D. Daniel Woody graduated from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2010, where he was an editor of the school's Water Law Review. Prior to law school he studied multi-cultural education at Eastern University and taught special education in the School District of Philadelphia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Penn State University in 2006, where he focused his studies on child psychology and worked with his professors researching, as well as counseling, "at-risk youth."
Daniel's practice areas include:
- School Law
- Special Education Law
- Employment Law
- Disability Law
- Special Needs Trusts
- Estate Planning and Administration
Daniel joined the firm in August of 2013, after spending three years representing local school districts and charter schools in all matters, but specializing in special education law. He now represents and advocates for children and their families in issues pertaining to special education, bullying, truancy, regular education, and discrimination as a result of a child's exceptionality.
His unique background studying child psychology, counseling at-risk youth, teaching special education, and practicing education law gives him the expertise to provide his clients with a balanced approach that few attorneys can boast. He understands the stress families face when a disagreement over their child's education exists between them and the school district. He is well versed in due process hearings, but seeks to utilize the due process procedure only as a last resort. Daniel's goal is to minimize stress for the family, while working towards an amicable resolution that maximizes the student's services and potential.
The firm's expertise in special needs trusts, estate planning, and guardianships is a logical fit with Daniel's special education practice. The synergy between each partner's expertise allows clients the full range of services needed to support a child with a disability. The firm can plan not only for a child's current educational needs, but also for his or her long term financial needs.
Daniel also practices employment law, representing individuals who have been discriminated against in the workplace as a result of their disability, age, sex, race, or ethnic origin. He practices employment law in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC"), the court of common pleas, and federal court. In addition to all Pennsylvania state courts, he is admitted to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.