Danielle M. Goebel

Danielle Goebel’s practice focuses on litigation, primarily in the areas of employment and civil rights. She has successfully litigated numerous cases in both state and federal court, ranging in scale from single plaintiff discrimination claims to class action civil rights lawsuits.

Danielle works collaboratively with clients to provide effective, practical advice in difficult employment situations. She regularly counsels employers on all issues relating to the employer-employee relationship, including employee discipline and termination, wage and hour issues, ADA accommodations, and family and medical leave. Danielle frequently conducts internal investigations into various employment issues, including allegations of workplace harassment and corporate mismanagement, and helps employers navigate external investigations by government agencies such as the Department of Labor. Additionally, Danielle frequently provides management training on best practices and works with human resources personnel to identify potential issues before they develop.

Danielle’s practice also includes matters involving restrictive covenants, trade secrets, and employment contracts. Danielle’s experience also includes the arbitration of labor disputes and litigating whistleblower claims. 

In addition to the more typical employment statutes, Danielle has successfully litigated cases brought under Title IX, the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, the False Claims Act, and Section 1983. 

While attending law school at Temple University, Danielle interned with U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Rice of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Danielle studied History and Political Science at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.

Representative Experience

• Successfully defeated a motion for class certification in a major civil rights class action alleging systemic language discrimination by a public school system and subsequently obtained summary judgment on all counts.
• Successfully obtained summary judgment on claims of defamation and fraudulent misrepresentation by a disgruntled former employee on behalf of a small business owner.
• Counseled clients on wage and hour compliance and how to structure relationships with independent contractors to withstand scrutiny.
• Assisted in obtaining a preliminary injunction preventing a former employee with access to highly-sensitive customer information from working for a competitor in the industry.
• Assisted in obtaining the reversal of a jury verdict because of a significant error with the District Court’s instruction on the applicable burden of proof.
• Represented multiple clients at fact-finding hearings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

Speeches & Presentations

“Leave Laws and Accommodations Related to COVID-19 and Working From Home,” PBI Employment Law Institute, April 27, 2021.