I have over eighteen years of experience litigating complex legal matters. As a litigation attorney for the family law division at Whitfield & Eddy Law Firm, I currently focus my practice on litigating family law matters, including dissolution of marriage, custody, spousal support, domestic abuse, grandparent visitation, guardianship, termination of parental rights and adoption cases.
I received my Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management with honors from Baylor University in 1996. In 1999, I graduated from Drake University Law School. Shortly after graduation I moved to Dallas and was admitted to the Texas bar. I worked as an Assistant District Attorney with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office prosecuting domestic abuse, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, assault, robbery and felony narcotics cases until 2003 when I left to become a solo practitioner and focus my practice on family law matters in the Juvenile and Family Law Courts. I moved back to Iowa and joined Iowa Legal Aid in 2008 as a staff attorney. I represented victims of domestic violence as part of the Women’s Equal Justice Project and as the Violence Against Women’s Act attorney during my time at Iowa Legal Aid.
It is an honor to practice law and help my clients navigate through extremely difficult circumstances. I consider it a privilege that clients trust me to zealously advocate for their best interests and the best interests of their loved ones.
Practice areas
16 years
19 years
21 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
IA | Active | 2008 | 02/09/2021 |
TX | Not Eligible to Practice - Administrative | 2000 | 12/05/2020 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Gold Client Champion Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2019 |
Gold Client Champion Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2017 |
Office of Violence Against Women Advocacy Skills | National Institute for Trial Advocacy | 2014 |
Certificate of Appreciation | Iowa Legal Aid | 2013 |
Pro Bono Honor Roll | Iowa State Bar Association | 2010 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Member Attorney | Whitfield & Eddy, PLC, Des Moines, Ia | 2018 - Present |
Attorney | Hope Law Firm | 2014 - 2018 |
Staff Attorney | Iowa Legal Aid | 2008 - 2014 |
Attorney | Brisendine, Warmbrodt and Associates | 2006 - 2007 |
Attorney | Danni J. Harris - Solo Practitioner | 2003 - 2006 |
Assistant District Attorney | Dallas County District Attorney's Office | 2000 - 2003 |
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Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
American Bar Association | Member | 2017 - Present |
Polk County Bar Association | Member | 2010 - Present |
Polk County Women Attorneys | Member | 2010 - Present |
Volunteer Lawyer's Project | Volunteer Attorney | 2009 - Present |
Iowa State Bar Association | Member | 2008 - Present |
State Bar of Texas | Member | 2000 - Present |
---|---|---|
Beta Gamma Sigma | National Honor Society Member | 1996 - Present |
Golden Key International Honor Society | Member | 1996 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Probono.net | Legal Remedies - Innocent Spouse Relief | 2014 |
Probono.net | Legal Remedies - SSI/SSDI What's the Difference | 2014 |
Probono.net | Establishing Foundation for Evidence in Family Law Cases | 2010 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Drake University | Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.) | 1999 |
Baylor University | Bachelor's of Business Administration with honors | 1996 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Family Violence Center Advocate Training | Civil Legal Services for Domestic Abuse Victims | 2014 |
Des Moines Area Community College ESL class | Earned Income Tax Credit and Custody | 2014 |
Advocate Level II Training | Housing Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence | 2013 |
Family Violence Center | Civil Protective Orders - Full Faith and Credit | 2013 |
Advocate Level II Certification Training | Domestic Violence Advocacy Training | 2013 |
New Advocate Training | Domestic Abuse Litigation | 2012 |
---|---|---|
Legal Aid Workgroup Training | Presenting Evidence in Trial | 2010 |
Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training | Recognizing Signs of Child Abuse | 2005 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
In re Marriage of Monat | Affirmed |
Bratton v. Minnix | Affirmed |
Fettkether v. Kaster | District Court Affirmed |
In Re Cooley | District Court Affirmed |
In re Marriage of Lynch | Affirmed |
In re Marriage of Neils | Affirmed |
---|
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Jennifer Drake, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 17, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Samuel Charnetski, Guardianship Attorney on Dec 17, 2018
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Danni is a zealous advocate and consummate professional. She tirelessly works to ensure that her client is put in the best position possible. In the matters we have had together, Danni has been respectful and courteous. I look forward to working with her again.
Andrew Hope, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 21, 2017
Relationship: Co-worker
Danni is a tireless advocate for her clients. The trial skills she learned as lead prosecutor in many dozens of jury trials helped her become one of the best divorce and child custody trial lawyers in Iowa. If you are facing a difficult divorce or child custody dispute, look no further.
Danni is an excellent attorney who will go the extra mile for her clients. She is experienced, attentive and excells in the courtroom.
Ryan Babich, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 19, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Danni is an experienced family law attorney. She is knowledgeable in this area of the law and works hard on behalf of her clients.
Andrew Howie, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 18, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I have had several cases when Ms. Harris represented the opposing party. She is a skillful professional who zealously works to advance her client's case while seeking amicable and reasonable solutions to contested matters.
Tyler Coe, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 6, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Danni is a strong advocate for her clients. Her compassion for all she serves speaks volumes about her character.
Collin Davison, Guardianship Attorney on Feb 8, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Stephen Neve, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 16, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
Danni is one of the preeminent matrimonial lawyers in the Des Moines area. She is professional, extremely knowledgeable and an accomplished trial lawyer.
Katie Naset, Family Attorney on Jul 9, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
I've had the pleasure of working with Danni Harris for over five years. Danni is an experienced litigator with a passion for achieving the best results for her clients.
Katheryn Haywood, Criminal defense Attorney on May 21, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Danni is compassionate and a fierce advocate. She has always gone the extra mile for her clients and can represent you without judging you. She is uniquely skilled in all that she does.
Lori Magerko, Family Attorney on May 21, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.