Dana Panza Macdonald

Dana has built a distinguished practice at the intersection of education and law, focusing on the complex regulatory and governance challenges facing higher education institutions. She advises universities, colleges, K-12 schools, charter schools and other academic organizations on a wide range of issues, including regulatory compliance, student and faculty rights, employment matters, and institutional governance. Her work reflects a deep understanding of the evolving legal landscape in education law, particularly as institutions navigate heightened scrutiny and changing federal and state requirements.

Dana has extensive experience representing clients in high-stakes matters involving Title IX, accreditation processes, student conduct proceedings, and employment disputes. She partners closely with institutional leaders to develop proactive strategies that not only ensure compliance but also support fair, transparent, and effective campus policies.

In addition to her advisory and litigation work, Dana is an active contributor to the broader higher education legal community. She has moderated and presented at seminars hosted by the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA), where she has addressed pressing topics such as workplace discrimination and the legal implications of social media in academic settings. Through both her practice and thought leadership, Dana is recognized for her commitment to helping educational institutions navigate legal risk while advancing their academic missions.

Dana advises businesses on day-to-day employment issues, including wage and hour compliance, employee classification, and overtime regulations, as well as broader regulatory compliance, risk management, and litigation strategy. Her approach helps organizations navigate complex state and federal employment laws with confidence.

Her practice includes resolving disputes involving wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour claims. She represents employers before administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR), and regularly handles unemployment compensation hearings, Office for Civil Rights complaints, and workplace investigations.

Her practice includes drafting and reviewing employment-related agreements, including employment agreements, hiring and onboarding documents, confidentiality and restrictive covenant agreements, and separation and severance agreements. She works closely with employers to ensure these documents protect business interests while remaining compliant with evolving legal requirements.

In addition to litigation and dispute resolution, Dana partners with clients proactively to develop policies, employee handbooks, and training programs designed to minimize risk and foster positive workplace cultures. She is known for providing practical, business-focused guidance that aligns legal strategy with organizational goals.

Dana is a member of the Broward Workshop and has been recognized as "Florida Trend's Legal Elite NOTABLE – Women Leaders in Law" (2025) and "Florida Trend's Legal Elite NOTABLE – Managing Partners" (2024). She is a member of Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class 42 and previously served on the Broward County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board from 2014 to 2019. Dana has also served with Gilda's Club South Florida, the Broward County Library Foundation, and the Christ Church School Board.

Dana earned her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, cum laude, in 2001, where she was a Senior Associate Member of the Stetson Law Review and a member of Phi Delta Phi legal honorary fraternity. She interned for Hon. Thomas G. Wilson, U.S. Magistrate Judge. She received her B.S. from Florida State University in 1998.