From Academic Excellence to the Commencement Stage: Daniel Khieninson ’26

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Daniel Khieninson ’26 has distinguished himself as an exceptional student leader during his time at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, earning recognition for his exemplary academic achievement and his commitment to the Law School community. In recognition of his accomplishments, Dan will deliver the student address at the 2026 Commencement.

Before attending Pace Haub Law, Dan earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Fordham University and spent a year volunteering at a biological station in Costa Rica. His longstanding interest in environmental issues and public service naturally led him to Pace Haub Law, where he became deeply involved in the environmental and land use community.

During his time at the Law School, Dan served as a Research and Writing Editor for the Pace Environmental Law Review and as a 3L Land Use Scholar with the Land Use Law Center. He also participated in the Environmental Law Society, the Garden Club, and the Federal Judicial Honors Program (FJHP), an experience he describes as one of the most meaningful parts of his legal education. “One of my favorite experiences was participating in FJHP and getting to see the inner workings of the court system,” Dan shared.

Another particularly rewarding experience came through his work mentoring junior associates on Law Review. “I really enjoyed helping guide junior associates through the drafting process and working with them to produce their best work,” he said.

Throughout law school, Dan gained a variety of legal experiences across environmental, land use, and public interest law. He interned with Save the Sound, where he researched and drafted memoranda and briefs involving environmental litigation and administrative law matters. As a judicial intern in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, he gained firsthand exposure to federal litigation and courtroom proceedings. Dan also worked as a Summer Legal Researcher with Pace Haub Law’s Land Use Law Center, conducting research focused on local land use and zoning initiatives, with a focus on public health in the context of climate change.

Since January, Dan has served as a part-time Law Clerk with Snyder & Snyder, LLP. Following graduation and successful completion of the bar examination, he will join the firm as an associate, where he will continue working on land use, zoning, permitting, renewable energy, and environmental matters.

Reflecting on his time at Pace Haub Law, Dan emphasized the relationships he built along the way.

“My time at the Law School was both challenging and intellectually engaging,” he said. “While the courses were fascinating and the professors were exceptional, I am most grateful for the incredible people I met along the way. I am glad I chose Pace Haub Law, proud of my fellow classmates, and excited to see what we all accomplish moving forward.”