Danielle Champney
I started my journey in the legal field back in 2013, working as a legal assistant at a criminal defense firm. However, I soon realized that I wanted to be in a legal field with more client interaction. I explored various areas of law, including Debtor Bankruptcy (chapter 7, 11, and 13), business and transactional law, as well as a few personal injury cases. It was during this exploration that I was drawn to plaintiff personal injury law, where I could make a real difference in people's lives by helping them get the medical care they needed and obtain compensation for injuries caused by another's negligence.
Since 2018, I've had the privilege of serving as both a case manager and a litigation paralegal exclusively in the field of plaintiff personal injury. My path crossed with James at a prior firm when I began my journey as a pre-lit case manager in plaintiff personal injury. James and I share a unique ability to think outside the box and fight zealously for our clients. When the opportunity arose to work alongside James again, it was an easy decision. Joining a great team and continuing to do what I love while helping him build his pre-lit team was a no-brainer.
In my role, I focus on specific areas of personal injury law, including motor vehicle accidents, bad faith claims, slip & fall cases, product defect/liability, and medical malpractice. Bad faith claims and medical malpractice cases are particularly close to my heart. They often involve the little guy standing up against the big guy, and when we achieve success, it's an incredibly satisfying feeling knowing we've truly helped our clients.
Some memorable cases that stand out in my career include a case v. Lyft, which I handled all through pre-lit and settled for $1,495,000.00 just two months after filing suit. I also successfully settled a UIM (Underinsured Motorist) claim for $1,000,000.00 only two weeks after sending a demand letter, backed by medical bills of $215,000.00. Over the course of two years, I secured settlements totaling $8,000,000.00 for our clients.
What sets me apart is my genuine care for my clients. I make it clear from the beginning that they are not just another case to me; they are individuals with unique stories and needs. I get to know them personally, understand how their case has impacted their lives, and often share my own experiences to let them know that I'm not just their advocate but also a compassionate person who genuinely cares about their well-being. This commitment extends to always being available to take client calls, respond to emails and texts, and provide updates and answers promptly. I remember each of my clients and the specifics of their cases and injuries.
My personal journey has played a significant role in shaping my approach to law. When I was 16 years old, I was a passenger in a head-on collision. Unfortunately, my experience with the attorney I had at the time was less than satisfactory, and it left me determined to provide the care and concern that I wish I had received during my case. I've been through much of what our clients go through, and I genuinely care about their well-being. I share my experiences with them to let them know that, despite the difficulties and frustrations they may be facing, things can get better.
I firmly believe in being fully committed to a case from the very beginning. The more I know about the client, their injuries, and the details of what caused those injuries, the better advocate I can be when dealing with insurance companies. I don't take "no" for an answer when I believe a client isn't being treated fairly. If necessary, I'll speak up and suggest that a case might need to go into litigation. I'm a strong believer in collaboration within my team, and I don't believe in the notion that anything is "not my job."
Outside of work, I have a busy family life, raising my 1 year old son. I also enjoy spending time playing with my 7.5-year-old Schnoodle named Apollo and making cherished memories with my husband.
For a long time, my goal was to build a pre-litigation team from the ground up because I understand how crucial it is to manage a case right from the start. Fortunately, joining the LJU team allowed me to achieve that goal as the Pre-lit Director. My new goal is to help others joining our team understand the importance of pre-litigation and how it can make a significant impact on our clients' lives.