January 26, 2024

From Southwestern to Success: Meet Dan Kramer '08

Daniel K. Kramer, founder of Kramer Trial Lawyers in Los Angeles and newly elected president of The Southwestern Law School Alumni Association Board of Directors, is focused on charting a bold course for the Alumni Association’s future.

Kramer has spent his legal career advocating for individuals in cases involving catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, and employment discrimination. His path to becoming a courtroom advocate began at Southwestern Law School, where he formed strong ties with the institution and its community. Now, as the leader of the Alumni Association, Kramer is committed to giving back to the next generation of Southwestern students.

“I wasn’t admitted into many law schools, but Southwestern took a chance on me,” Kramer recalls. “Southwestern graduates are a different breed. They’re hardworking and gritty. So much of my success comes from what Southwestern instilled in me.”

Kramer’s connection to his alma mater continued after graduation. In 2015, he joined forces with fellow alumni Michael and Zhenia Burgis ’08 to represent a wrongfully terminated immigrant worker. After a grueling 17-day trial, the team secured a $1.8 million judgment. “It wasn’t about the money, but the principle of justice for a hardworking individual,” Kramer says, emphasizing their shared Southwestern values.

Kramer also credits the mentorship of two accomplished Southwestern alumni, Neville Johnson ’75 and Cindy Johnson ’00, for helping shape his early career. “They took me under their wing when I was a new lawyer,” he reflects. Their support played a pivotal role as he established his own law firm.

As Alumni Association president, Kramer’s goals are clear. He aims to grow the Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund beyond $1 million to help future students. He also plans to restructure the Board to improve alumni engagement through events, continuing legal education (CLE) sessions, and discussions with judges on key legal topics.

Another key focus is fostering stronger connections between students and alumni. Kramer is committed to building opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that students have the support and resources they need to succeed after graduation. “We want to make sure our students are ready to hit the ground running,” he says.

Looking ahead, Kramer envisions an alumni community that lifts one another up. “Southwestern took a chance on me, and I want to make sure we keep taking chances on others,” he says. “We’re all in this together, and through our efforts, all boats rise.”