Over the past decade, Professor Danielle Wingfield, L’14, has followed a remarkable career path. The Sharpe Community Scholar from William & Mary attended law school at Richmond before receiving her doctorate at UVA. In partnership with the Child Advocate Law Firm, Wingfield served as guardian ad litem providing legal counsel for parents in need and tackling discrimination cases in school districts. She also taught at the UVA Schools of Law and Education and the Center for Civil and Human Rights at Gonzaga University School of Law.

Wingfield’s journey brought her full circle last fall when she returned to Richmond Law, this time as a member of the faculty.

“I had a very positive experience here at Richmond. It was a great life choice,” she said, fondly recalling the pivotal moment she knew Richmond was the right law school for her. On Admitted Students Day, a chance encounter with professor Jonathan Stubbs, who would later become her adviser, played a crucial role in her decision. “He came across as genuinely concerned for my well-being as a prospective student,” she said.

“The family law clinic is what initially drew me to apply to Richmond Law because I wanted to become a family lawyer,” Wingfield said. “It was as if the heart and community of Richmond were calling to me."

Wingfield has worked closely with the director of the Family Law Clinic during her time as a student. By her third year, she was using her practice certificate to try cases in courtrooms throughout Richmond. One summer, Wingfield worked in Accra, Ghana, with professor Stubbs practicing international family law and also clerked for Virginia Senator Henry L. Harsh III.

Returning to the Richmond Law faculty a decade after she graduated, Wingfield is grateful for the opportunity to shape the next generation of lawyers. She describes her experience as a professor like being “super close to family” and emphasized the collegiality of the faculty and the vibrant student community.

“I didn’t think it could get any better than when I was a student,” she said. “I almost didn’t want to come back as I thought it would diverge from the fond memories I had. But that hasn’t been the case at all. I came back to the same collegial faculty and the same bustling student community.

“I’ve felt that warmth ever since I returned,” she continued. “The students have been exuberant and engaged. My fellow faculty members are capable and kind. The same things that drew me here as a student are the things that keep me excited to come to work.”