Danielle Williams

Danielle Williams is a seasoned trial lawyer with more than two decades of experience representing clients in high-stakes intellectual property and business disputes. She has argued significant matters in both state and federal courts nationwide, as well as in arbitration, with her work covering patent infringement, trade secrets, copyright, antitrust, and environmental litigation.

Danielle began her academic path at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a B.A. in English and Spanish in 1992. She then pursued both a J.D. and an MBA at Wake Forest University in 1996, distinguishing herself as a recipient of the Robert Goldberg Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy and as a two-time National Trial Team regional champion. Her admissions include North Carolina and Georgia.

Danielle has built a strong reputation for her skill in developing damage strategies, making her a sought-after advocate in high-value disputes. She has worked on cases involving diverse industries such as semiconductors, telecommunications, software, consumer products, and financial services. Clients rely on her sharp courtroom presence and her ability to address critical issues effectively.

Recognition for Danielle’s work is extensive. She has been included in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation and Intellectual Property Litigation since 2016 and for Patent Litigation since 2017. Corporate Counsel named her “Managing Partner of the Year” in 2024, while Charlotte Business Journal honored her with its “Women in Business Award” in 2025. She is also regularly listed in IAM Patent 1000, Lawdragon’s “500 Leading Litigators in America,” and WIPR Leaders for Trade Secrets and Patents.

Danielle Williams is also an active voice in the legal community, frequently writing and speaking on patent litigation trends, damages issues, and key developments in intellectual property law. Beyond her practice, she contributes her time to nonprofit boards and initiatives promoting diversity and equality, reflecting her dedication both to the profession and to the broader community she serves.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Winston & Strawn LLP
• Board Member, National Sports Media Association
• Member, National Association of Women Lawyers
• Member, North Carolina State Bar
• Member, State Bar of Georgia

Licensed State

• North Carolina
• Georgia

Education

• Wake Forest University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Wake Forest University
  Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  BA in English & Spanish

Awards & Badges