Josh McDaniel

Professor at the School of Law at Harvard University, Josh McDaniel is a Visiting Assistant Clinical Professor of Law and the esteemed Director of the Religious Freedom Clinic. With a distinguished career in both academia and legal practice, Professor McDaniel brings a wealth of experience and insight to his students and colleagues. His role at Harvard Law School is marked by a commitment to exploring and advocating for religious freedom, a critical area of law that intersects with numerous societal and legal challenges. Before joining Harvard, Professor McDaniel honed his legal skills through prestigious clerkships with the Honorable Cormac J. Carney of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and the Honorable Jay S. Bybee of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. These experiences provided him with a deep understanding of the judicial process and a nuanced perspective on appellate and district court proceedings. In his professional practice, McDaniel served as a trial litigator at the renowned firm Munger, Tolles & Olson, where he developed a reputation for his strategic acumen and dedication to his clients. He further expanded his expertise as an appellate litigator at Horvitz & Levy, where he successfully argued cases in various appellate courts, including twice before the California Supreme Court. His legal prowess has been recognized with numerous accolades, notably the Daily Journal 2022 California Lawyer Attorneys of the Year (CLAY) award, underscoring his impact and contributions to the field of law. Professor McDaniel's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University, where he laid the foundation for his future legal studies. He then pursued a Juris Doctor degree from UCLA School of Law, where he distinguished himself as a promising legal scholar. His educational background, combined with his extensive practical experience, positions him as a leading figure in legal education and advocacy. At Harvard, Professor McDaniel is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals, imparting his knowledge and passion for religious freedom and the broader legal landscape. His work at the Religious Freedom Clinic not only enriches the academic environment but also contributes to the ongoing dialogue and development of religious freedom law in the United States.