Daniel P. Watkins specializes in high-stakes defamation matters and reputation counseling.

Daniel P. Watkins

Partner & Co-Founder

Daniel Watkins is a nationally ranked trial lawyer and reputation counselor renowned for his work in high-stakes defamation and crisis cases that have captured global media attention. Named by Chambers & Partners as one of the top ten defamation lawyers in the U.S.—and the youngest to earn this recognition—Daniel’s relentless and creative approach to solving complex problems are the hallmarks of his reputation. Clients and adversaries alike have described him as a “formidable lawyer” who is a “force of nature in the courtroom.” 

His litigation track record is comprised of landmark victories, including some of the largest defamation settlements and verdicts in history. Mr. Watkins represented Dominion Voting Systems in the election disinformation case against Fox News, resulting in a $787.5 million settlement, and he co-led a team achieving a historic $16 million defamation verdict in North Carolina.

Most recently, Daniel served as lead trial counsel for a philanthropist that was targeted by bad actors in a defamatory dossier. The jury returned an $8 million verdict – one of the highest on record in Washington, D.C., for a defamation case. 

Daniel has also represented clients in high-profile disputes, including a tech start-up in a groundbreaking case against McDonald's Corp., securing both a TRO and preliminary injunction in the fight against the fast-food giant.

Beyond trial, Daniel counsels clients facing reputation crises, advising a diverse roster that includes governors, general counsels, high-profile whistleblowers, sports franchises, non-profits, and entrepreneurs. His advocacy has resulted in retractions, corrections, and public apologies from major news organizations such as ESPN, The Washington Post, Bloomberg News, and Newsweek. 

Daniel is frequently invited to provide remarks regarding myriad First Amendment and defamation issues. Last year, he taught "Disinformation and Defamation" as an adjunct professor at William & Mary Law School and has guest lectured at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Representative Matters

  • Dominion v. Fox News: Served as counsel in historic defamation litigation against Fox News over the network’s dangerous disinformation about the 2020 election, which resulted in a summary judgment finding that Fox’s accusations about Dominion were false and a $787.5 million settlement. 

  • Chandler v. Berlin: Lead counsel in a defamation trial against the author of a defamatory dossier. Daniel led MWPP’s trial team and achieved an $8 million verdict after securing a summary judgment victory on the issue of falsity. 

  • Kytch, Inc. v. McDonald’s: Represented a start-up tech company in $900 million litigation against McDonald’s and McFlurry Machine maker Taylor Company.  Working alongside Jason Sheasby of Irell Manella LLP, he successfully obtained a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction against the head of McDonald’s equipment team and overcame several dispositive motions filed against his client. 

  • Eshelman v. Puma Biotechnology: In 2019 Daniel played an integral role in a defamation trial that resulted in a $23.35 million jury verdict—which is the highest defamation award ever recorded in the state of North Carolina.  Two years later, Daniel and Megan Meier led a trial team that obtained a $16 million award for Dr. Eshelman. 

  • PetSmart v. DiNapoli: Led the prosecution of claims against a smear campaign against the national retailer that resulted in total victory for PetSmart. 

  • Represented the owner of sports franchises accused of creating a toxic work environment.  Delivered an on-air apology and retraction from ESPN and Stephen A. Smith.

  • Represented members from both major parties running for public office accused of wrongdoing and misconduct in the lead up to election day.

Pro Bono & Public Service

A champion of access to justice, Daniel is dedicated to pro bono work and serves on the boards of Housing Opportunities Made Equal and PartnersGlobal.

He has also advocated on behalf of marginalized persons in coordination with the Innocence Project, the Legal Aid and Justice Center, and Virginia Poverty Law Center. In 2021, Governor Ralph Northam appointed Daniel to serve as a statewide commissioner in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Daniel’s first courtroom experience came working for the public defender with the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, and he has since argued before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals as an attorney appointed pursuant to the federal Criminal Justice Act.

Media

Academia

Daniel has served as an adjunct professor at William & Mary Law School, teaching a class titled Disinformation & Defamation. He has also guest lectured at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Education

  • University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 2012

Experience

  • Clare Locke LLP, 2016-2023

  • Williams Mullen, 2012-2016

Admissions*

  • Commonwealth of Virginia

  • United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

  • United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia

*Admitted to Practice Only in the Commonwealth of Virginia