Law student Ebony Daniels has interned at the Washtenaw County Office of Public Defender, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan; and clerked at Legal Services of South Central Michigan, and at the Coaltion for Property Tax Justice.
By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Detroit Mercy Law student Ebony Daniels first became passionate about law when she began to understand and recognize the seriousness of the underrepresentation of African American attorneys and the overrepresentation of African Americans in the criminal justice system.
“My passion deepened when I realized that law is not confined to the courtroom,” she says. “Legal advocacy can begin long before someone becomes involved in the criminal justice system. I discovered this when I became a Youth Advocate through the Adolescent Diversion Program at Michigan State University. I was paired with a youth in Ingham County who was considered at-risk, on the verge of entering the juvenile justice system. I advocated for the child’s needs and quickly learned criminal behavior often stems from deeper, unaddressed issues. This insight applies not only to youth but also to adults, whose underlying challenges frequently go unresolved, contributing to cycles of criminal behavior.”
Daniels also served as a Restorative Justice Facilitator, helping wrongdoers understand the impact of their actions on others.
“These experiences have shown me that some of the most meaningful legal work happens outside the courtroom,” she says. “I’m committed to using my legal education to create a positive impact by addressing root causes and advocating for individuals before they become justice-involved.”
Although Daniels knew law school was her next goal after earning her undergrad degree in political science and government from MSU, she took a gap year in order to be close to home, in an environment where she could flourish and build strong connections.
She interned for two years at the Washtenaw County Office of Public Defender, before heading to Detroit Mercy Law two years ago.
“At first, I struggled with whether law school was the right path for me—but coming to UDM Law provided me with the tools and community that gave me a sense of belonging,” she says. “Before my first year, I attended the Alumni Black Law Association (ABLA) cookout, where I was able to connect with judges, attorneys, recent graduates, and future law students. Some of them have since become friends and mentors throughout my time in law school.
“I enjoy how each faculty and staff member is dedicated to the success of every student they come across,” she adds. “UDM Law makes sure every tool and resource are in place for each student to succeed. They foster a collaborative environment among the students—whether in the classroom or at a student event each student feels welcomed and is supported by other colleagues, faculty, or community members.”
She interned last summer at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
“Up until that point, I’d worked as a paralegal and interned with a practicing attorney, but I wanted to explore the other side of the legal system—specifically, how judicial decisions are made,” she says. “I was curious about what goes into a judge’s reasoning and the day-to-day responsibilities of the role.
“I gained valuable insights by drafting orders, observing trials, witnessing the execution of search warrants, and assisting with the preparation of preliminary hearings. It was a unique experience that deepened my understanding of the judicial process and further solidified my interest in pursuing a career in law.”
Each of her law clerk positions has provided different valuable experiences. At Legal Services of South Central Michigan, where she works in housing and in elder law, she has gained traditional legal skills such as legal research, drafting pleadings, and litigation.
“My work in housing law involves assisting clients who receive housing assistance and are facing eviction or dealing with poorly maintained living conditions,” she says. “In the elder law section, I support elderly clients who have experienced various forms of abuse.”
In contrast, her law clerk position at the Coalition for Property Tax Justice for the past 10 months has shown her non-traditional ways to use a law degree, including community organizing and mobilizing. The Coalition is led by Professor Bernadette Atuahene and was established to advocate for Detroit homeowners who were over-assessed on their property taxes. Through Professor Atuahene’s research, it was discovered that between 2009 and 2015, the Detroit Assessment Division assessed 55% to 85% of homes at rates that violated the Michigan Constitution.
“During my time with the Coalition, I’ve assisted Detroit homeowners in appealing their property tax assessments with the Michigan Tax Tribunal,” she says. “In addition, I’ve helped organize community events to raise awareness about this critical issue.”
Daniels is vice president of the school’s Black Law Students Association; the Chapter was honored with the BLSA Chapter of the Year Award for 2024–2025 at this year’s MWBLSA 57th Convention in Chicago.
“Serving helped me step out of my comfort zone and become more involved in the African American legal community,” she says. “I’ve especially enjoyed building connections with both the African American community and other communities throughout Detroit. One meaningful partnership has been with the Umoja Debate League, a nonprofit organization that teaches Detroit youth life skills through debate. In recent years, our BLSA members have served as judges for their debate competitions
“Winning the BLSA Chapter of the Year Award for 2024–2025 was a major accomplishment for our executive board, as well as for past boards,” she adds. “Our success would not have been possible without the guidance and foundation laid by those who came before us. Each year, our chapter works hard to host events that connect law students with alumni and attorneys in the community. Being recognized for that effort was truly rewarding.”
This past year, Daniels served as a fellow with the Black Women’s Health Imperative, where she focused on learning about and educating Black women on the health risks and predatory marketing tactics of the tobacco industry.
“For decades, Big Tobacco companies have targeted African American communities using billboards and ads specifically designed to appeal to Black audiences or placing them in predominantly Black neighborhoods where lung health issues are already prevalent, falsely promoting tobacco as a remedy to soothe these health concerns,” she says.
“Although traditional cigarette use has declined in recent years, Big Tobacco has rebranded itself through products like e-cigarettes and hookah, making them more appealing, especially to younger audiences.
While African American women tend to start smoking later in life, they face a higher risk of tobacco-related health complications. Tobacco use remains widespread in communities facing significant socioeconomic inequality.
“As part of our fellowship, we spent a summer lobbying the House of Representatives to support a bill banning menthol cigarettes,” she adds. “I also had the opportunity to design a pilot curriculum aimed at educating young adults on college campuses about the dangers of tobacco use.”
Daniels has a particular legal interest in a few areas of law: sports and entertainment, criminal justice, family law, and tax law. After completing law school, she plans to obtain her Sports Agent License and pursue a career as a sports agent.
“I want to use my law degree in ways that go beyond traditional legal practice,” she says. “In addition to representing athletes, I aim to engage in scholarly writing and contribute research in areas of law that are often overlooked. My goal is to use my legal education not only to advocate for clients but also to influence broader conversations and policies within the legal field.”
Daniels was honored earlier this year with the Laurel F. McGiffert Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Scholarship given by Plunkett Cooney.
“I’m very grateful for receiving the DEI scholarship from Plunkett Cooney,” she says. “With DEI being under attack in the recent months it reminded me that advancing minorities in the legal space still remain a core value to some.”
A lifelong resident of the Wayne County city of Inkster, Daniels is the fourth of seven children. An older sister is in medical school and a younger sister, a graduate of MSU College of Nursing is going into her second year as Registered Nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Henry Ford Hospital.
Outside of law school, Daniels relaxes by spending time at the gym; and recently started a garden, growing tomatoes, bell peppers, lettuce, strawberries, egg plants, and onions.
She is also an avid reader, with her current read “The Let Them Theory,” by Mel Robbins.
She also finds time to give back to the community.
“I strive to engage in one volunteer activity a year,” she says.
“I’ve volunteered at expungement clinics, soup kitchens, Meals on Wheels, and other community engaging events.”
Legal News
Detroit Mercy Law student Ebony Daniels first became passionate about law when she began to understand and recognize the seriousness of the underrepresentation of African American attorneys and the overrepresentation of African Americans in the criminal justice system.
“My passion deepened when I realized that law is not confined to the courtroom,” she says. “Legal advocacy can begin long before someone becomes involved in the criminal justice system. I discovered this when I became a Youth Advocate through the Adolescent Diversion Program at Michigan State University. I was paired with a youth in Ingham County who was considered at-risk, on the verge of entering the juvenile justice system. I advocated for the child’s needs and quickly learned criminal behavior often stems from deeper, unaddressed issues. This insight applies not only to youth but also to adults, whose underlying challenges frequently go unresolved, contributing to cycles of criminal behavior.”
Daniels also served as a Restorative Justice Facilitator, helping wrongdoers understand the impact of their actions on others.
“These experiences have shown me that some of the most meaningful legal work happens outside the courtroom,” she says. “I’m committed to using my legal education to create a positive impact by addressing root causes and advocating for individuals before they become justice-involved.”
Although Daniels knew law school was her next goal after earning her undergrad degree in political science and government from MSU, she took a gap year in order to be close to home, in an environment where she could flourish and build strong connections.
She interned for two years at the Washtenaw County Office of Public Defender, before heading to Detroit Mercy Law two years ago.
“At first, I struggled with whether law school was the right path for me—but coming to UDM Law provided me with the tools and community that gave me a sense of belonging,” she says. “Before my first year, I attended the Alumni Black Law Association (ABLA) cookout, where I was able to connect with judges, attorneys, recent graduates, and future law students. Some of them have since become friends and mentors throughout my time in law school.
“I enjoy how each faculty and staff member is dedicated to the success of every student they come across,” she adds. “UDM Law makes sure every tool and resource are in place for each student to succeed. They foster a collaborative environment among the students—whether in the classroom or at a student event each student feels welcomed and is supported by other colleagues, faculty, or community members.”
She interned last summer at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
“Up until that point, I’d worked as a paralegal and interned with a practicing attorney, but I wanted to explore the other side of the legal system—specifically, how judicial decisions are made,” she says. “I was curious about what goes into a judge’s reasoning and the day-to-day responsibilities of the role.
“I gained valuable insights by drafting orders, observing trials, witnessing the execution of search warrants, and assisting with the preparation of preliminary hearings. It was a unique experience that deepened my understanding of the judicial process and further solidified my interest in pursuing a career in law.”
Each of her law clerk positions has provided different valuable experiences. At Legal Services of South Central Michigan, where she works in housing and in elder law, she has gained traditional legal skills such as legal research, drafting pleadings, and litigation.
“My work in housing law involves assisting clients who receive housing assistance and are facing eviction or dealing with poorly maintained living conditions,” she says. “In the elder law section, I support elderly clients who have experienced various forms of abuse.”
In contrast, her law clerk position at the Coalition for Property Tax Justice for the past 10 months has shown her non-traditional ways to use a law degree, including community organizing and mobilizing. The Coalition is led by Professor Bernadette Atuahene and was established to advocate for Detroit homeowners who were over-assessed on their property taxes. Through Professor Atuahene’s research, it was discovered that between 2009 and 2015, the Detroit Assessment Division assessed 55% to 85% of homes at rates that violated the Michigan Constitution.
“During my time with the Coalition, I’ve assisted Detroit homeowners in appealing their property tax assessments with the Michigan Tax Tribunal,” she says. “In addition, I’ve helped organize community events to raise awareness about this critical issue.”
Daniels is vice president of the school’s Black Law Students Association; the Chapter was honored with the BLSA Chapter of the Year Award for 2024–2025 at this year’s MWBLSA 57th Convention in Chicago.
“Serving helped me step out of my comfort zone and become more involved in the African American legal community,” she says. “I’ve especially enjoyed building connections with both the African American community and other communities throughout Detroit. One meaningful partnership has been with the Umoja Debate League, a nonprofit organization that teaches Detroit youth life skills through debate. In recent years, our BLSA members have served as judges for their debate competitions
“Winning the BLSA Chapter of the Year Award for 2024–2025 was a major accomplishment for our executive board, as well as for past boards,” she adds. “Our success would not have been possible without the guidance and foundation laid by those who came before us. Each year, our chapter works hard to host events that connect law students with alumni and attorneys in the community. Being recognized for that effort was truly rewarding.”
This past year, Daniels served as a fellow with the Black Women’s Health Imperative, where she focused on learning about and educating Black women on the health risks and predatory marketing tactics of the tobacco industry.
“For decades, Big Tobacco companies have targeted African American communities using billboards and ads specifically designed to appeal to Black audiences or placing them in predominantly Black neighborhoods where lung health issues are already prevalent, falsely promoting tobacco as a remedy to soothe these health concerns,” she says.
“Although traditional cigarette use has declined in recent years, Big Tobacco has rebranded itself through products like e-cigarettes and hookah, making them more appealing, especially to younger audiences.
While African American women tend to start smoking later in life, they face a higher risk of tobacco-related health complications. Tobacco use remains widespread in communities facing significant socioeconomic inequality.
“As part of our fellowship, we spent a summer lobbying the House of Representatives to support a bill banning menthol cigarettes,” she adds. “I also had the opportunity to design a pilot curriculum aimed at educating young adults on college campuses about the dangers of tobacco use.”
Daniels has a particular legal interest in a few areas of law: sports and entertainment, criminal justice, family law, and tax law. After completing law school, she plans to obtain her Sports Agent License and pursue a career as a sports agent.
“I want to use my law degree in ways that go beyond traditional legal practice,” she says. “In addition to representing athletes, I aim to engage in scholarly writing and contribute research in areas of law that are often overlooked. My goal is to use my legal education not only to advocate for clients but also to influence broader conversations and policies within the legal field.”
Daniels was honored earlier this year with the Laurel F. McGiffert Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Scholarship given by Plunkett Cooney.
“I’m very grateful for receiving the DEI scholarship from Plunkett Cooney,” she says. “With DEI being under attack in the recent months it reminded me that advancing minorities in the legal space still remain a core value to some.”
A lifelong resident of the Wayne County city of Inkster, Daniels is the fourth of seven children. An older sister is in medical school and a younger sister, a graduate of MSU College of Nursing is going into her second year as Registered Nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Henry Ford Hospital.
Outside of law school, Daniels relaxes by spending time at the gym; and recently started a garden, growing tomatoes, bell peppers, lettuce, strawberries, egg plants, and onions.
She is also an avid reader, with her current read “The Let Them Theory,” by Mel Robbins.
She also finds time to give back to the community.
“I strive to engage in one volunteer activity a year,” she says.
“I’ve volunteered at expungement clinics, soup kitchens, Meals on Wheels, and other community engaging events.”
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