Danya Bundy

Sponsored by RebuttalPR

What led you to specialize in plaintiff side litigation? Has that always been your focus or did your career start on a different path?
Our firm handles family law in volume, with a strong emphasis on trial work. So we try jury trials and a lot of bench trials. Our plaintiff’s work is highly selective. Often, we are asked to take a case on short notice, sometimes a week or less before a trial. Our training and experience with high-stakes cases on short notice positions us to step in and take on the challenge. Since passing the bar in September 2018, I have been dedicated to this type of work, working on high-stakes civil cases, and honing my expertise in the courtroom on a daily basis.

Can you share a case that had a significant impact on you? We had a dog bite case where our client was walking in her own neighborhood and was attacked by a dog with a history of aggression known to its owners. This situation was deeply personal because it significantly impacted her daily life—her work, her interactions with her children, and her overall lifestyle. From the moment she wakes up to the time she goes to sleep, this one incident has affected her in profound ways. What happened in her neighborhood, a place of safety, a place where she walked her dog every day, shattered that sense of security. Words can't fully describe the impact and breach of trust.

How do you build trust with your clients and assure them that you’re the right person to help them through this challenging time? The first meeting is the most crucial, and I’m a strong advocate for having it in person whenever possible. There's something irreplaceable about face-to-face contact—the human interaction that can’t be replicated through other means. In our line of work, meeting people where they are, whether it's in their homes or at their workplaces, is essential. It gives us insight into their daily lives because, ultimately, that’s what we’re striving to help restore to normalcy. The challenge, of course, is that there’s only so much time in a day, and clients don’t want to hear from anyone else—they want to connect directly with the attorney they’ve chosen to trust. You can’t delegate that relationship.

As a female attorney, have you faced challenges that made you feel like you needed to prove yourself, and how have you overcome those challenges?
There have been many instances of unfair or double standards, and ironically, the harshest have come from women. I've had experiences where a female judge inappropriately commented about what I was wearing in court, and I've received horrendous condescending emails from female attorneys. I think part of dealing with this comes with time and feeling comfortable in your own skin. As a baby lawyer, freshly starting out, it's easy to doubt yourself and wonder if you're doing things right. But as you grow more confident, you learn that you'll hear comments, both good and bad, and the best approach is to kill them with kindness.

Have you had any role models throughout your career who have influenced you or offered advice on handling challenges? Yes, we have several female attorneys in our firm, including our partners Kathleen Egan and Amy Page. These incredible women, along with others in the field, have been invaluable in understanding and supporting what it’s like to work as a woman in this field. I also have a group of women who worked with me on a juvenile deprived docket, which was a big part of my practice when I started. They've been instrumental in helping navigate the challenges, sharing a few laughs, and making the experience more enjoyable, especially during tough times.

How do you manage to balance work, life, and everything that comes with it? Are there any tips or tricks you've discovered that help you maintain that balance?
Balancing work and family life, especially with younger kids, can be challenging. Prioritizing is key. For example, when I have a trial, I usually spend time with my kids when I get home—playing with them, feeding them, and putting them to bed. Then, I often stay up late into the night to work, as it’s the only time I can focus without distractions. On the other hand, when I'm not preparing for a trial or when my schedule isn't as demanding, I make it a point to prioritize self-care and social activities. This includes spending time with friends, going out for happy hours, or indulging in spa treatments. Self-care is important, even though it can be time-consuming.

What aspects of your work are you most passionate about, and what motivates you to keep going? I love being in trial and being around people. I could never work from home—that's just not where I thrive. Getting results for clients is the most fulfilling part of the job, and that usually happens at trial.

What advice do you have for new attorneys entering the field, and what should seasoned attorneys understand about them? Believe in yourself. We’ve all been there—being that new attorney, trying to find your footing. It’s all about understanding that they’re still learning. The longer you practice, the more experience you gain, the more trials you go through, and the more you understand the nuances of each case. Young attorneys often feel the pressure to prove themselves to senior partners, more seasoned opposing counsel, or anyone who’s been in the game for 20-plus years. They want to show that they know what they’re doing and that they’re good at it. And I think it’s important to acknowledge that. For some, words of affirmation go a long way. Complimenting a well-done cross-examination, a strong direct, or an impactful opening statement can mean a lot.

How do you stay informed about the constantly changing media and social media landscapes, and how do you keep your clients updated on the latest trends?

While social media continues to evolve—starting with platforms like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, and now expanding to newer ones—there’s no substitute for word of mouth and genuine networking opportunities. I'm a firm believer in the power of one-on-one human connection. Taking the time to make a phone call, send a text, or even meeting someone for lunch can never be replaced.

For clients, we use Litify that streamlines much of the informational process. It includes really nice email and text message update components, and we incorporate blogs on our website to keep clients informed. They are not fake blogs written for SEO - it is real content designed for the public and our clients. This ensures they always know what’s happening in their case, what stage it’s in, and what typically comes next.

What has your experience been like as a member of organizations such as the Society of Women Trial Lawyers? I absolutely love it because, as women, we've entered a field that was predominantly male-dominated for many years. Now, it's almost female-dominated, with women supporting women and sharing advice on the challenges they face daily. For example, I attended a seminar about social media where an attorney shared her strategy of pre-filming all her social media posts and videos for six weeks at a time. This approach allows her to manage social media while also practicing law, which can be incredibly time-consuming with all the posting, videos, photos, and TikTok.

Is there anything else about your journey or experience that you'd like to share? The journey as a lawyer comes with its challenges. My older brother and I are first-generation college graduates in my family. Our parents immigrated to the U.S. in the eighties. So my brother and I navigated college and law school with the understanding that there would be many unknowns. And that's okay. You might end up in a field you absolutely love, just as I have.