Donnalynn Darling

1-516-741-6565~Law Practice Donnalynn Darling is the Chair of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C.’s Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice groups, and Chair of the firm’s Education Law practice. Ms. Darling’s practice specializes in plaintiff’s personal injury trial work, as well as trials of catastrophic tort and wrongful deaths. Her use of a creative approach to the issue of proximate cause in a prominent wrongful death suit resulted in a homeowner being held responsible for the death of a pedestrian who was struck by a motor vehicle. In creating the firm’s Education Law practice, Ms. Darling responded to increasing requests by parents of learning disabled children for assistance in securing timely educational evaluations, services and accommodations for their children in public and private school settings under federal and state regulations.Professional Profile Ms. Darling’s professional life has been driven by her advocacy for children. In 1978, upon graduation from law school, she began her career as an Assistant District Attorney under Bronx D.A. Mario Merola. As part of her exhausting caseload, she was in charge of prosecuting sex crimes involving children. In many instances, these alleged victims were unable to verbally communicate their abuse, be it for reasons of trauma, infancy or difficulty with language. Under Ms. Darling’s leadership, the Bronx D.A.’s office pioneered the use of anatomically-correct cloth dolls of all races, ages and genders. The use of these dolls enabled the alleged victims to act out the offenses perpetrated upon them in front of the Grand Jury, when they lacked the verbal skills to do so, in order that indictments could be obtained. This trail-blazing method of testimony was upheld by the courts and is widely used today. Ms. Darling worked personally with these young victims whose trust in her was bolstered by her youth and compassion. Their devastating tales of abuse remain with her today as she advocates for children in the special education and personal injury arenas.Community Involvement In addition, Ms. Darling works with the parents of "twice exceptional" children, or those who are intellectually gifted as well as learning disabled. Ms. Darling serves as counsel and is a board member of TECA, Long Island’s Twice Exceptional Children’s Advocacy group. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Variety Child Learning Center, a center-based special education pre-school. Ms. Darling has been appointed by Nassau County Department of Health Commissioner David M. Ackman, M.D., as a member of the County’s Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council whose purpose it is to advise the County regarding the planning, delivery and evolution of services to special needs children from birth to age three.Recognition In April 2005, Ms. Darling received a "Voice For All Children Award" from the Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect. In May 2005, she was honored as one of "Long Island’s Top 50 Professional Women" by Long Island Business News. Additionally, Ms. Darling is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest level in professional excellence and ethics.Professional Affiliations Ms. Darling is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association, co-chair and founding member of the Committee of Attorneys and Accountants, and a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. She is also a member of the New York State Bar Association and is a frequent lecturer on trial evidence, special education law and other topics.