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Danni J. Harris

Divorce and separation Attorney at Des Moines, IA

5.0   13 reviews

also known as Danni Harris-Avery

  • State Years
    Iowa - IA 15 years
    Texas - TX 23 years
  • Licensed for 15 years
    State IA
    Acquired 2008
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 23 years
    State TX
    Acquired 2000
    Status
    Not Eligible to Practice - Administrative No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Danni

Learn Danni’s areas of practice.

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.

 

 

Contact Danni

Whitfield & Eddy, PLC, Des Moines, Ia
699 Walnut Street
Suite 2000
Des Moines, IA, 50309

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  13 customer reviews
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Posted by Steve | October 21, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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 friends and family.
Posted by Tonia | December 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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 recommend Danni to anyone searching for help with family matters.
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Posted by Kristina | March 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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 you!!! Danni is someone you want to have in your corner in hard times!!
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Posted by Carol | March 5, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Total Support
Danni handled my divorce. It drug out much longer than I had anticipated. We ended up in court. Danni prepared me for court so there were no surprises. We discussed the points we wanted to make in court ahead of time. She was also familiar with my ex's lawyer and could give me a heads up on what to expect from him. Danni is very professional in the courtroom as well. The proposal that she sent to the judge was professionally and factually, written. She got her (our) points across in a mature, reasonable manner.
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Posted by Macie | May 2, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer
I crashed my car on ice last winter and received a ticket for wreckless driving. Danni Harris was able to fight the ticket and had it taken off my record. It was a quick and easy process, all I had to do was show up on my court date.
Posted by Karl | April 18, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Fantastic trial attorney
Danni displayed unparalleled experience and knowledge handling a delicate, but deliberate 20 year separation. Her passion and devotion to my personal crisis greatly contributed to a justifiable outcome. A true professional in every aspect!
Posted by Tanya | April 7, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing!
Ms. Harris did an amazing job at making this legal issue not last forever. She did a great job at keeping us up-to-date on the changes. She was pleasant and easy to work with. I would recommend her legal assistance.
Posted by Celeste | September 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Guardianship
I contacted Hope Law Firm and was referred to Danni Harris. My husband and I had a consult with her the next day. Our guardianship case was settled very quickly and effortlessly. We were very happy we chose this law firm
Posted by anonymous | September 1, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Best I have ever met.
Danni is (in simple words) a person who will fight for what is best for you (and your children). She is easy to work with, and goes the extra mile to guide and support her clients through the difficult times divorce can bring. She places the needs of her clients first. She is very knowledgable and adept at explaining in detail everything that is going on and what could happen.
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Posted by anonymous | August 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended
Danni Harris helped us with a emergency guardianship and permanent guardianship. She was the best and we could not have done it without her expertise and experience. She was fantastic and a great person. Thank you Danni and Hope Law firm for the help!
Posted by Randy | March 24, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ethical & Competent
Danni Harris is one of a few ethical competent attorneys in central Iowa. After having a number of what I call, "take your money now and worry about your case later" lawyers, Danni was a welcome addition to personally helping me with my separation and divorce. I was never sent to a junior associate, Danni always took my calls and handled my case personally. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking help.
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Posted by anonymous | May 19, 2015
Highly recommended
I couldn't say enough good things about Danni Harris, she originally took on my case through legal aid and before my trial she took another job with Hope Law Firm and with no questions asked took my case on I'm assuming pro Bono. She never left my side and helped me win a very important life changing case in terminating the rights of my daughter's father who had committed a horrible crime against her and I almost 8 years ago.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • 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
View all work experience

Education

  • Drake University
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
  • 1999
  • Baylor University
  • Bachelor's of Business Administration with honors
  • 1996

Legal Cases

  • In re Marriage of Monat
  • Affirmed
  • Bratton v. Minnix
  • Affirmed
  • Fettkether v. Kaster
  • District Court Affirmed
View all legal cases

Associations

  • 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
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • 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
View all awards

Publications

  • 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

Speaking Engagements

  • 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
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (12)
Given (13)
Endorse Danni
Divorce and separation Attorney | Dec 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Guardianship Attorney | Dec 17
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."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 21
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."
Unknown Attorney | Apr 20
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."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 19
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."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 18
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."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Danni is a strong advocate for her clients. Her compassion for all she serves speaks volumes about her character."
Guardianship Attorney | Feb 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Sep 16
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."
Family Attorney | Jul 09
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 21
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."
Family Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements

Avvo Contributions

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Des Moines Divorce and separation Lawyer Danni J. Harris
Danni J. Harris
Divorce and separation Attorney
Des Moines, IA
Licensed for 23 years
Free Consultation