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Law Practice
Donnalynn Darling is the Chair of the Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice groups, and Chair of the Education Law practice at Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. located in Garden City, Long Island, N.Y. Ms. Darling’s practice focuses in plaintiff’s personal injury trial work, as well as trials of catastrophic tort and wrongful deaths. Her use of a creative approach to the issue of proximate cause in a prominent wrongful death suit resulted in a homeowner being held responsible for the death of a pedestrian who was struck by a motor vehicle. In creating the firm’s Education Law practice, Ms. Darling responded to increasing requests by parents of learning disabled children for assistance in securing timely educational evaluations, services and accommodations for their children in public and private school settings under federal and state regulations.
Professional Profile
Ms. Darling’s professional life has been driven by her advocacy for children. In 1978, upon graduation from law school, she began her career as an Assistant District Attorney under Bronx D.A. Mario Merola. She was in charge of prosecuting sex crimes involving children. In many instances, these alleged victims were unable to verbally communicate their abuse, be it for reasons of trauma, infancy or difficulty with language. Under Ms. Darling’s leadership, the Bronx D.A.’s office pioneered the use of anatomically-correct cloth dolls of all races, ages and genders. The use of these dolls enabled the alleged victims to act out the offenses perpetrated upon them in front of the Grand Jury, when they lacked the verbal skills to do so, in order that indictments could be obtained. This trail-blazing method of testimony was upheld by the courts and is widely used today. Ms. Darling worked personally with these young victims whose trust in her was bolstered by her youth and compassion. Their devastating tales of abuse remain with her today as she advocates for children in the special education and personal injury arenas.
Community Involvement
In addition, Ms. Darling works with the parents of "twice exceptional" children, or those who are intellectually gifted as well as learning disabled. Ms. Darling serves as counsel and is a board member of TECA, Long Island’s Twice Exceptional Children’s Advocacy group. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Variety Child Learning Center, a center-based special education pre-school. She is a frequent lecturer on trial evidence, special education law and other related topics.
Recognition
In April 2005, Ms. Darling received a "Voice For All Children Award" from the Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect. In April 2008, Ms. Darling was recognized for her commitment to providing pro bono law services at Touro law Center's Goods and Services Auction. In 2005, 2009 and 2011, she was honored as one of "Long Island's Top 50 Professional Women" by Long Island Business News and has been honored as a member of the "Top 50 Women Hall of Fame." Additionally, Ms. Darling is rated "AV Preeminent" by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest level in professional excellence, and she was recognized by L.I. Pulse Magazine in 2010 and 2011 as one of the region's "Top Legal Eagles".
Professional Affiliations
Ms. Darling is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association, founding member of the Committee of Attorneys and Accountants, and a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. She is also a member of the New York State Bar Association, and the Theodore Roosevelt Inn of Court.
Admissions
Ms. Darling is admitted to practice law in New York State. She is also admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York as well as the United States Supreme Court.
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