Adonis Daniel, a Consultant Solicitor at Andrew Storch Solicitors in Berkshire, shares his story…
In a few sentences, tell us a bit more about you…
I am currently a committee member having joined in 2022. I am a solicitor qualifying in 1991 and specialising in criminal law. I have worked most of my career in Reading and surrounding areas.
What was your route into law? Did you always want to be a criminal lawyer?
I was educated at a local comprehensive school in Reading up to A level. I then had a gap year where I worked as a solicitor’s clerk for a year in London before attending Hull University. From university I attended law school, qualifying in 1991.
Tell us a bit about your first ever job in a law firm…
My first ever job in a law firm was in Finsbury Park, London in 1978. I recall one episode when I had to attend Holloway Prison and had to walk across a large courtyard to get to the legal visits and being ‘wolf’ whistled by several inmates looking out of their cell windows. I felt really embarrassed.
What makes you so passionate about criminal law? Or why did you qualify into criminal law rather than any other area?
I qualified from a high street firm doing general practice. I didn’t set out to be a criminal lawyer, I rather fell into it by accident. I am passionate because I hate to see the unfair treatment meted out to those less fortunate and who have no voice because of a lack of education, drug/alcohol addiction or who suffer from mental health issues. The inability of those in our community to articulate their thoughts/feelings makes them an easy target for those in government penalise and use as a scapegoat for many of the problems we have in society. That is not to say that terrible crimes are committed and should be dealt with. However, the majority of those involved the criminal justice system commit low level offences but are dealt with very harshly. There is no will find solutions that will reduce the level of petty offences/anti-social behaviours or serious offences because there is a political imperative to be seen to be tough on crime.
If you weren’t a criminal lawyer what else would you be doing?
I would love to have been a professional footballer. Sadly, I am too old now. However, I would probably have been a teacher.
What made you join the CLSA?
I joined having attended their annual conference and saw the kind of things they were trying to achieve, i.e to redress the imbalance in the criminal justice system, be that the issue of funding legal aid or the rules governing legal aid practice in general. It is an important organisation which sadly does not have the level of support it should have, given the work it is trying to achieve for all practitioners.
What made you join the committee?
I believe that I joined in 2022. I joined the committee because I wanted to actively support the work being done by the organisation. My long experience of working in the criminal justice system gives me an insight that others don’t. I have worked in criminal law before legal aid contracting was a thing.
Are you attending the conference this year?
Yes, I am attending the conference and looking forward to it!
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in criminal law?
I would first ask why they wanted to do work as a criminal lawyer. If the answer demonstrated a passion for the work and wanting to make the system batter and fairer, I would say yes join. I would also pose a caveat that if the reason you became a lawyer was to maximise your income, then legal aid criminal law is not for you. The practice of criminal law is a vocation.
Is there anyone in the criminal law world that inspires you most?
No. I am inspired by all those lawyers and support workers who day in day put themselves on the line to aid those who are by and large vulnerable in a system that unforgiving to such people.
How do you prepare yourself for a day in Court?
With a large glass of wine. Not really. I say to myself each morning, if I can help someone steer themselves away from any involvement with the police/courts, then I have done some good.
What types of criminal cases do you work on?
I work on every type of criminal case. Most of my work is legal aid because I choose to do so.
How to you switch off and enjoy a work/life balance when dealing with upsetting or stressful situations?
I have been doing the work for a long time and seen most of what there is to see. I tend not to get fazed by anything these days. I know that people talk about work/life balance. It’s a myth when it comes to criminal legal aid work. There is no balance. I have a large client base. It’s not possible to have balance. I’m a workaholic and love it.
What do you like to do with your spare time, outside of work?
Sadly, my spare time such as it is, is taken up with watching that team in the red half of Manchester. I know, I was not born in Manchester or anywhere close to it. Still, I am a passionate supporter. Also, I enjoy eating out.
Quick Fire Questions
Favourite criminal / legal based Film: Out for Justice
Favourite criminal / legal based TV Series: Suits
Do you have a favourite genre of music? Reggae & old soul music
Who would play you in a movie about your life? Denzel Washington
Who is the last person you called? My daughter
Have you read any good books recently? Secret Barrister
Where is your favourite holiday destination? St. Vincent
What is your favourite cuisine? Caribbean food
What is your favourite tipple? Champagne
What 3 items could you not live without? Manchester United season tickets, My watches, Travelling
