LAWYER PROFILE
Daniel T. Donovan

Daniel T. Donovan

USA 2026

Chambers ranking badge
Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Practice Areas

Dan is an experienced trial lawyer and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Dan serves as lead trial counsel for clients on energy, financial, and technology disputes across basins and the country. Clients seek him out for his ability to present complex issues in a straightforward manner and craft creative business solutions to successfully resolve energy and business disputes. Dan has a deep understanding of the energy industry and applies that to secure swift resolution - through trial, arbitration or settlement. Dan has a proven track record of preparing and winning cases in the energy sector before trial courts and arbitration panels across the country, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Texas and North Dakota. In his plaintiff-side litigation practice, Dan has secured several substantial recoveries in commercial matters, including a recent cash recovery of over $250 million. In addition to his trial practice, Dan has secured victories for energy companies in the Third and Sixth Circuits, as well as the Ohio Supreme Court.

Personal

The George Washington University Law School, J.D. (Highest Honors), 1996, Jacob Burns Merit Scholar; Villanova University, B.S., Accounting (cum laude), 1993

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Oil & Gas Litigation - USA - Nationwide

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial
Daniel Donovan has substantial expertise in oil and gas industry litigation. He manages disputes over breach of contract and lease termination, royalty payments and allegations of failure to operate and improper cost deduction.

Litigation: General Commercial - District of Columbia

Band 4
Band 4

Individual Editorial

Daniel Donovan is a seasoned trial lawyer with wide-ranging commercial experience. He is particularly noted for his representation of clients in the energy sector, as well as resource and pharmaceutical businesses.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Daniel is an excellent lawyer. He is one of the preeminent class action leaders.

    Oil & Gas LitigationChambers Guide to the USA
  • Daniel Donovan is extremely practically minded and delivers outstanding service on complex matters.

    Oil & Gas LitigationChambers Guide to the USA
  • I think Daniel Donovan is outstanding. He is a go-to for big matters.

    Oil & Gas LitigationChambers Guide to the USA
  • Daniel is a highly commercial and extremely creative attorney, who absolutely understands the business and objectives and comes up with business-focused resolutions to our most complex problems.

    Litigation: General CommercialChambers Guide to the USA
  • Dan is an excellent trial lawyer, from pre-trial strategy and preparation through to trial. He brings thorough preparation, smart strategy and effective tactical execution.

    Litigation: General CommercialChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Kirkland & Ellis LLP (404)

California

California: San Francisco, Silicon Valley & Surrou

  • Profile image of Rohit Nafday
    Rohit Nafday

    Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

    View profile

California: Southern

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership