by Nicole Munoz Huschka

Leadership and the ability to inspire and motivate others are usually skills which takes time to develop and refine; however, those who have the privilege of knowing Gracen Daniel all agree that these skills come naturally to her. While Gracen is one of DAYL’s newer members, you wouldn’t know it based on her remarkable and impressive background that led to her joining this organization.

Gracen Daniel was born in Dallas but raised in a small town in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Growing up on her family’s ranch, agriculture taught her the importance of passionate work and community involvement. Gracen attended college at Texas Tech University, where she graduated in three years at the age of 20. She received a full tuition scholarship from the Terry Foundation, a private foundation which emphasizes the importance of scholarship, leadership, and service – three pillars she endeavors to uphold. Gracen graduated with honors as the highest-ranking graduate of her academic college. Gracen then attended the SMU Dedman School of Law. There, she served as a judicial intern for The Honorable Amos Mazzant, III of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and a master advocate for the Board of Advocates.

An associate at Griffith Barbee, PLLC, Gracen practices intellectual property and civil litigation with an emphasis on business disputes. Her representative experience includes intellectual property, such as patent and trade secret disputes. Her commonsense and pragmatic approach to litigation assists clients in making informed business decisions.

Gracen was licensed to practice law in Texas in November of 2019. Shortly thereafter, COVID-19 greatly impacted the legal community and all but halted in-person litigation experiences. Despite this, Gracen has second chaired multiple federal and state trials.

Gracen’s current passion project for DAYL is bridging the gap between the recent law graduates rising out of COVID-19 and the established legal community. Gracen also serves as a trial advocacy coach for SMU law school. She was elected to the DAYL Leadership Class for 2021. She co-chairs the Judiciary Committee and serves as the Marketing chair of the Bolton Ball Committee, where she has enjoys making friends and taking on new projects. Her involvement on the 2021 Bolton Ball Committee was nothing short of essential for pulling off the 350-person gala within two short months in light of Covid-19 obstacles. She credits her committee members, directors, and mentors for encouraging her to get involved. She lives in Dallas with Brian, who she refers to as her better half, and their two (fat and spoiled) cats, Gordon and Hank.

Be ready to see and hear Gracen’s name more and more over the next several years as she breaks glass ceilings with both law practice and community engagement achievements. This is why she’s February’s One to Watch. Congratulations, Gracen!