Experience
Laika Daggerheart (they/them) is a sharp litigator with extensive experience handling uniquely challenging cases with professionalism and tact. They take a holistic and compassionate approach to every client and will fight against every injustice, both big and small. Laika prides themself on their creative problem-solving, mediation techniques, and strong oral advocacy. Laika’s specializations include LGTBQ+ advocacy, domestic violence, complex disability/mental health advocacy, housing justice, and post-adoptive contract enforcement.
Prior to joining Melcher PC, they worked as a Staff Attorney for the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), where they represented families in the foster care system. They have extensive experience representing parents and children while working with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), including termination of parental right trials and post-adoption contract enforcement. Laika also worked in fair housing policy, specializing in federally funded programs.
When not in the courtroom, Laika can be found curled up with their beloved cats, Justice and Jurisprudence.
Education
Suffolk University Law School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Juris Doctor May 2020
Awards and Honors
- Featured Speaker at Suffolk Law Diversity Graduation (2020)
- Law Dean’s Scholarship (2017-2020)
- Trustee Academic Scholarship (2017-2020)
- William P. Ward Humanitarian Prize (2013): Awarded for demonstrating significant and sustained dedication to human rights, aid to disenfranchised communities, and betterment of society for all
University of Connecticut, Storrs Connecticut
- B.A History, May 2017
Certifications and Associations
- Massachusetts Bar, Member in Good Standing
- Connecticut Bar, Member in Good Standing
- Phi Alpha Delta, Member
- Massachusetts Committee for Transgender Inclusion, Member
- Massachusetts Notary Public
Leadership and Community Involvement
- Pro-Bono Name Change Clinic (Founder)
- Suffolk University Housing Discrimination Testing Program (Presenter and Tester)
Laika focuses primarily on Family law and Divorce.