Alumna Turned Access into Opportunity

Danielle B. Hardy ’16CCPS arrived at St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus unsure of where her professional path would take her, but it soon became the place where her dreams were created and she began her journey to ensure a bright future.

The Maryland native was navigating New York City for the first time, driven by an intense curiosity and a willingness to ask questions. Initially a stranger in a strange, new world, Ms. Hardy became deeply engaged in campus life, serving as a Student Ambassador, giving tours in the same red jackets worn by the students who once welcomed her to campus. 

“They inspired me, and I wanted to give back,” she recalled.

Ms. Hardy earned he bachelor of science degree in legal studies at St. John’s and found guidance from faculty who recognized both her potential and her curiosity. Teachers such as Caroline Fuchs ’04M.L.S., current University Librarian, Dean of Libraries, and Professor, and Mary Noë, Esq. ’87J.D., Professor, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, listened, advised, and opened doors. 

“They helped me secure my first legal internship, and wrote recommendations for both law school and the bar exam,” she noted. That consistent faculty support, Ms. Hardy stressed, defined her St. John’s experience: practical guidance when she needed it most. 

She served as St. John’s Chapter President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, leading them to a historic year that included Chapter of the Year honors, the highest grade point average among Greek organizations, and recognition for her as President of the Year. She remains equally fond of evenings spent at Carnesecca Arena where she cheered on the Women’s and Men’s Basketballteam.

Ms. Hardy went directly from St. John’s to Elon University School of Law, graduating in just two-and-a-half years with several honors. There, she was the president of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society and Intellectual Property Society. Summers spent interning, first at Viacom through a St. John’s career fair connection, then, during law school, at Universal Music Group and Spotify, eventually revealed that her true calling lay in entertainment law, particularly music.

“It really felt like this is what I’m supposed to do,” she recalled. “I’m supposed to be in the music business. I learned a lot from those lawyers and kept in touch with them after the internship was over.”

At 25, Ms. Hardy joined Universal Music Group as one of the youngest attorneys in the company. “I learned a lot. I met many great artists and made a lot of cool deals. I loved seeing artists do well and their albums win Grammys. I was part of that, and it is such a rewarding feeling.” 

She later continued her work at Warner Music Group, where she received her first industry plaque. In 2020, she founded Pursuing the Esquire, a mentorship organization dedicated to supporting aspiring lawyers, particularly students of color and first-generation law students, who lack access to guidance she herself once needed. Now in its sixth year, the organization has mentored more than 100 students, awarded scholarships, and built a growing community where former mentees return as mentors, paying forward what they received.

“I was taking the LSAT and applying to law schools, writing my personal statements, and obtaining recommendation letters,” Ms. Hardy explained. “While access to mentorship for me started later on in my professional career, I was determined to be the mentor that I wish I had as a college student, law student, and junior attorney. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life."

Today, Ms. Hardy continues to practice entertainment law in New York at Loeb & Loeb, LLP, representing well-known artists, producers, songwriters, content creators, and more. There, she negotiates record deals, producer agreements, side artist agreements, brand deals, endorsement and sponsorship deals, and more. Ms. Hardy was named to Diverse Representation's “Ten to Watch in 2026” list, which recognized her as a top rising entertainment attorney in the music, TV, and film industries.

She remains closely connected to St. John’s; mentoring students, speaking candidly about her journey; and advocating for the power of networking, preparation, and faculty engagement. “Take full advantage of the space you’re in,” she said. “Few campuses offer the access of St. John’s in New York City, and few opportunities reward initiative as reliably.”