A 2025 graduate of Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law, Danielle Ball served as Chief of the First Amendment Clinic at SMU, where she led client representation in matters involving media law and free speech. She also served as President of the First-Generation Law Student Association, where she worked to bridge the gap between first-generation students and the legal profession by expanding access to mentorship, professional development, and academic support.
Recognized for her litigation skills, Danielle was named Best Advocate at the Georgetown White Collar Crime Mock Trial Invitational and received a perfect score at the 2025 AAJ Regional Competition for her cross-examination and closing argument. In addition, she won SMU’s Rowling Center Business Negotiation Competition and was also honored as Best Advocate in her Jackson Walker Moot Court Competition.
Having earned dual undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Telecommunication-Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida, Danielle began her professional career prior to law school as a political anchor and reporter before founding her own communications firm. In 2021, she launched her own nonprofit organization, Launch into Literacy, with a mission to combat the literacy crisis in America. To date, the organization has delivered programming to over 300 schools and installed more than 200 community micro-libraries.
A lifelong community advocate, Danielle was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award by the Biden Administration for completing over 10,000 volunteer service hours.
