DaWanna L. McCray-Allen
Associate
DaWanna represents major insurance companies, financial institutions, and other Fortune 500 corporations in complex litigation matters in federal and state courts across the nation, as well as in investigations. Through her cases, DaWanna has gained experience drafting briefing across all stages of litigation, taking and defending key depositions, leading internal investigations, and arguing vital motions. Prior to joining Winston, DaWanna served as a law clerk for the Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. This experience provided invaluable insights into the judicial system, enabling DaWanna to grasp the intricacies of the legal process. She draws upon her judicial clerkship experience in her representation of clients.
Key Matters
- Served as Deputy Special Prosecutor in a special grand jury investigation and the highly publicized People of the State of Illinois v. Jussie Smollett trial, which resulted in victory and recognition in The American Lawyer’s “Litigator of the Week” section.
- Served as the lead associate in a two-week arbitration. Vigorously and successfully defended the insurance company client against a US$36M claim.
- Co-led a team that represented an indigent plaintiff in a three-day trial before a Central District of Illinois jury, where she sought money damages under Section 1983 on behalf of her client, who was physically attacked by an inmate and was not protected by the facility guards. Presented the opening and cross-examined the two defendants.
- Victoriously represented a pro bono client before the Office of Immigration Court in his quest for asylum in the U.S. and withholding of removal the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The client suffered severe torture, and his wife was murdered, merely because he carried out his role as a paralegal and helped represent political activists against the Congolese government’s wishes. Managed all aspects of the Merits Hearing, including opening and closing statements, and the direct examination of the client.