About Daniel J.
Daniel J. Winnike built his legal foundation at two Midwestern schools. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame in 1975. Three years later he graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1978, earning his J.D. with high honors.
His education blends accounting and law. That combination has informed how he approaches client problems. It also shaped a career spent in private practice in California.
Winnike has been associated with Fenwick & West LLP. Over decades in practice he handled matters that required both legal analysis and a clear understanding of financial detail. Peers describe him as methodical in the way he approaches documents and transactions. He has worked on corporate matters that demanded careful drafting and close attention to numbers.
He is admitted to practice in California. Beyond courtroom appearances, his work has included counseling clients, negotiating agreements, and reviewing financial and transactional records. He is comfortable working across teams of lawyers, accountants, and business executives to resolve complex issues.
Former classmates and colleagues recall his days at Michigan and Notre Dame. They point to his academic record as a signal of disciplined study. The accounting background gives him a technical grasp that is useful when legal issues intersect with business operations or financial reporting.
Throughout a long legal career, Winnike has balanced written advocacy with transactional work. He has taken part in negotiations and client counseling, and he has been involved in document-intensive matters. His approach tends to prioritize clarity and precision in both analysis and drafting.
He maintains an active practice in California. As of 2026 he practices at Fenwick & West LLP in California, where his work centers on advising and representing clients.
