A Bakersfield local, Danay grew up learning the value of community, the importance of hard work, and how to interact with customers in her family’s Lamont jewelry store. Danay went on to graduate from Ridgeview High School, where she enjoyed being in choir and theatre, and excelled in English classes and AP courses.
Danay was inspired to become a lawyer after seeing firsthand the political and racial injustices many of her classmates faced as migrant or immigrant families, often due to language barriers. Growing up, the advocacy of attorney Daniel Rodriguez was a bright light in the Bakersfield community. Not only was he a successful Hispanic role model, but he also tirelessly fought for the rights of her friends and neighbors. Coming from a family where her grandparents struggled with illiteracy and language barriers, Danay is driven to empower the voices of those who need it most.
After graduating from UCLA where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Danay went on to attend and graduate from Chapman University, Dale E. Fowler School of Law. During her summers she worked as a Law Clerk at Rodriguez & Associates, learning the processes of a case from start to finish. She became an attorney with the firm once she was admitted to the Bar in 2017.
Throughout her career, Danay has followed in the footsteps of her mentor Daniel Rodriguez to advocate for many in her community. Now, as an award-winning trial attorney, Danay finds a similar calling in supporting clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives with respect, compassion, and a commitment to justice. She credits her upbringing, Hispanic heritage, and Spanish fluency for her ease in communicating with clients and understanding their values and backgrounds.
These skills in conjunction with her work ethic have contributed to Danay’s role in multiple record-breaking verdicts across Kern County including a record $73,650,000 settlement in the largest verdict in Kern County history that was also listed as the Number 1 verdict in California in 2022 in the areas of Brain Injury, Burn Injury, and Bodily Injury. Danay also contributed to a $4 million verdict in the wrongful death of a 71-year-old man and a $2.15 million settlement against Kern County School District in a school sex abuse case. In 2023 Danay was selected to the National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 as well as named partner at Rodriguez & Associates.
Her courtroom successes are catalyzed by her compassion for the painful and tragic struggles of her clients. She is deeply aware of the sensitive and often painful nature of the cases she litigates, particularly those involving children. Recognizing the importance of empathy and trust, Danay prioritizes building strong relationships with her clients, approaching each representation with patience, understanding, and a commitment to advocating for their well-being.
Danay continues to give back to the Bakersfield and Lamont communities through numerous philanthropic projects including her participation in the 2024 Media Music Jam that supports the Kern County Cancer Foundation, annual support of the Bakersfield Clear the Shelters campaign, and various education funds.
When she isn’t working hard at the Bakersfield personal injury law firm, Danay loves spending quality time with her family. She also enjoys working out and singing both English and Spanish ballads.
