Danielle M.  Waltz

Biography

With a diverse legal background, Danielle serves as a go-to resource for her clients in addressing the full spectrum of government relations matters. Whether drafting bills, fostering connections with elected officials or helping clients navigate the complex legislative process, her ability to connect with people on a personal level enables her to bring them together to forge mutually advantageous partnerships. She routinely works with local, state and national businesses, always tailoring her approach for each client’s unique needs. Her background and knowledge has allowed her to play an integral role in the passage of several changes to the legal landscape in West Virginia, including the landmark passage of a bill creating the intermediate court of appeals.

Her legal expertise spans a wide spectrum, ranging from managing intricate multi-party construction disputes to skillfully litigating cases related to commercial banking. With a significant portion of her clientele stemming from the construction industry, Danielle possesses an intimate understanding of both the legal intricacies and the business dynamics within construction, also serving on the board of the Associated Builders and Contractors of WV. Fueled by her innate talent for creative problem-solving, Danielle thrives on assisting her clients in uncovering innovative solutions to their challenges. This often entails determination and thinking outside the conventional bounds.

Danielle's influence in the legal realm is further highlighted by her published works and speaking engagements focusing on construction and government relations matters. A longstanding pillar in the DRI Construction Law Group, Danielle has assumed various leadership roles over the years, including Committee Chair,  National Seminar Chair and Vice Chair of the Center for Public Policy's Third Party Litigation Task Force.

Hailing proudly from West Virginia's Northern Panhandle, Danielle's educational journey led her to acquire an undergraduate degree in mathematics from West Virginia University.  Additionally, her legal acumen was honed through her pursuit of a law degree from WVU, coinciding with her avid support for WVU sports. She is committed to giving back to her University and the State, serving as Chair of the College of Law's Visiting Committee and member of the Honors College Visiting Committee as well as being a member of the Board for the Childhood Language Learning Center and the Education Broadcasting Authority, appointed by Governor Jim Justice. When not cheering on the Mountaineers or serving her community, Danielle can be found engaging in activities like squash or hiking/exploring a new area or city with her husband Patrick.

Education

  • West Virginia University College of Law  (J.D., 2006)
  • West Virginia University  (B.A., cum laude, 2003)

Bar Admissions

  • West Virginia

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
  • Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia

Affiliations/Memberships

  • International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
  • Defense Research Institute (DRI)
    • Membership Committee, 2024
    • Governance Committee, 2024
    • Construction Law Committee, Vice-Chair 2019-2021, Chair 2021-2022
    • 2018 Annual Meeting Chair
    • Co-Chair Wind Energy Seminar, 2023
    • Center for Public Policy, Vice Chair of Third Party Litigation Funding
    • DRI Blockbuster Vice Chair of the 2024 Annual Meeting Steering Committee
  • ABCWV
    • Board of Directors, 2023 - Present
  • West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority, Appointment by Governor Justice (2021-Present)
  • Childhood Language Learning Center
    • 5k Committee, Chair (2022)
    • Board of Directors (2021-Present)
  • YWCA
    • Chair, Public Policy Committee (2018-Present)
    • Member, Public Policy Committee (2012-Present)
    • Board of Directors (2015-Present)
  • West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee (2014-Present)

Distinctions

  • West Virginia Super Lawyers® for Government Relations Law (2018-2023)
  • West Virginia Super Lawyers® for General Litigation Law (2015-2016)
  • AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Named in West Virginia Super Lawyers® Rising Stars (2009, 2014)
  • The State Journal's Generation Next 40 Under 40 Award
  • 2010 Graduate of Leadership West Virginia
  • West Virginia Law Review Symposium Editor
  • Marlyn Lugar Trial Association National Team
  • Dennis and Louise Sharpe Law Scholarship
  • West Virginia University Foundation Scholarship
  • Robert C. Byrd Scholarship
  • National Merit Scholar