Overview
Danny Yates is a litigator in the firm’s Newport News and Williamsburg offices, where he acts as a zealous advocate and trusted counselor for clients navigating complex civil disputes, as well as those facing criminal charges.
He brings more than a decade of experience across diverse legal and governmental settings, beginning with his service as a state and federal judicial law clerk and later through his work as a litigation associate at Virginia’s largest law firm. Most recently, Danny served as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney for the City of Newport News under the legendary Howard E. Gwynn. For almost five years, he represented the Commonwealth of Virginia in everything from DUIs to first-degree murders. As a prosecutor, Danny gained extensive first-chair experience and tried more than 30 jury trials, developing a strong, practical approach to advocacy and case management.
Danny’s practice spans civil, criminal, and regulatory matters, with experience in antitrust, white collar, and general commercial litigation. He is adept at handling motions practice, expert depositions, e-discovery, and subpoena responses. He has represented clients at trial and on appeal in a variety of matters, including breach of contract, antitrust class actions, partnership disputes, asset forfeiture, and attorney's fees litigation.
A native Virginian and proud product of public education, Danny enjoys mentoring aspiring attorneys at his alma mater where he teaches a weekly “Lawyering Skills” course to first-year William & Mary Law School students. He is also passionate about public service and strives to serve others through pro bono appellate representation and court-appointed criminal defense.
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Representative Matters
Represented a payment processing company in an expedited Supreme Court of Delaware appeal regarding scope of indemnification obligations
Member of defense team representing a poultry producer in class action alleging claims under the Sherman Act: In re Broiler Chicken Grower Antitrust Litigation, Eastern District of Oklahoma
Represented closely held business in Virginia State Bar arbitration proceedings
Briefed and argued an appeal before the Supreme Court of Virginia and obtained reversal of summary judgment in an incarcerated client’s pro se personal injury claim: Albritton v. Commonwealth, 853 S.E.2d 512 (Va. 2021)
Deposed key fact witness in breach of fiduciary duty claim involving publicly traded, Fortune 500 Company
Secured relief at trial for pro bono clients in unlawful detainer actions
Prosecuted hundreds of serious felony offenses including a dozen homicide cases from investigation through post-conviction appeal
Recognition & Honors
Honors & Recognitions
William & Mary Law School; Adjunct Professor, 2022-present
Law Clerk to Judge Eugene E. Siler, Jr.; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 2017-2018
Law Clerk to Chief Justice Donald W. Lemons; Supreme Court of Virginia, 2015-2017
Spong Professionalism Award; William & Mary Law School, 2015
Law Student Intern to Judge David J. Novak; United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Spring 2014
Alvin Anderson Scholar; William & Mary Law School, 2013
Press & Publications
News
Community & Professional
Associations
Newport News Bar Association; Secretary
York-Poquoson Bar Association; Member
Williamsburg Bar Association; Member
Colonial Virginia Scouting America; Council Committee Member, 2025-present
Virginia State Bar; 6th District Lawyer Disciplinary Subcommittee, Volunteer Member, 2021-present
Virginia State Bar; Committee for the Resolution of Fee Disputes, Volunteer Member, 2021-present
Virginia State Bar; Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee, Member, 2021-2024
Credentials
Education
College of William & Mary, B.A., magna cum laude, 2012
William & Mary Law School, J.D., magna cum laude, 2015
Court Admissions
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Beyond the Law
When he is not in the courtroom, Danny enjoys spending time outdoors with his growing family. You can often find them crabbing, kayaking, and boating on the Poquoson River or camping, hiking, and hunting in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
