Darcy M. Goddard

Darcy M. Goddard is an attorney whose practice focuses on civil rights, employment, government liability, mediation, investigations, appellate matters, and legislative advocacy. She represents public and private sector clients in complex disputes and provides strategic counsel on sensitive legal issues. Her work includes training on litigation skills, ethics, human resources investigations, First Amendment issues, and government records matters. Clients rely on her practical judgment, strong advocacy, and thoughtful approach to high-stakes matters.

Darcy earned her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she served as a Notes Editor and member of the Virginia Law Review. She also earned an A.B., cum laude, in Political Science from Smith College and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Her education provides a strong foundation in legal analysis, writing, and advocacy, supporting her work in litigation, mediation, public sector matters, and complex investigations.

Darcy’s experience includes service as Chief Policy Advisor for the Civil Division of the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, Legal Director of the ACLU of Utah, and Assistant Attorney General in New York. She also practiced at major law firms and clerked for a judge on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. This broad background gives her valuable insight into litigation strategy, public policy, constitutional issues, and government-related legal matters.

Darcy M. Goddard is admitted to practice in Utah, New York, and Colorado, as well as before the Supreme Court of the United States and multiple federal appellate courts. She is also a court-rostered mediator and has earned recognition for leadership and legal service, including being named 2023 Lawyer of the Year by the Utah State Bar. Through careful strategy and practical counsel, she helps clients address challenging disputes with confidence and clarity.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Strong & Hanni
• Member, Women Lawyers of Utah
• Member, Salt Lake County Bar Association
• Member, Utah State Bar, Litigation Section and Government and Administrative Law Section

Licensed State

• Utah
• New York
• Colorado

Education

• University of Virginia School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Smith College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges