Danya Perry Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Husband, Children, Net Worth, Family, Education, Career, Law Firm, Photos

Danya Perry Biography

Danya Perry is a prominent American attorney and co-founder of Perry Guha LLP, a law firm that specializes in civil and criminal litigation, as well as white-collar investigations. She has extensive experience in both government and private legal practice, having worked as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and as Deputy Attorney General for New York State.

Perry has also held the position of Chief of Litigation and Deputy General Counsel at MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated, where she managed complex commercial litigations, mergers, and corporate governance matters. In 2019, she co-founded her law firm, Perry Guha LLP, where she continues to handle critical cases related to fraud, money laundering, and corruption, while also representing victims of sexual assault and discrimination.

In addition to her legal career, Perry is an accomplished marathoner and a regular media commentator on networks such as CNN and MSNBC. She has authored numerous op-eds in major publications like The New York Times and Washington Post.

Danya Perry Age

Danya Perry was born on July 8, 1971, which makes her 53 years old as of 2024.

Danya Perry Hometown

Danya Perry hails from Manhattan, New York.

Danya Perry Height

Danya Perry is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.

Danya Perry Educational Background

Danya Perry has an impressive academic background, beginning with her undergraduate studies at Harvard College, where she graduated magna cum laude in 1993. During her time at Harvard, she was a Phi Beta Kappa member and received several prestigious awards, including the Charles H. Eliot Prize for Outstanding Senior Thesis and the History and Literature Award for Distinction in her major. Perry was also honored with the Agassiz Scholarship for Academic Achievement and recognized as a John Harvard Scholar for her exceptional academic performance.

Following her undergraduate success, Perry pursued a Juris Doctor (JD) at Yale Law School, graduating in 1996. During her time at Yale, she gained hands-on legal experience by working both part-time and full-time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Danya Perry Career

Danya Perry Wikipedia, Biography

Danya Perry is an accomplished attorney with an extensive career spanning both public service and private legal practice. She has built a reputation as a formidable litigator, particularly in white-collar criminal defense and complex commercial litigation. Perry co-founded the boutique litigation firm Perry Guha LLP in 2019, where she continues to represent clients in high-stakes legal matters. Her career includes significant roles in the public sector, including service as Deputy Attorney General for New York State and a long tenure as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Assistant United States Attorney (2002–2013)

Danya Perry’s career took off when she joined the Southern District of New York (SDNY) as an Assistant United States Attorney in 2002. She served in this capacity for 11 years, rising to the position of Senior Trial Counsel and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. During her time at SDNY, Perry handled a variety of high-profile cases, particularly focusing on white-collar crimes. She prosecuted landmark cases, including the largest immigration fraud, billion-dollar healthcare fraud, and massive identity theft rings in U.S. history.

Leadership in White-Collar Crime Prosecutions

Perry’s experience at SDNY made her a renowned figure in white-collar criminal prosecutions. She led cases that involved large-scale fraud, money laundering, and corruption. One of the most significant cases she worked on involved a billion-dollar healthcare fraud scheme, where Perry played a central role in investigating and prosecuting the perpetrators. Her deep involvement in these cases allowed her to develop expertise in handling sophisticated financial crimes, positioning her as an expert in white-collar defense when she transitioned to private practice.

The Moreland Commission (2013–2014)

In 2013, Danya Perry was appointed as Deputy Attorney General for New York State and Chief of Investigations for the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption. This role involved overseeing a sweeping investigation into corruption in New York State’s government. The commission was created by Governor Andrew Cuomo in response to widespread allegations of misconduct by state lawmakers.

Chief of Litigation at MacAndrews & Forbes (2014–2019)

After her work with the Moreland Commission, Perry transitioned to the private sector as the Chief of Litigation and Deputy General Counsel at MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated, a diversified holding company in New York City. In this role, she was responsible for managing all aspects of the company’s litigation and compliance matters.

Founding of Perry Guha LLP (2019–Present)

In 2019, Perry co-founded Perry Guha LLP with fellow litigator Samidh Guha. The firm quickly gained prominence as a minority- and woman-owned boutique that specializes in civil and criminal trial practice and white-collar investigations. Perry has represented corporations and individuals in some of the most high-profile cases of recent years.

Notable Cases and High-Profile Clients

One of Perry’s most well-known cases in recent years was her defense of Michael Avenatti, the lawyer best known for representing adult-film actress Stormy Daniels in lawsuits against Donald Trump. Perry represented Avenatti during his trial for attempting to extort millions of dollars from Nike. Although Avenatti was eventually convicted, Perry’s legal strategy in the case was widely discussed, reflecting her ability to handle complex, high-stakes litigation.

Media Presence and Public Commentary

Beyond the courtroom, Perry is a well-known legal commentator and regularly appears on national news networks such as CNN, MSNBC, and BBC. She provides expert analysis on matters related to white-collar crime, corporate governance, and public corruption.

In addition to her television appearances, Perry has authored op-eds for major publications including The New York Times and The Washington Post, where she shares her insights on pressing legal and political issues.

Recognition and Awards

Danya Perry has received numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2024, she was included in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America for her expertise in Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Litigation: Labor and Employment.

Danya Perry Husband and Children

Danya Perry was previously married to Mark Steven Hootnick, an investment banker and managing director at PJ SOLOMON’s Debt Advisory & Restructuring Practice. The couple got married in a Jewish ceremony at the St. Thomas Synagogue on April 3, 2004. However, they have since divorced, and Perry is now a single mother.

Perry and Hootnick have three children together: two sons and one daughter. Their names are Asher Hootnick, Adin Hootnick, and Jonah Hootnick.

Danya Perry Net Worth

Danya Perry has an estimated net worth of $8 million as of 2024.

FAQs

Who is Danya Perry?

Danya Perry is a prominent attorney and co-founder of Perry Guha LLP, a law firm specializing in civil and criminal litigation, with a focus on white-collar investigations.

What is Danya Perry’s role in the legal industry?

Perry is known for her expertise in white-collar crime defense and commercial litigation, representing corporations, individuals, and survivors of sexual assault. She has handled high-profile cases, including the prosecution of major fraud and corruption cases.

What are some notable cases Danya Perry has worked on?

One of her most notable cases was defending Michael Avenatti, a former attorney convicted of extorting Nike. She has also prosecuted billion-dollar healthcare fraud and the largest immigration fraud case in U.S. history.

What is Danya Perry’s connection to public service?

Perry served as Deputy Attorney General of New York and was the Chief of Investigations for the Moreland Commission, where she investigated public corruption.