Dana’s practice focuses on the areas of education/public school law, employment law and general litigation. Dana counsels and advises educational entities and their officials on various matters, including, student discipline, personnel management, Title IX compliance, policy development, board governance, safety and security measures, special education issues, and employment discrimination laws.
Dana currently serves as general and special counsel to several Alabama boards of education and has represented nearly twenty other local school districts in both circuit court and federal district court, as well as on appeal to the Alabama appellate courts and the Eleventh Circuit. Throughout her tenure as a school lawyer, Dana has successfully defended her clients in obtaining multiple case dismissals and summary judgment rulings.
Obtaining ruling from the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals upholding the board of education’s termination of a teacher after school surveillance footage showed the teacher pushing a student against the wall.
Obtaining mandamus relief from the Alabama Supreme Court and overruling circuit court’s denial of immunity for a school board, its board members and an elementary school teacher.
Securing early dismissal of age discrimination claim brought by employee against a board of education in federal district court.
Obtaining favorable ruling from the Eleventh Circuit affirming district court’s entry of summary judgment for the school district, its superintendent, and two administrators on discrimination claims brought by a student alleging her same-sex teacher had sexually harassed her.
Securing dismissal of parent’s wrongful death case brought in state court against a board of education, its board members and other school officials.
Alabama State Bar Association, Leadership Forum, Class IV; Member of Diversity in the Profession Committee; Secretary (2008 – 2009); Member (2009 – 2010)
Bench and Bar Advisory Committee, U.S. District Court of North Alabama, Member
Alabama Council of School Board Attorneys, Member; Member of the Board of Directors (2011 – 2013)
National School Board Association, Council of Student Attorneys, Member
Shelby County Bar Association, Member
Birmingham Bar Association, Member
American Bar Association, Member
AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Alabama Rising Stars®, by Thomson Reuters – School and Education Law (2010)
Girls Incorporated of Central Alabama, Chairperson; Personnel Committee (2010-2013); Board of Directors (2008-2014); Committee of 25 (2005-2008) Junior Board Member
Alabama, 2000
Eleventh Circuit
Northern District of Alabama
Middle District of Alabama
Southern District of Alabama
J.D., Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, 2000
B.A., Alabama State University, summa cum laude, 1997
