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Danni J. Harris

also known as Danni Harris-Avery
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Avvo Rating10
  • Des Moines, IA
  • Licensed for 22 years
  • Free consultation
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About Danni

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.

 

 

Languages spoken

English

Contact

Whitfield & Eddy, PLC, Des Moines, Ia

699 Walnut Street
Suite 2000
Des Moines, IA, 50309

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      IAActive200809/14/2022
      TXNot Eligible to Practice - Administrative200005/28/2022
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers0
      Legal guides0
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate Granted
      Gold Client Champion AwardMartindale-Hubbell2019
      Gold Client Champion AwardMartindale-Hubbell2017
      Office of Violence Against Women Advocacy SkillsNational Institute for Trial Advocacy2014
      Certificate of AppreciationIowa Legal Aid2013
      Pro Bono Honor RollIowa State Bar Association2010
      work experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      Member AttorneyWhitfield & Eddy, PLC, Des Moines, Ia2018 - Present
      AttorneyHope Law Firm2014 - 2018
      Staff AttorneyIowa Legal Aid2008 - 2014
      AttorneyBrisendine, Warmbrodt and Associates2006 - 2007
      AttorneyDanni J. Harris - Solo Practitioner2003 - 2006
      Assistant District AttorneyDallas County District Attorney's Office2000 - 2003
      associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      American Bar AssociationMember2017 - Present
      Polk County Bar AssociationMember2010 - Present
      Polk County Women AttorneysMember2010 - Present
      Volunteer Lawyer's ProjectVolunteer Attorney2009 - Present
      Iowa State Bar AssociationMember2008 - Present
      State Bar of TexasMember2000 - Present
      Beta Gamma SigmaNational Honor Society Member1996 - Present
      Golden Key International Honor SocietyMember1996 - Present
      publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      Probono.netLegal Remedies - Innocent Spouse Relief2014
      Probono.netLegal Remedies - SSI/SSDI What's the Difference2014
      Probono.netEstablishing Foundation for Evidence in Family Law Cases2010
      education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      Drake UniversityDoctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)1999
      Baylor UniversityBachelor's of Business Administration with honors1996
      speaking engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      Family Violence Center Advocate TrainingCivil Legal Services for Domestic Abuse Victims2014
      Des Moines Area Community College ESL classEarned Income Tax Credit and Custody2014
      Family Violence CenterCivil Protective Orders - Full Faith and Credit2013
      Advocate Level II TrainingHousing Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence2013
      Advocate Level II Certification TrainingDomestic Violence Advocacy Training2013
      New Advocate TrainingDomestic Abuse Litigation2012
      Legal Aid Workgroup TrainingPresenting Evidence in Trial2010
      Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter TrainingRecognizing Signs of Child Abuse2005
      legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      In re Marriage of MonatAffirmed
      Bratton v. MinnixAffirmed
      Fettkether v. KasterDistrict Court Affirmed
      In Re CooleyDistrict Court Affirmed
      In re Marriage of LynchAffirmed
      See all Legal Cases

      Reviews

      5.0 stars5.0 (13)
      5 Star
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      Review Danni J. Harris

      EXCELLENT IN EVERY WAY

      5.0 stars

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      Danni Harris

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      Hired attorney

      Well versed and extremely knowledgeable

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      Amazing

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      Total Support

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      Great lawyer

      5.0 stars

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      Hired attorney

      Fantastic trial attorney

      5.0 stars

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      Amazing!

      5.0 stars

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      Guardianship

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      Best I have ever met.

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      Attorney endorsements

      (12)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
      Lawyer Jennifer Lynn Drake

      Jennifer Drake, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 17, 2018
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Samuel Edmund Charnetski

      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.

      Lawyer Andrew Larry Hope

      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.

      Lawyer Ashley Ann Tollakson

      Ashley Tollakson, Unknown Attorney on Apr 20, 2017
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Danni is an excellent attorney who will go the extra mile for her clients. She is experienced, attentive and excells in the courtroom.

      Lawyer Ryan D. Babich

      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.

      Lawyer Andrew B. Howie

      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.

      Lawyer Tyler Lee Coe

      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.

      No photo

      Collin Davison, Guardianship Attorney on Feb 8, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Stephen A Neve

      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.

      Lawyer Katie Marie Naset

      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.

      Lawyer Katheryn Heather Haywood

      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.

      Lawyer Lori Cole Magerko

      Lori Magerko, Family Attorney on May 21, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Show endorsements

      Cost

      RATES
      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes
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