Mikayla Howard combines a passion for problem-solving with a background in research, advocacy, and community engagement to help clients navigate complex construction projects with insight and purpose.

Mikayla Howard is an associate in Bricker Graydon’s Construction Practice Group, based in the firm’s Columbus Office. She assists public sector clients with matters involving construction contracting, project management, and dispute resolution. Mikayla previously served as a Summer Associate with the firm in both 2023 and 2024, where she supported attorneys on a variety of construction and public sector matters.

Before attending law school, Mikayla worked with the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project at Northeastern University School of Law, where she contributed to the research and documentation of historical civil rights cases. She also served as a Visitor Experience Specialist for the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, leading community education programs and facilitating public dialogue.

Mikayla earned her JD from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where she was an Honorable Robert M. Duncan Scholar. She was also an active member of the Black Law Student Association, Ohio State Technology Law Journal, and Student Bar Association. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in history and African American Studies from The Pennsylvania State University, where she graduated cum laude and participated in several leadership and service organizations, including the Multicultural Undergraduate Law Association and Phi Beta Kappa.

Education

The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law, JD (2025)

The Pennsylvania State University, BA – History, BA – African American Studies, cum laude (2020)

Distinctions

• Recipient, Honorable Robert M. Duncan Scholarship (2022–2025)
• CALI Awards for Excellence, Critical Theory/Critical Lawyering (2024)

Professional Activities

• Black Law Student Association – The Ohio State University (2022–2025)
  • Treasurer (2023–2024)
  • 3L Advisor (2024–2025)
• Ohio State Technology Law Journal – The Ohio State University (2023–2025)
  • Staff Editor (2023–2024)
  • Symposium Chair (2024–2025)
• Student Bar Association – The Ohio State University (2023–2025)
  • Diversity Committee (2023–2024)
  • Barristers’ Ball Committee (2024–2025)
• Multicultural Undergraduate Law Association – The Pennsylvania State University
• Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society – The Pennsylvania State University
• Phi Theta Alpha History Honor Society – The Pennsylvania State University