Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
Danni J. Harris
also known as Danni Harris-Avery
About Danni
Biography
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
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Iowa for 17 years
State: Iowa
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Licensed in Texas for 25 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
Whitfield & Eddy, PLC, Des Moines, Ia
699 Walnut Street, Suite 2000, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Danni J. Harris's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 14 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | April 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Poor Communication, Lack of Attention
Danni failed to file evidence for my trial. She was difficult to get a hold of and often ignored messages for weeks. She forgot to send me a link to a conference I was required to attend leading up to trial. She admitted she overbilled me, then accused me of not wanting to pay her because my modif...
Posted by Steve | October 21, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
EXCELLENT IN EVERY WAY
Danni went above and beyond in my divorce. Always was up front and explained things in great detail. You won't go wrong with this excellent lawyer.
Posted by Trista | August 23, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Danni Harris
Danni Harris is an excellent lawyer. She was responsive to my questions and explained the divorce process thoroughly. Danni was empathetic and compassionate regarding the sensitive nature of divorce, however, she was a strong advocate regarding important matters. I would recommend Danni to all fri...
Posted by Tonia | December 10, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Well versed and extremely knowledgeable
Danni was always available for questions or concerns. She walked us through the guardianship process and assisted in making it a voluntary guardianship from the parents care to mine. Always had the best interests of our two year old and two month old grandsons as the first priority. I would recomme...
Posted by Kristina | March 6, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing
Danni is the best attorney I could ever have!! About 7 to 8 years ago she won my child custody and divorce case! Now she also took care of child custody/child support case! Danni is a blessing to my family and her phenomenal work she does in and outside the courtroom! She’s also honest and there for ...
Danni J. Harris's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"Danni is an experienced family law attorney. She is knowledgeable in this area of the law and works hard on behalf of her clients."
"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."
"Danni is a strong advocate for her clients. Her compassion for all she serves speaks volumes about her character."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Danni is one of the preeminent matrimonial lawyers in the Des Moines area. She is professional, extremely knowledgeable and an accomplished trial lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Samuel Charnetski
Family lawyer
James Colwell
Workers compensation lawyer
Jaclyn Zimmerman
Family lawyer
Ryan Babich
Family lawyer
Katheryn Haywood
Criminal defense lawyer
Ashley Tollakson
Family lawyer
Andrew Howie
Family lawyer
Charlotte Keul
Family lawyer
Stephen Neve
Family lawyer
Travis Burk
Personal injury lawyer
Andrew Hope
Unknown lawyer
Katie Naset
Family lawyer
Tyler Coe
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2019
Gold Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Gold Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Office of Violence Against Women Advocacy Skills, National Institute for Trial Advocacy
2013
Certificate of Appreciation, Iowa Legal Aid
2010
Pro Bono Honor Roll, Iowa State Bar Association
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Member Attorney, Whitfield & Eddy, PLC, Des Moines, Ia
2014 - 2018
Attorney, Hope Law Firm
2008 - 2014
Staff Attorney, Iowa Legal Aid
2006 - 2007
Attorney, Brisendine, Warmbrodt and Associates
2003 - 2006
Attorney, Danni J. Harris - Solo Practitioner
2000 - 2003
Assistant District Attorney, Dallas County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2017 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Polk County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Polk County Women AttorneysMember
2009 - Present
Volunteer Lawyer's ProjectVolunteer Attorney
2008 - Present
Iowa State Bar AssociationMember
2000 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
1996 - Present
Beta Gamma SigmaNational Honor Society Member
1996 - Present
Golden Key International Honor SocietyMember
Sample of Legal Cases
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
Education
1999
Drake University
Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
1996
Baylor University
Bachelor's of Business Administration with honors
Speaking Engagements
2014
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
2013
Family Violence Center
Civil Protective Orders - Full Faith and Credit
2013
Advocate Level II Training
Housing Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence
2013
Advocate Level II Certification Training
Domestic Violence Advocacy Training
2012
New Advocate Training
Domestic Abuse Litigation
2010
Legal Aid Workgroup Training
Presenting Evidence in Trial
2005
Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training
Recognizing Signs of Child Abuse
Publications
2014
Probono.net
Legal Remedies - Innocent Spouse Relief
2014
Probono.net
Legal Remedies - SSI/SSDI What's the Difference
2010
Probono.net
Establishing Foundation for Evidence in Family Law Cases
Languages
English