Tribute to John H. Small

March 17, 2026

(Sept. 4, 1946 – Feb. 25, 2026)

Prickett, Jones & Elliott honors the life and legacy of John H. Small, who retired from the firm on December 31, 2013, after an extraordinary 39-year career marked by integrity, scholarship, and deep dedication to the development of Delaware business law.

John was a pillar of our firm and a nationally respected authority on the law of corporations and alternative business entities. His practice—rooted in meticulous analysis and an unwavering commitment to clarity and fairness—helped shape Delaware’s reputation as the premier jurisdiction for business entities.

A graduate of Georgetown University (1968), John served his country for two years on active duty in the United States Army (1968–70) before earning his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law (1973). He began his legal career as a law clerk to the Delaware Court of Chancery in 1974, an experience that set the foundation for his lifelong engagement with Delaware’s business law landscape.

John’s influence extended far beyond the firm. He was a leader in the American Bar Association Section of Business Law, serving as:
– Chairman of the Committee on Limited Liability Companies, Partnerships, and Unincorporated Entities
– Member of the Council of the ABA Section of Business Law
– Chairman of the ABA Partnerships Committee
– ABA advisor to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws
– ABA representative to the ABA–NCCUSL Joint Editorial Board on Unincorporated Business Organizations Acts

John was a primary drafter of Delaware’s alternative entity statutes, a contribution that continues to shape governance structures throughout the country. In recognition of his extraordinary impact, the ABA Business Law Section awarded him the Martin I. Lubaroff Award in 2012 for his substantial contributions to the law of alternative entities.

Within Delaware, John was a longtime and deeply engaged member of the Council of the Corporation Law Section of the Delaware State Bar Association, serving both as Chair of the Council and of the DSBA Corporation Law Section. He also chaired the DSBA’s Committee on Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships. His expertise and generosity as a teacher made him a frequent and valued panelist at ABA, DSBA, and other legal programs.

John’s legacy at Prickett Jones is not only the body of law he helped build, but also the mentorship, collegiality, and wisdom he shared with generations of attorneys. His work strengthened the profession. His character strengthened all of us.

We are grateful for John’s service to the firm, to Delaware, and to the legal community. He will always remain an important part of our history and our hearts.