 After graduation, he worked as a film editor on features such as "The Exorcist" and long-form documentaries for both CBS News and public television.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.