Dayna Matthew

Associate Attorney

Licensed In Indiana

Dayna graduated from the University of Cincinnati, earning both her JD and MA in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies through the university’s joint degree program. Her thesis focused on promoting the legal recognition of non-parents in Ohio using a feminist jurisprudential lens. Dayna knows, from personal and professional experience, that the idea of “family” can evolve with time—that’s why she centers her practice on family justice, helping clients end relationships that no longer serve them but keep their family in a way that does. Dayna strives to empower her clients to recognize their strength and resilience as they form a new understanding of “family.”

In law school, Dayna participated in the Domestic Violence & Civil Protection Order Clinic, was a writer and editor for the Immigration and Human Rights Law Review, and served as Program Assistant for the Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice. She was also awarded a social justice fellowship through The Memorial Foundation.

Prior to joining WSM, Dayna was an attorney with a well-known family law firm in Cincinnati. Her passions lie with helping survivors of domestic violence obtain civil protection orders, drafting appellate briefs over complex family law issues, and working cases supporting women and children.

Outside of work, Dayna is usually found decorating and re-decorating her house, binge-watching true crime documentaries, or otherwise trying to minimize the hundreds of books she has on her to-be-read list. She lives with her husband, Steve, and their beagle, Rooster.

Education:

JD | 2023 | University of Cincinnati College of Law
MA | 2023 | University of Cincinnati College of Arts & Sciences
BS | 209 | Loyola University Chicago

Awards

CALI Awards for Excellence in Remedies, Domestic Violence & Civil Protection Order Clinic, and Child Protection Advocacy
National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Student Award
Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice Law School Community Service Award