I am a successful trial attorney with substantial experience in criminal, family, matrimonial, and surrogate issues. My philosophy is that everyone deserves to have the best legal representation possible … and that is what I provide for each of my clients. As a sole practitioner in Ithaca over the last 19 years, I have long been committed to being a dedicated advocate for any member of our community – including those who cannot afford an attorney, through the assigned counsel program and my pro bono work. I handle cases from initial appearance through hearings, preliminary exams, non-jury trials, and jury trial. Over the years I have taken custody, visitation and family offense matters to trial, divorce matters to trial, and support matters to hearing. I have represented clients in non-jury trials (where the decision is made by the judge),as well as jury trials to a verdict (an increasing rarity in these days of settled cases). I look forward to working with you to reach a successful resolution of your legal issue.

Emily Daniell is the Managing Partner for Christman Daniell Attorneys. In addition to managing the firm, Emily also handles our family law cases, representing clients and assisting them with their divorces, modifications, enforcements, adoptions, and any other family law-related matters. As a seasoned attorney practicing in the areas of family law and probate, Emily’s goal is to tenaciously fight for clients while always taking time to provide compassionate communication and exceptional client service. As a litigator, she is involved in every step of a client’s case – from intake to final trial. During a case, her goal is to listen to and understand the needs of clients, setting goals together and working hard to achieve those goals throughout the case. Emily started her professional career as a teacher, working with students in junior high and elementary school. While teaching, she attended Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (Now Texas A&M) at night to earn her JD and graduated from law school in 2008. During law school, Emily was a member of the Wesleyan Law Review and multiple scholarship recipient. She graduated 5th in her class, while working full time as an educator. Emily began practicing in the area of real estate law and transitioned into family law soon thereafter. She works hard on each case to think outside the box, and she is not afraid to tackle tough legal issues. Emily has personal experience with divorce and co-parenting, which allows her a unique perspective while representing clients who are walking through these types of cases. Her experiences allow her to bring an important level of compassion and understanding to these often-difficult life transitions.

Craig A. Darling, Esq., is a Family Law Trial Attorney with more than 17 years of litigation experience and is proficient in all family law matters. Mr. Darling has substantial experience with Family Law Appeals having prepared or assisted in the preparation of numerous Writs and Appellate briefs and argued over a dozen cases before the California Court of Appeal, 4th District, Division 3. As an attorney, Mr. Darling previously volunteered for the Parking Lot Justice Program with Saddleback Church located in Lake Forest, California. This volunteer opportunity presents California-licensed attorneys to meet one-on-one to answer questions related to various areas of law including California Family Law. Mr. Darling worked closely with the Wings for Justice 403(b) Non-Profit Organization, representing underprivileged women and mothers victimized by Domestic Violence. Darling also has Appellate Litigation experience where he Argued 10 Writs or Appeals before the California Court of Appeal, 4th District, Division 3. During law school, Mr. Darling worked as a Research Assistant for the Honorable James N. Barr, Federal Bankruptcy Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court, Santa Ana, California. This research focused primarily on the potential conflict of in re Gruntz (9th Circuit) 202 F.3d 1074, and the “Rooker-Feldman ” Doctrine. Darling also interned with the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, Harbor Justice Center, Newport Beach, California, conducting legal research, interviewing clients, and drafting motions to suppress under California Penal Code Section 1538.5.

Ms. Davis has been practicing family law for over 20 years and focuses on complex divorce and custody litigation. Ms. Davis is the prior President and Chair of the Firm and also is an Adjunct Professor at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Ms. Davis is certified as a family law specialist by the Arizona state Bar; is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers; is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell; and is honored by Best Lawyer’s in America, Super Lawyers, and more elite organizations.