OCT. 13, 2022 – Davis Wright Tremaine LLP partner Danielle Toaltoan, who combines groundbreaking work in high-profile IP litigation with a passionate commitment to advancing DEI in the legal industry and the startup economy, has been named a 2022 Rising Star by the New York Law Journal.
Toaltoan was recognized at the New York Legal Awards last week in Manhattan. The highly competitive Rising Stars award honors the region's most promising lawyers 40 and younger.
"We could not be more proud to have Danielle as a colleague and an emerging leader," said Alexandra Nicholson, chair of the media, entertainment, and intellectual property practice at Davis Wright Tremaine. "She is handling cutting-edge IP work and driving firmwide cultural change within Davis Wright. I'm thrilled to see her contributions recognized."
Toaltoan teams with clients—from startups to large companies—to safeguard their most important asset: their intellectual property. She has handled numerous trademark and copyright infringement cases on behalf of companies large and small, and has significant experience in trademark enforcement and prosecution. She helps to lead and manage Davis Wright's extensive litigation work on behalf of Amazon's Counterfeit Crimes Unit.
Toaltoan also works directly to pave a road for success for BIPOC businesses. Last year she gave a workshop on protecting and managing IP assets at Davis Wright's inaugural Tech Equity Hub, a virtual accelerator for Black women and Latina founders, and the previous year she presented on IP at Black Women Talk Tech. Through these efforts and others, Toaltoan has established a large network of Black women founders and helps match them with diverse legal teams that can provide low-cost or pro bono services.
Within Davis Wright, Toaltoan is well recognized as a leader and role model as she supports the growth and advancement of her colleagues and builds out a national practice with a broad platform. She also spearheads multiple initiatives and takes on leadership roles to make the firm a more equitable and inclusive space where women and attorneys of color can thrive. Danielle was one of the architects behind the firm's DEI billable hour credit policy—a policy that demonstrates the value of DEI contributions and encourages more people to become involved. Toaltoan is active in the firm's women's affinity group, serving as a peer circle facilitator, and is chair of the New York office's DEI committee, which focuses on recruitment and retention.
"Danielle is the definition of a rising star—she is someone who not only thrives but brings others along with her," said Lynn Loacker, a senior member of Davis Wright's Diversity Executive Council and founder and managing director of Project W. "With her commitment and enthusiasm, she makes us all feel optimistic about the future of the legal industry."
About Davis Wright Tremaine
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is an AmLaw 100 law firm with approximately 600 lawyers representing clients based throughout the United States and around the world. Learn more at www.dwt.com.