Hi y’all! My name is Danielle Bryden, and I am a rising senior at Washington University in St. Louis. I am a double major in the Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology Program and in Drama. I am currently completing my honors thesis project through the Sommers Speech and Hearing Laboratory on WashU’s Campus in the department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. I will create an interdisciplinary study in Psychology and Linguistics by delving into the world of earwitness testimony. By coding, running, and analyzing my own study, I will assess both the presumed and actual reliability of earwitness testimony as it relates to the criminal-legal system—eventually graduating with honors from the College of Arts and Sciences in the Spring of 2025.
Originally from a small town in West Texas, I have always had a desire to impact change in a larger, community sphere—specifically through the legal profession. This desire to pursue a career in the legal field was specifically solidified during my time as a member and nationally ranked competitor of my high school’s speech and debate team, coached by a former federal prosecutor. Now, I hope to use my experience with public speaking and my background in psychology to be a better lawyer—using personable and persuasive skills, rooted in my knowledge of the human mind, to engage with clients and work through deals by understanding their perspectives. With prior legal experience at both a private civil firm and a district attorney’s office in Texas, I am thrilled to continue my exploration of the legal field by working at Stock Legal this summer as an associate. Specifically, as the daughter of a small business owner, I am incredibly passionate about the fixed rate work that Stock Legal provides for small and medium business owners since I have seen firsthand the struggles that typically come with pricey and convoluted legal representation.
In my free time, I am a performer through the WashU Performing Arts Department (PAD) where I have recently starred in Cabaret, Into the Woods, and Rent. Continuing in the performance sphere, I work part time at Enchanted Events—a local party princess company—where I get to bring magic to the St. Louis community every weekend! I also am an arranger, soloist, and concert chair for my a Cappella group, the Ghost Lights: WashU’s premiere soundtrack a Cappella group [1]. Additionally, I am a part of the nationally ranked Washington University Mock Trial team where I am both a prosecuting attorney and character witness. I am also a plant mom to over 13 succulents, a Pothos, and a Tradescantia Zebrina, as well as a cat mom to a one-year-old long-hair tuxedo cat named Phoebe.
Overall, I am overjoyed to be starting this next chapter of my legal career here at Stock Legal. I am confident that with the creative and collaborative environment here, I will be able to learn a lot not only about what kind of lawyer I strive to be, but the kind of person I want to be.
[1] Check us out on social media (@washughostlights) and Youtube (@theghostlightswashu) for our latest concert videos and updates!
