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 Experience & 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.

Academic Accomplishments & Published Works

Ms. Dayton received her J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law and her undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont. Her scholarly contributions include several influential publications:

  • “California’s Latest Legal Change Reduces a Significant Barrier to Suing Rapists” (2023): An overview of the legislative advocacy efforts led by Ms. Dayton and other advocates to pass AB 2777 (Wicks), which secured a 10-year statute of limitations for adult survivors of sexual assault.
  • “The Threat of Defamation in Domestic Violence Cases and Strategies to Respond” (2022) A look at defamation as a retaliatory and silencing tool used by abusers against the survivors who speak out against them.
  • “The Intersection of Family Law and Torts in Domestic Abuse Cases” (2021): A detailed analysis of how civil tort remedies can be used to achieve justice for victims beyond family court constraints.
  • “Bridging the Gap Between the Civil and Criminal Legal Systems for Domestic Violence Survivors”(2015): An exploration of strategies to ensure justice for victims across both civil and criminal court systems.
  • “The Silencing of a Woman’s Choice” (2004): A critical examination of mandatory arrest and no-drop prosecution policies in domestic violence cases, questioning their impact on survivors’ autonomy.
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.

Leadership & Community Engagement
  • President, San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association
  • Advisory Board Member, Family Violence Appellate Project
  • Advisory Board Member, WOMEN-SV
  • Former Board of Directors Member, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
  • Former Chair, San Mateo County Legal Process Committee of the Domestic Violence Council
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.

Practice Areas
  • Domestic Violence
  • Sexual Assault
  • Anti-SLAPP
  • Civil Litigation
  • Criminal Advocacy for victims of violence