DAN SPIRA focuses his practice on the defense of product liability cases and consumer class actions. In both state and federal trial and appellate courts, Dan has represented clients in a wide array of industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, nutritional supplements, food and beverages, automotives, construction products and consumer goods. In addition to first-chair jury trial experience in federal court, Dan has extensive experience managing multi-district litigation, writing and arguing successful motions at various stages of litigation, taking and defending depositions, working with medical and economic expert witnesses and managing complex discovery. Dan’s track record of securing favorable judgments for his clients spans every phase of litigation, including motions to dismiss, summary judgment, class certification, trial and appeal. Dan has also advised clients through pre-litigation risk assessments, as well as regarding regulatory reporting obligations to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Dan also maintains an active pro bono practice, including representation of Illinois prisoners in § 1983 actions alleging violations of his clients’ Constitutional rights. Prior to joining Sidley, Dan worked as a staff attorney at Equip for Equality in Chicago, advocating on behalf of people with disabilities in a variety of civil litigation matters, including employment discrimination, public accommodation and guardianship.
Dan received his B.A. in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis in 2006, and received his J.D. from Washington University School of Law in 2009, graduating magna cum laude and Order of the Coif. While in law school, he served as a notes editor for the Washington University Law Review, and worked as an extern for the Honorable Morton Denlow in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Dan has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (2022–2025) for his work in Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants. He has also been named to Benchmark Litigation’s 2024 “40 & Under” list.