Polk County Bar Association
P: (515) 243-3904
P: (515) 243-3904

Danielle is an attorney at Carney & Appleby P.L.C.  She can be reached by email at dunne@carneyappleby.com, by telephone at 515-282-6803, or by mail at address 303 Locust St. Suite 400, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

Tell us about yourself.
My name is Danielle, and I am a newly licensed attorney in the State of Iowa. I am an Iowan – born and raised. I grew up in Marion, Iowa, went to undergrad at the University of Northern Iowa, and attended law school at Drake University Law School. My friends and family would describe me as fun & sweet, hard-working, dedicated, and authentic.  

Your notable achievements?
My Student Note will be published in the upcoming Drake Law Review. The Note discusses an unconstitutional Iowa statute related to sex offender registry durations.

During my third year of law school, I argued in front of the Iowa Court of Appeals on behalf of the State Public Defender’s Office for a criminal defendant. Although the Court of Appeals did not rule in my favor, the Iowa Supreme Court currently has the case under further review.

I was awarded the 2023 Iowa State Bar Association Outstanding Law Student Award.

Why you do what you do?
I decided to become an attorney because I wanted a career where each day was different, and I would be challenged intellectually. Obviously, I want to take everything I’ve learned and will learn and apply that towards helping others.

What you do to get away from work?
I am a huge TV show and movie fanatic. I am also a huge football fan – Iowa Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers.

What you do to give back to the community?
I have decided to become a court-appointed attorney for indigent criminal defendants who cannot afford an attorney – both at the district court level and the appellate level. It is very important to me to voice stories, concerns, and explanations for those who do not have a voice.

In my private practice, I am dedicated to offering pro bono services – whether it be a simple 30-minute phone call to guide a potential client in the right direction, or take an entire case start to finish for free. I engage and hope to further engage in volunteer opportunities hosted by bar associations, as well as opportunities offered through Drake Law School.

Best thing about the Polk County Bar Association?
I am a brand new member to the PCBA, however, I have been fortunate to be able to help on the PCBA Volunteer Lawyer Project pro bono cases during law school. The PCBA really puts in a ton of leg and groundwork in order to make pro bono work and cases easier for attorneys – that work does not go unnoticed. Overall, I’m excited about the built-in peers and mentors that are a part of the PCBA.

Words to live by?
A ship is safe in harbor…but that’s not what ships are for.

Your favorite book?
Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows

Best place to visit in Polk County?
El Toreado – best Mexican restaurant.

Adventureland – most fun place on Earth (for an Iowan)

Anything you would change about Polk County?
Nothing…I love food and restaurants so I always love when new restaurants are established in the county!

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor and why?
I’ve been very fortunate to have excellent mentors throughout my early career. I believe that I can learn and grow from every person I meet. I would choose anyone who is willing to teach and mentor me. (or Ruth Bader Ginsburg)

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I always thought I would be a teacher or have a career in social sciences.

What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?
"Slow Dance in a Parking Lot "– Jordan Davis; "Husavik (My Hometown)" – Will Ferrell & My Marianne; "Anyone" – Justin Bieber; "My Heart Will Go On" – Celine Dion

Last movie you saw? (Or favorite movie and why)
My favorite movie is unquestionably "Avengers: Endgame" … no explanation needed.

 

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