Danielle Mikaelian, a third-year student at Harvard Law School from Thousand Oaks, California, exemplifies the intersection of ambition and intellect in the legal field. Her recent recognition as a 2024 Akerman Scholar underscores her dedication and potential.
Danielle’s academic journey began at Columbia University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in 2021. At Columbia, she distinguished herself by serving on over ten executive boards and receiving the 2021 Student of the Year award. Her leadership roles included Wellness Chair across Columbia’s undergraduate and graduate schools, Head of Publications for the Activities Board, and the Columbia Armenian Society President. Notably, she founded the Columbia Women in Law and Politics Journal as its Editor-in-Chief, highlighting her commitment to integrating legal scholarship with gender empowerment.
At Harvard Law School, Danielle has continued to excel. She has held significant positions such as Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President of Operations for the Harvard Association for Law and Business and Co-Managing Print Editor for the Journal of Sports and Entertainment Law. Her leadership extends to co-presiding over the Armenian Law Students Association and providing pro bono assistance to entertainment industry clients through Harvard’s Cyberlaw Clinic and Recording Artists Project.
Danielle’s academic excellence has been recognized with the Dean’s Scholar Prize at Harvard, an honour reserved for outstanding academic achievement students. Additionally, her selection as a Ms. JD Fellow reflects her potential to influence the future of law.
Beyond her academic and organizational commitments, Danielle is a published poet whose works have been featured in publications such as Cornell University’s HyeBred Magazine and The Armenian Weekly. This artistic endeavour complements her legal pursuits and showcases her multifaceted talents.
As a 2024 Akerman Scholar, Danielle engaged with entertainment industry experts at the North American Law Summit in Panama. The Akerman Scholarship, established by the law firm Akerman LLP, supports law students with a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and leadership. This scholarship is part of Akerman’s broader initiative to foster future leaders in the legal profession.
Looking ahead, Danielle plans to relocate to New York City after graduation, aiming to pursue a career in transactional law. Her impressive array of scholarships, including the Huys Foundation Scholar and ArmeniansForSuccess, underscores her dedication and potential. Additionally, she runs a “Student Advice Column” for The Armenian Report and mentors pre-law students nationwide, reflecting her commitment to guiding future generations toward academic and professional success.
As we follow Danielle Mikaelian on social media (@dannidkm) or connect through LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mikaelian2146/), we witness not just a student’s journey but also a burgeoning influencer shaping discussions around law, culture, wellness, and leadership.
Through her academic achievements, leadership roles, and community involvement, Danielle Mikaelian exemplifies the qualities of determination, integrity, and excellence. Her journey inspires and illustrates how diverse talents can converge to make significant contributions within the legal field and beyond.
Published by Kaye A.
