Jessica Dayton

Justice for Victims

Ms. Dayton, a founding partner of ADZ Law LLP, is a dedicated advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. As a Certified Family Law Specialist, her unique expertise in both family law and tort litigation allows her to pursue justice for her clients beyond the traditional family court framework. Ms. Dayton focuses her practice on representing those who have endured significant adversity, tackling complex civil legal matters with a trauma-centered approach.

Litigation Expertise & Trial Advocacy

Ms. Dayton has built a distinguished career on her extensive trial experience, representing clients in high-stakes cases that demand both legal precision and persuasive advocacy. She specializes in holding perpetrators of sexual assault and domestic violence accountable not only for their actions but also in pursuing justice against entities that fostered or enabled abusive environments, including employers, organizations, and schools that failed to protect or even tacitly supported the misconduct.

Her trial work is marked by a meticulous approach and commanding courtroom presence, achieving significant victories for her clients. Ms. Dayton has also successfully utilized anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) motions to dismiss retaliatory lawsuits aimed at silencing survivors who take a stand against their abusers, ensuring that their voices remain strong and their rights protected.

A Leader in Advocacy and Legal Services

Ms. Dayton’s leadership in advocacy was honed during her decade-long tenure as the Manager of Legal Services at Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA), where she developed legal strategies that provided essential support to survivors. Prior to her work at CORA, she was a disability rights advocate at a prominent plaintiffs' litigation firm. Early in her career, she served as a clerk for Judge Michael Farrell at the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, capitalizing on her attention to detail and her love of persuasive argument.

Public Policy Advocacy & Legal Training

In addition to her litigation practice, Ms. Dayton is a prominent voice in public policy, advocating for legislative reforms to protect and empower survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. She is a notable speaker at conferences by organizations such as the National Crime Victim Bar Association, National Center for Victims of Crime, Consumer Advocates of California, the National Crime Victim Law Institute, and the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists. She is also committed to mentoring and training pro bono and new attorneys, sharing her extensive litigation experience and insights to strengthen the community of advocates for victims' rights.