Danielle M. Hughes, Esq. 

Managing Attorney and Director of Record Sealing and Expungements

Educational Background
Danielle M. Hughes graduated magna cum laude from Pace University School of Law in 2001, where she was a Dean’s Scholar, a member of the Pace Law Review, and a recipient of a merit scholarship. Her undergraduate studies were completed at the College of William and Mary.

Professional Experience
Danielle is the Managing Attorney at National Security Law Firm. In addition, Danielle oversees the firm’s reputation management practice, focusing on expungements, name changes, sealing records, and obtaining certificates of relief. With over 22 years of civil litigation experience, Danielle has built a diverse practice in areas such as personal injury, premises liability, legal and medical malpractice defense, employment law, and reputation restoration.

Danielle has been working in the area of expungement law since 2005 and focuses on handling cases involving New York and New Jersey law. Her legal background also includes extensive appellate work, with experience preparing briefs and arguing cases before the Appellate Division and the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Legal Accomplishments

  • Admissions: State Courts of New York and New Jersey, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
  • Awards:
    • Equal Justice Award Medal, Legal Services of New Jersey.
    • Major Contributor of Service, Legal Services of New Jersey.
  • Notable Cases:
    • Secured a groundbreaking decision to expunge municipal ordinance violations under New Jersey’s Clean Slate Law (State v. R. O-S., 474 N.J. Super 87, App. Div 2021).
    • Successfully argued a landmark premises liability case before the New Jersey Supreme Court (J.H. v. R&M Tagliareni, 239 N.J. 198, 2019).

Practice Areas
Danielle is a leader in reputation restoration, specializing in complex expungements, early pathway expungements, and contested cases. Her dedication and legal acumen have led to numerous successful outcomes, empowering her clients to overcome legal and societal barriers to reclaim their lives.

Personal Philosophy
Danielle is passionate about giving individuals a second chance and helping them leave their past mistakes behind. Her commitment to restoring dignity and opportunity for her clients is exemplified by her heartfelt approach to every case, including a memorable pro bono effort that helped a young man with a minor marijuana conviction pursue his dream of art school.

Hobbies and Interests
Outside of her legal practice, Danielle enjoys tennis, hiking, paddle boarding, and spending quality time with her family. These activities provide her with balance and inspiration.