Danielle M. Kays

Associate

Danielle is an experienced trial lawyer who has obtained more than 25 successful verdicts for clients.  She concentrates her practice in complex commercial litigation, with a focus on financial services and class action litigation.  She also has experience with breach of contract, fraud, trademark infringement, trade secret, unfair competition, franchise-dealer, employment, and real estate disputes.

Danielle has years of experience handling motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, preliminary injunctions, and settlement negotiations in state and federal courts.  In addition to her extensive litigation practice, Danielle has represented clients at many arbitrations and mediations.

Danielle was named an Illinois Super Lawyers® Rising Star by Law & Politics magazine in 2010 and 2011.  From 2006-2008, Danielle was a trial team coach and guest instructor for Chicago-Kent Law School’s Trial Advocacy Program, and the Regional Coordinator for the TYLA National Trial Competition in 2007-2008.  During law school, Danielle was an editor of The Elder Law Journal, a moot court semi-finalist and a recipient of the Rickert Award for Excellence in Legal Publications.

Professional Activities

  • Newsletter Editor and Appointed Member, Illinois State Bar Association, Standing Committee on Women and the Law
  • Executive Committee and Cross-Career Networking Co-Chair, Chicago Bar Association Alliance for Women
  • Former Co-Chair, Young Lawyers Society Women in the Law, Chicago Bar Association
  • Former Co-Chair, Chicago Chapter of the IFA's Women's Franchise Network
  • Member, Illinois State Bar Association
  • Member, Chicago Bar Association
  • Member, Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

Education

University of Illinois College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2004)
Illinois Wesleyan University (B.A., 2001)

Bar Admissions

State of Illinois
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court, District of Colorado

Publications & Speeches

  • Author, "Not All Law Firms Are Caves," ABA Section of Litigation, Woman Advocate, Vol. 16, No. 2 (Winter 2011)
  • Speaker, "Cleaning Up Your Credit," Chicago Public Library "Law at the Library" Series (pro bono) (January 2011)

 

Danielle M. Kays
“I am proud to be a part of a firm that genuinely cares about its clients as much as it cares about its attorneys.” — Danielle Kays
  • Phone: (312) 361-3470
  • Fax: (312) 939-0983