Daniel Lei

Daniel Lei is an attorney at Simmons Hanly Conroy, where he focuses on legal writing and motion practice in support of the firm’s mass tort and complex litigation cases.

He brings extensive appellate experience to every case, researching and drafting the motions that shape how a case unfolds.

“Having spent years on the other side of the bench reading briefs, I know how much difference a clean, well-supported argument makes,” Daniel said. “And it’s satisfying to be the person building that for people who have been seriously harmed.”

Building a Strong Legal Foundation Behind Every Case

Daniel’s work supports some of the firm’s most significant mass tort and complex litigation matters, including In re: Uber Technologies, Inc. Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation (MDL No. 3084) and In re: Roblox Corporation Child Sexual Exploitation and Assault Litigation (MDL No. 3166).

His role centers on researching and drafting dispositive and discovery motions, analyzing complex legal questions such as federal preemption and choice of law, and developing the internal legal strategy that guides cases across the firm’s caseload.

Before turning his focus to mass torts, Daniel spent nearly six years working inside the Appellate Division, an experience that shapes how he approaches every case today.

“I know what persuades a court, what makes an argument fall apart on review, and where cases are quietly lost long before appeal,” Daniel explained. “Combining that judicial perspective with plaintiff-side mass tort practice lets me write motions aimed squarely at the trial court while building a record that holds up if the case goes further.”

While clients may not often interact with Daniel directly, his work developing legal theories, responding to defense motions, and protecting the record for appellate review is central to their case behind the scenes.

“Whether I am working with a client directly or through attorneys who manage the client relationship, clients should expect plain-language explanations, realistic assessments rather than optimistic ones, and prompt answers about where their case stands and what comes next,” Daniel said.

Background & Experience

Daniel grew up in Queens and is a lifelong New Yorker. He took an accelerated path to his legal career, completing a 3+3 program between the University at Albany and Albany Law School that allowed him to earn his bachelor’s in economics and his J.D. in just six years.

Daniel graduated cum laude at both stages. During law school, he served as Managing Editor of Research and Writing for the Albany Law Journal of Science and Technology. He was also a semifinalist in the Domenick L. Gabrielli Appellate Advocacy Competition and received Albany Law School’s Platinum Pro Bono Award.

After law school, Daniel built his career around appellate practice, beginning with a clerkship as an Appellate Court Attorney at the Appellate Division, Fourth Department. He later spent nearly four years as a Principal Appellate Court Attorney at the Appellate Division, First Department, reviewing appellate records and drafting bench memoranda and decisions for the Court.

Outside of work, Daniel enjoys playing volleyball and snowboarding.