Danielle Graff named as a 2026 Lexpert Rising Star
MLT Aikins is delighted to announce that Winnipeg lawyer Danielle Graff has been named one of 2026’s Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40.
“This recognition means a great deal to me,” Danielle noted. “I’m incredibly proud to have built a national practice from here in the Prairies, and fortunate to work with clients doing ambitious things here and across Canada, helping them navigate some of their most complex and important projects. None of that happens on your own, and I’m deeply grateful to the clients, colleagues, mentors, friends and family who have supported me along the way.”
The distinguished Lexpert Rising Stars award, presented by Lexpert magazine and supported by Canadian Lawyer and Law Times, honours leading lawyers 40 and under from law firms, in-house departments and other practices across Canada. Winners are selected by a curated advisory panel made up of leaders within the legal profession.
Danielle was honoured at a gala awards show held in Toronto on November 12 alongside the other award recipients from across Canada.
“Congratulations to Danielle on her receipt of this prestigious award,” said MLT Aikins managing partner Aaron Runge. “Her deep industry knowledge and track record of excellence make her a dependable, well-respected leader both within and outside of the firm, and we’re thrilled to see her achievements recognized in such a way on a national scale.”
About Danielle
Danielle is a nationally regarded technology lawyer, a co-lead of the firm’s Agribusiness and Food practice group and former lead of the Technology, Intellectual Property and Privacy practice group. While her practice is focused on complex IT contracting, data governance and large-scale technology implementation mandates across Canada, her work spans industries – including financial services, health care, agribusiness, food and the public sector – reflecting a consistent focus on structuring and negotiating long-term, high-impact technology arrangements.
Widely recognized for her depth of knowledge in IT contracting, data governance and emerging technology regulation, Danielle guides clients through complex IT contracting and data services projects, building agreements with robust governance frameworks to ensure effective communication of the parties, accountability and adaptability throughout the lifecycle of the relationship.
