Attorney
Dana's Bio
Dana Marie Schaal is an Attorney with Tovella Dowling, PC, where she offers specialized legal counsel to both business and nonprofit clients. Prior to joining Tovella Dowling, Ms. Schaal worked with a family office, where she provided comprehensive guidance to various business entities on formation, governance, succession planning, and intricate tax matters. Her expertise extends to advising nonprofit organizations, where she has been instrumental in assisting them with formation, securing tax-exempt status, and navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance and governance structures. She is passionate about helping nonprofits achieve their missions by ensuring they operate within legal frameworks that protect their integrity and promote sustainable growth.
In addition to her work with nonprofits, Ms. Schaal has a robust background in estate planning. She has advised clients on creating tailored estate plans that reflect their personal values and financial goals, including drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Her experience in estate planning is complemented by her knowledge of tax law, allowing her to develop strategies that minimize tax liabilities and maximize the preservation of wealth for future generations.
Ms. Schaal’s journey began on the east coast of the United States, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Criminal Justice and Political Science from the University of North Florida. She later pursued her Juris Doctor degree at California Western School of Law in San Diego. During law school, she gained invaluable experience working with organizations specializing in estate planning, business law, tax law, and elder law. She also remained an active member of the Pro Bono Honors Society, underscoring her dedication to service.
Outside of the office, Ms. Schaal enjoys leading an active lifestyle. She can often be found hiking, cheering on her favorite sports teams, cycling, and spending quality time with her family and her two dogs, Frankie and Nicks.
From a young age, my parents were devoted to outreach ministries and were determined to instill the same values in their children. They believed that we should understand and experience life beyond the privileges we often took for granted, like electricity and running water. This belief led me to spend my summers far from the comfort of home, digging freshwater wells near the border of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, repairing and tiling roofs in the sweltering heat of Georgia, and serving meals to people experiencing homelessness at our local homeless coalition. These experiences were more than just character-building; they were transformative. They taught me the value of hard work, the importance of community, and the profound impact that even small acts of service can have on others' lives.
The passion for outreach that my parents instilled in me became a guiding force in my life. I was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the world around me, to be part of something bigger than myself. However, life’s journey is seldom linear, and I found myself facing a unexpected health condition that required me to reassess my path. Unable to continue my hands-on outreach work, I was determined not to let this setback diminish my commitment to service. Instead, I sought a new avenue through which I could make a difference. This search led me to the field of law, a discipline where I could leverage my skills and experiences to help others in a different, yet equally impactful, way.
At Tovella Dowling, I have found a unique opportunity to blend my passion for service with my legal expertise. I assist our clients by navigating the complex legal logistics that come with running a business or nonprofit, which can often be overwhelming and distracting from their core mission. By shouldering this burden, I allow our clients to focus on what truly matters—advancing their causes, making positive changes, and achieving the goals that inspired them to start their journey in the first place.
This work is deeply fulfilling to me because it allows me to continue the legacy of service that began with my parents. I may no longer be digging wells or repairing roofs, but I am still contributing to the betterment of society by enabling others to pursue their passions and make a difference. My role at Tovella Dowling is more than just a job; it’s a continuation of a lifelong commitment to outreach, service, and helping others achieve their potential.