David E. Kelley
In 1981 Pontell relocated to Los Angeles and edited episodic television series including "Hill Street Blues, Hooperman, Northern Exposure", and "Moonlighting". Working on "L.A. Law", he began a 19-year association with David E. Kelley. Pontell served as director and producer on "Picket Fences" and "The Practice". From 1997 to 2000, he also directed multiple episodes of "Ally McBeal". Pontell produced and directed for David E. Kelley on "Boston Public" from 2000 to 2004. He was an executive producer of Kelley’s first reality program, "The Law Firm". He was also the director and executive producer for the ABC series "What About Brian?"