability, Mass Tort, and Class Action: Consumer Products, "Leading Lawyer" (2016 and 2020–2024), "Leading Partner" (2025).

In addition to his stellar legal career, David was actively involved in his community and touched countless lives. He was a longtime supporter, a Board Member, and the immediate past Chairperson of Jackson Health Foundation. As stated by the Board, "David's spirit of giving will continue to guide our work and inspire others to give as he did."

He was a 20-year supporter and Board Member of the GableStage at the Wolfson Family Theatre (The Biltmore, Coral Gables). The members remember him as "a passionate advocate for the theatre, a steady hand in times of transition, and a true believer in the power of the arts to shape community." David and Jeannie often hosted GableStage benefits at their home, and also hosted events and speakers for the Harvard Alumni Association and All Ivy Club of Miami.

David was an active tennis player, golfer, and runner. He was a certified PADI Master Scuba Diver. His favorite times were spent boating and snow-skiing with Jeannie and their children.

In addition to his wife and children, David is survived by his two sisters: Georgia Coulson Wojdyla (husband, Adam) and their three children, Alan Wojdyla, Jessica Wojdyla and Mathew Wojdyla; and Jeanne Coulson, and her daughter Sheena Coulson Abramson (husband, Jonny), and two grandnieces, Hallie and Daphne Abramson. And his two dogs, Rocco and Coco.

A funeral mass will be held for David on Saturday, September 27, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philips Episcopal Church located at 1121 Andalusia Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. There will be a celebration of David's extraordinary life following, to be announced at the conclusion of the service. Donations may be made in David's memory to Jackson Health Foundation or GableStage in Coral Gables.