Dana Panza Macdonald

Dana Panza Macdonald practices primarily in the areas of labor and employment, litigation, and education matters in state and federal courts. Dana is Board Certified in Education Law by the Florida Bar.

Education Law

Dana is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in higher education law, specializing in advising universities, colleges, and academic institutions on a range of legal matters. With a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, student rights, faculty and staff issues, and institutional governance, Dana assists educational institutions in navigating the complex legal landscape. She has successfully represented clients in Title IX, accreditation, student conduct, and employment law matters, while also providing strategic counsel on policy development and risk management. Dana has moderated and spoken at various educational seminars hosted by the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) and other civic associations on workplace discrimination and social media issues. Known for a collaborative approach and a keen ability to solve intricate legal challenges, Dana is a trusted advisor for institutions seeking to advance their educational missions in compliance with the law.

Labor and Employment Law

With a strong background in labor and employment law, Dana advises employers on matters related to wage and hour compliance, employee classification, and overtime regulations. She regularly assists clients in navigating complex FLSA issues and developing policies that minimize legal risks while promoting compliance. With a deep understanding of federal and state labor laws, Dana is also skilled in resolving disputes involving wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and other employment-related matters, providing practical solutions to assist institutions and businesses in maintaining a fair and compliant workplace.

In addition to her advisory work, Dana has extensive experience representing employers in administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). She is also well-versed in handling unemployment compensation hearings, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaints, internal grievances, and workplace investigations. Dana partners with employers to proactively identify and address potential issues and develop and implement effective employment policies and procedures that align with organizational goals and legal requirements.

Dana also litigates employment matters in state and federal courts, skillfully defending clients in various employment disputes from inception through resolution. Her comprehensive approach, spanning counseling, risk management, and litigation, makes her a trusted advisor to employers navigating today’s complex workplace challenges.

Community Leadership

Florida Trend Media Company has recognized Dana as Florida Trend’s Legal Elite NOTABLE – Women Leaders in Law (2025) and as Florida Trend’s Legal Elite NOTABLE – Managing Partners (2024). She serves on the Florida Bar’s Education Law Committee. She previously served on the Florida Bar Education Law Certification Committee, holding the position of Vice Chair from 2022–2023 and Chair from 2023–2024, contributing her expertise to maintaining high standards in the field of education law.

Dana is a member of the Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class 42. This prestigious program brings together established leaders from across the state to engage in meaningful dialogue and develop strategies for Florida’s future.

In addition, Dana was appointed by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners to serve on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board from 2014-2019, where she played an active role in shaping policies that enhance public spaces and recreational opportunities for residents. Dana has a long history of service in various leadership roles with Gilda’s Club South Florida, the Broward County Library Foundation, and the Christ Church School Board of Fort Lauderdale.

Education and Background

Dana earned her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, cum laude, in 2001 and her B.S. from Florida State University in 1998. While at Stetson University College of Law, she was a Senior Associate Member of the nationally recognized Stetson Law Review and a member of the internationally acclaimed Phi Delta Phi legal honorary fraternity. Dana interned for the Honorable Thomas G. Wilson, United States Magistrate Judge, Tampa Division. Dana has also written numerous case digests, which have been published in the Recent Developments section of the Stetson Law Review in 2001 and 2002. Dana began her career in 2001 at the Broward County Public Defender’s Office. After developing her litigation skills with the Broward County Public Defender’s Office, she joined the law Firm of Panza, Maurer & Maynard as an Associate. Dana is currently serving as the Managing Partner at the Law Firm of Panza Maurer.

Dana is admitted to the Florida Bar, New York State Bar, and the United States District Court for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida. She is a member of the Administrative Law and Labor and Employment Law Sections of The Florida Bar and a member of the Broward County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Broward County Women’s Lawyer Association, the Italian American Bar Association, the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA), Florida State University Boosters, Broward County Seminole Club, Gilda’s Club, and the Broward County Tri Delta Alumni Association.