About

Dana Ballinger has represented corporate clients involved in complex commercial litigation for nearly 35 years. For 29 years, she has served as a principal lawyer preparing senior executives of Fortune 500 companies in litigation and regulatory proceedings. 

In her role as mediator, Dana brings the same thoughtful approach and insight that has defined her litigation practice.

Dana advises corporate and individual clients on issues that include: 

• legal and risk-management considerations affecting key business decisions;
• risk assessment for pending and anticipated litigation, which starts with the articulation of each element of an adversary’s best case; and
• litigation strategy and analysis of evidence in complex cases.

For clients navigating high-profile crisis situations, Dana provides advice on reputation management, crisis-driven messaging, and litigation implications. In the majority of engagements, the fact of the representation does not become public. 

The thoughtful approach that defines Dana’s litigation practice extends to her interactions with clients, counsel, and the judiciary. Dana understands that for the parties involved, all litigation is high stakes. Dana is committed to respectful and straightforward communication, with a style that is empathetic and practical. 

As an attorney, this approach has enabled Dana to successfully mediate dozens of cases.

Education

J.D. Georgetown University Law Center (1990), Order of the Coif
MTS, Harvard Divinity School (1986)
B.A., English and Philosophy/Religion, Rollins College (1984), cum laude

Judicial Clerkship

Judge Peter T. Fay, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (1990-1991)

Admissions

The Florida Bar
The California Bar
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Areas of Practice

Business/Commercial Litigation
Contract Disputes
Fraud/FDUTPA
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act/Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act 
Real Estate Fraud/Failure to Disclose/Title Issues
Interstate Land Sales Act (ILSA)
Construction Litigation
Products Liability
Advertising Injury
Personal Injury
Appellate 
Complex/Multi-Party/Multi-District Litigation/Class Actions
Attorney Compensation & Fee Disputes
E-Discovery Disputes
Litigation Strategy/Risk Evaluation/Risk Analysis
Corporate Reputation/Crisis Management

Certification

Florida Supreme Court Certified:
County Court Mediator
Circuit Civil Court Mediator