Danielle DeVito-Hurley, Inspiring the Next Generation of Women Lawyers

Through her unwavering commitment to family, mentorship, and community, Danielle DeVito-Hurley (’95) is not just raising her own daughters to be future leaders but also paving the way for the next generation of women lawyers. In addition to her oldest daughter following in her footsteps and becoming a lawyer, DeVito-Hurley also has a niece at a law firm in Miami and another niece who is currently in law school.

Her leadership and determination started at an early age, and for her, there was no other choice than Florida State University for both undergraduate and law school. “I only applied to one school, which seems a bit crazy now, but I knew FSU was the place for me,” she says.

While on the path to becoming an accountant, her trajectory shifted dramatically after enrolling in a business law class, igniting a passion that would shape her future.

It was also at FSU that she met her husband, solidifying the university's role in both her personal and professional life. DeVito-Hurley credits FSU for her success. “I owe everything to FSU,” she states. “Without the support and resources from the professors and the university, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

During law school, DeVito-Hurley gained a variety of experiences, including an internship at the House of Representatives, where she worked with a tax representative. “FSU offers so many opportunities for its students,” she said, underscoring the importance of real-world experience in shaping future lawyers.

After an interview with Jeffrey Stoops (’84), FSU Law alumni and then partner at Gunster, DeVito-Hurley secured a position at Gunster, where she has thrived for nearly 30 years. “It was one of the best decisions of my life,” she says. “Gunster is the most accommodating and caring firm.”

Now based in Fort Lauderdale, she finds fulfillment in real estate law, where collaboration and building relationships are key. “Our deals are generally friendly and collaborative; both sides need to be happy to get it done,” she explains. She is also the current co-chair of the Real Estate Practice Group. 

The legacy of FSU and law runs deep in her family. Inspired by her mother’s career and work-life balance, DeVito-Hurley’s oldest daughter Charly, an FSU graduate, chose to continue the family tradition—but at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Today, she, too, works at Gunster. “It’s a phenomenal legacy,” DeVito-Hurley says with pride. “I think this is the first time Gunster has had a mother-daughter attorney combination.”

DeVito-Hurley shares her experience of how one can successfully balance a high-powered career with motherhood as she actively mentors other young female lawyers, instilling in them her mantra: “You have to create it.”

In her spare time, DeVito-Hurley is an avid traveler, having explored over 50 countries. “We recently went to Iceland and also attended the FSU game in Dublin. Traveling allows me to step out of my own environment and experience different cultures and perspectives,” she says, emphasizing the value of broadening horizons.