Daniel P. Dalton

Daniel P. Dalton is a founding member of Dalton & Tomich, PLC, where he leads a nationally recognized practice in land use, zoning, and religious property litigation. Known for his strategic insight and litigation skills, he represents churches and religious schools across the U.S. in complex disputes involving denominational splits and property rights.

Daniel holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University. Early in his career, he clerked for Chief Justice Dorothy Comstock Riley of the Michigan Supreme Court, a role that sharpened his litigation skills.

Over the past 30 years, Daniel has litigated in trial and appellate courts across nearly 20 states. His expertise includes resolving high-stakes disputes under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), securing land use approvals nationwide, and guiding nearly 1,000 churches through separation from mainline denominations while retaining their properties.

Daniel is the author of Litigating Religious Land Use Cases and Religious Property Disputes: House of God, Laws of Man, two key legal resources for attorneys and faith communities. His thought leadership in this area has made him a sought-after speaker and media commentator on religious land use and zoning law.

Recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, and DBusiness as a top real estate and zoning attorney, Daniel Dalton’s legal accolades reflect his impact on the profession. His work has also been featured in Fox News Digital, The Washington Post, USA Today, and The Atlantic, underscoring the national significance of his legal contributions.

Daniel is a member of the Michigan Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, and the American Bar Foundation. His community involvement includes leadership at Trinity Church and prior elected service on the Plymouth City Commission. He brings the same commitment to service in his legal work, helping institutions preserve their missions and protect their property rights.

Law Office Affiliations

• Co-Founder, Dalton & Tomich, PLC
• Life Member, American Bar Foundation
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Michigan Bar Association
• Member, Federal Bar Association

Licensed State

• Michigan
• Indiana

Education

• Detroit Mercy School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Western Michigan University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges