Joel Michel '12 played on two Centennial Conference Tournament qualifying teams as a member of the men's basketball program, helping guide the Fords to the conference semifinals during his junior campaign. Known for his defensive prowess, the Fords' guard was a key contributor in the team's success during that stretch while also earning individual recognition as a member of the Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Michel came to Haverford from Central High School in Philadelphia and still maintains his roots in the local community. After graduating from Haverford in 2012 with honors in religion/religious studies, Michel earned his Doctor of Law (JD) from nearby Temple University.
While a law student at Temple, Michel was active on campus as the Vice President of the Black Law Student Association. This was in addition to his work as an Academic Core Enrichment Counselor, Trial Team member, and contributor to the Temple International and Comparative Law Journal. His efforts to stay involved in the local community were highlighted by Temple University's Beasley School Law during his third year as a law student.
Michel graduated for law school in 2016 and currently works as an attorney for Blank Rome LLP within the Greater Philadelphia Area. His practice of law concentrates mainly on complex commercial, employment, and tort litigation matters.
A member of both the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Bar Associations, Michel has certainly made a name for himself in the profession and was named a 2020 "Lawyer on the Fast Track" by The Legal Intelligencer.
Continuing to go back to his roots, Michel volunteers as a mock trial coach at the Philadelphia High School for Performing Arts. Additionally, he serves as a facilitator at the Philadelphia Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project and a youth leader at the First Haitian Church of God in Philadelphia.
Throughout the month of February, the Haverford College athletic department will be spotlighting former Black student-athletes, featuring their successes both as athletes and after their graduation in celebration of Black History Month.