At High Point University Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law, our students do not just study the law—they actively shape the culture of our growing program. We are proud to spotlight Danika Huizinga, an extraordinary student leader and a rising legal star. Danika’s contributions to the law school and the larger legal community have left a lasting impression on the law school’s culture. A few highlights of her leadership include her serving as president of Women in Law, a law school organization that she founded; serving as vice president of the Hispanic Law Society; and serving as chair of the law school’s inaugural Moot Court Board. In addition to her contributions to student organizations, she manages a rigorous academic load, has served as a teaching assistant for a doctrinal course, and has gained valuable legal experience as an intern with Judge Julie Earp at the N.C. Business Court, and as an extern with Judge Allegra Collins at the N.C. Court of Appeals and with the national law firm of Baker Donelson, which is ranked 102nd on the 2026 Am Law 200 list—employing more than seven hundred attorneys in over twenty U.S. locations.
Even with this workload, Danika spearheaded three major on-campus events in the last year. The “Building the Network” event, sponsored by Women in Law, included a panel of six attorneys to provide an opportunity for the law students to learn how to build an employment network within the legal profession. In addition, Women in Law sponsored a “Spotlight” event featuring two NC appellate judges on campus to share their experiences as jurists with law students. The other event was a pickleball fundraiser, which was recognized as High Point University Graduate School’s “Best Event of the Year.” She hopes that this fundraiser will become an annual event. Danika’s tireless work ethic embodies the trailblazing spirit of our law school.
Last February, she also managed to prepare and compete at the renowned Robert F. Wagner National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Competition held in New York City. Thereafter, she partnered closely with fellow law student Olivia Culver and other members of the moot court board to plan HPU law school’s first internal moot court competition. This inaugural event featured a final panel of seven esteemed judges from across North Carolina and was assisted by many local attorneys who poured their seasoned wisdom into the student competitors during the preliminary rounds.
This summer, she is working with the law firms of Cranfill Sumner LLP and Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP. In the fall, she plans to return to the N.C. Court of Appeals as an extern with Chief Judge Chris Dillon.
Reflecting on her journey, Danika shared: “I am a culmination of those who believed in me, who challenged me, and who invested in my future. With Dean Martin’s guidance, the support of the law school, and the encouragement from this community—especially my organization’s executive boards—I have been able to pursue goals that once felt out of reach. I very much look forward to the day when I will be engaged in the practice of law. I hope my involvement reflects my commitment to providing those same opportunities to future students.”
Founding Dean and former Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court Mark Martin praised Danika and noted:
“Danika represents the absolute best of High Point Law. Her ability to anchor our inaugural student programs while excelling in the classroom and in the community sets a high benchmark for all future classes, and we are incredibly proud of her significant contributions.”