Daniel P. Schaefer
Partner
Daniel Schaefer is a seasoned trial attorney who represents companies and institutions in high-stakes commercial, employment, and product liability litigation. As a Litigation Partner leading Esbrook P.C.’s Washington, D.C. office, he brings a practical, courtroom-ready approach to complex disputes—whether defending catastrophic claims, managing regulatory risk, or aligning litigation strategy with business objectives.
Daniel leads Esbrook P.C.’s national product liability defense practice, with a focus on defending wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims allegedly arising from the use of off-road vehicles and other consumer products. He represents clients in state and federal courts across the country in matters involving substantial exposure, complex technical evidence, and coordinated proceedings. Daniel has extensive experience leading all phases of high-stakes product liability litigation—from early case assessment and expert strategy to dispositive motion practice, trial, and appeal.
He also has extensive experience defending private employers and federal agencies in litigation involving wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, and constitutional claims. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia, Daniel served as lead counsel in dozens of employment matters brought under Title VII, the ADEA, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Whistleblower Protection Act. His docket included high-profile cases involving due process and First Amendment claims, security clearance revocations, and challenges to adverse personnel actions. He led cases from inception through resolution—managing complex discovery, first-chairing federal jury trials, and briefing and arguing appeals before the D.C. Circuit. His work earned multiple awards for excellence in litigation and public service.
In addition to his defense work, Daniel represents whistleblowers in qui tam actions under the False Claims Act. He draws on his background in government enforcement and trial litigation to guide relators through the investigative process, coordinate with the Department of Justice, and litigate declined actions when necessary.
Daniel practices within a platform built for modern litigation. At Esbrook P.C., he is part of a team of former Big Law attorneys delivering elite trial capability with lean staffing and cost-aligned economics. The firm regularly partners with in-house legal departments on matters where experience, efficiency, and responsiveness are critical—offering a true alternative to traditional large-firm models. Clients value Esbrook’s ability to scale quickly, handle factually and legally complex matters, and try cases when necessary.
He lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his family and enjoys coaching youth sports and playing guitar.