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Dana Jo-Ann Richardson

Dana Jo-Ann Richardson

Helping family law and criminal defense clients find freedom and peace.
  • Family Law, Divorce, Domestic Violence ...
  • Pennsylvania
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Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial MediaResponsive Law
Biography

What Is My Why? – PEACE

During my early working years, I was a Paramedic. Yes, a Paramedic, as in lights, sirens, stretchers, IVs and yelling, “Clear!” before sending 300 joules of electricity into someone’s heart in hopes of saving their life. Stress and working well under pressure is nothing new to me. After giving birth to my son, Alexander, I decided to go back to school. I was not sure in which direction I wanted to go. I had always wanted to become a world renowned chef and open my own restaurant so I went to culinary school. Yes, Culinary school as in crème brule and crepe Suzette. After earning my associate degree in Specialized Technology, Culinary Arts, and completing my externship at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN, I realized that I wanted to do more to help people. I thought long and hard about who I was at my core and the type of mark I wanted to leave upon the world, and I landed squarely on the practice of law.

During my early years of practicing law, I became drawn to the practice of Family Law because I noticed an opportunity to make a real impact in peoples’ lives by helping them navigate through matters such as divorce and custody. I saw that I not only able to do the legal work, but through our work together I was able to help my clients craft and execute plans to restore peace in their lives. I believe that I am effective in helping my clients because I know what is like to live a life that lacks peace.

I grew up in the Homewood area of Pittsburgh and although I enjoyed a happy and peaceful childhood, I was not immune from seeing how issues such as violence, drug addiction and crime impacted other families around me.

By the time I was a young adult my childhood home had deteriorated into a dysfunctional nightmare that contained atrocities such as physical abuse, mental abuse, rape, drug use, crime, narcissism, gaslighting, and people with serious psychiatric issues within its walls. This was a stark contrast to the happiness, peace, and

Practice Areas
Family Law
Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
Divorce
Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights , Victims Rights
Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
DUI & DWI
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Pennsylvania
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3rd Circuit
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U.S. Supreme Court
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Current
Member and Continuing Legal Education Instructor.
National Black Lawyers
Current
Pennsylvania Bar Institute
Current
Continuing Legal Education Instructor.
Education
Duquesne University School of Law
J.D. (2007) | Law
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Duquesne University School of Law Logo
Point Park University
B.A. (2002) | Legal Studies
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Honors: Graduated with highest honor. Summa Cum Laude
Activities: Vice President of the Alpha Chi, National Honor Society
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Professional Associations
Allegheny County Bar Association
Member
Current
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Cambria County Bar Association
Member
Current
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Pennsylvania Bar association
Member
Current
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Pennsylvania State Bar
Member
- Current
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Speaking Engagements
Crimes Cons and Capers, Families on The Wrong Side of The Law, Television
Very Local TV
American Gangster Trap Queens, Season 3 Episode 9, Television
BET +
Legal Commentator
Cross Examination Techniques, Diving Into A DUI Case, Key West Florida
DUI Defense Lawyers Association
PBI Family Law 101, CLE, Pittsburgh PA
Pennsylvania Bar Institute
Certifications
Juris Doctorate Degree
Duquesne University School of Law
Bachelors of Arts
Point Park University
Websites & Blogs
Website
Law Firm Website
Blog
Can You Date while Going Through A Divorce in Pennsylvania
Blog
The Emotional Impacts of Going Through a Divorce
Blog
How to Get a Divorce if The Other Person Refuses
Blog
How to Manage Holiday Custody Schedules
Contact & Map
Allegheny County Office
1603 Carmody Court
Blaymore II Suite 100
Pittsburgh, PA 15143
US
Toll-Free: (866) 926-6397
Telephone: (412) 991-1837
Fax: (412) 202-2047
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Cambria County Office
100 W. High Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
US
Toll-Free: (866) 926-6397
Telephone: (412) 991-1837
Fax: (412) 202-2047
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed