Daniel Gutman

Daniel has over fifteen years of experience in civil rights law and policy. He represents clients in complex civil and government-related matters involving ballot measures, political and issue advocacy, and civil rights enforcement.

Daniel has built a reputation as a go-to legal authority on direct democracy efforts in Nebraska, working with ballot campaign committees and democracy-oriented nonprofits at every step of the qualification and certification process. He regularly advises clients on procedural and substantive laws governing ballot measures in Nebraska, including the single subject rule and signature collection. Daniel has successfully represented several ballot campaign committees at the Nebraska Supreme Court, ensuring ballot qualification for his clients.

Beyond election law, Daniel has extensive experience in both trial and appellate advocacy, representing clients in state and federal court. Clients look to him for successful representation in complex civil rights cases involving free speech violations, excessive force, and unlawful discrimination. Daniel’s expertise in this area is informed by his years of advocacy before law school working on prison reform efforts in the Deep South. 

Before founding Gutman Law Group, Daniel served as a law clerk to the Honorable John M. Gerrard of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska. He then spent several years in private practice litigating commercial disputes, constitutional claims, and election law matters, including three legal challenges to a 2020 ballot initiative. In addition to his work at the firm, Daniel directs the First Amendment Clinic at the University of Nebraska College of Law. 

Outside of work, Daniel enjoys spending time with his wife, two rambunctious sons, and dog, Murray.

CONTACT DANIEL

  • daniel@glg.law

  • 402-319-8897

Education

  • J.D., University of Nebraska College of Law, High Honors

    • Articles Editor, Nebraska Law Review 

    • 2016 Theodore Sorensen Fellow 

  • B.A., American University

Clerkships

  • Hon. John M. Gerrard, U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska 

Awards

  • 2024 Seeds of Justice Award from Nebraska Appleseed

Publications

  • Stolen Profits: Civil Shoplifting Demands and the Misuse of Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-21,194, 95 Neb. L.. Rev. 28 (2016) (co-author).