Lateral Story - Daniela Gonzales Aldape

Daniela Gonzales Aldape noticed something was missing.

As the only minority woman to make partner at her firm, she often looked around a room that did not reflect herself and did not reflect the diversity that she saw as essential to any environment. Though her prior firm and partners were outstanding litigators and trial attorneys, she simply felt that more diversity, in all respects, would lead to bring different ideas, perspective and innovation to daily life as an attorney. So when it came time to explore new opportunities, Daniela sought an environment where she could collaborate with colleagues who would challenge her to take on new perspectives. Upon discovering that her practice group at Dykema was led by women, she began to feel the pull towards Dykema.

Big firm, small feel

Dykema’s reputation in the automotive product liability space is what initially caught Daniela’s eye. After nearly two decades representing automotive clients across the country, she knew Dykema ranked among the big players. But still, she admits she was “apprehensive about coming to a bigger firm.”

It didn’t take long for Daniela to realize that life at Dykema was nothing like she expected, with a culture built on integrity, collegiality, and professionalism. “You’re given resources, and the people here don’t want to compete with you—they want you to succeed. You’re helping to make another person shine, knowing it will make a difference to everyone.”

A culture of inclusion

As a mother of three, Daniela is no stranger to wearing many hats at once—in fact, it’s that type of dynamic environment she thrives in. A big influence on her decision to join Dykema came when a member took her out to lunch and shared her success at Dykema while being a working parent of multiple children, and Daniela witnessed firsthand how the firm encourages its people to balance work life and home life. “I saw her with kids, doing this job, helping run the litigation department and I thought, ‘you know what, I can do this. I can be part of this group.’” Daniela happened to relate to that particular situation, but recognizes that it may not speak to everyone. With such a diverse group around her at Dykema, she’s seen how her colleagues have embraced the “life” part of work-life balance to stay grounded in their own lives.

Daniela’s impact on the Dykema team was evident from day one. “To describe Daniela as a multitasker would grossly undervalue her talents,” says one colleague. “[She] is a unique combination of commercial litigator, forensic investigator, air-traffic controller, and symphony conductor.”

Leading the charge

A year into her role, Daniela continues to motivate our team with her infectious energy every day. As a mother, her goal is to raise global citizens who are socially aware, independent thinkers; as an attorney, her goal is to instill good communication and active problem solving with her clients and her colleagues, and empower each of them to become the change they wish to see.