Daniel is a partner at IMD Solicitors LLP and leads the firm’s private wealth practice. He specialises in complex cross-border estate administration, advising high-net-worth individuals, families and personal representatives on estates involving assets across multiple jurisdictions.
What was your career path to your current role?
My career path has been fairly traditional; I started out at a family run high street firm in North Manchester where I did my LPC and training contract. I then had a brief change of direction in 2016 when I joined a leading national criminal defence firm acting for clients charged with the most serious criminal offences. Our stand out case actually still holds the record for the longest trial at Liverpool Crown Court. I then returned to private client work when my wife became pregnant with our first daughter. I have since led private client teams at regional, national and now, international law firms.
Did you have any other career ambitions?
We have a 20-year vision at IMD, part of that is that we want to be the most human, global law firm on the planet. We want to be a firm that that operates globally but always choses people over profit. It is ambitious but also very achievable. Working alongside my fellow partners to achieve that is very exciting.
What keeps you motivated in your work?
Professionally, our clients. We act for clients from all over the world, for many of whom English is not their first language. Being their support during what is often an uncertain and, potentially, emotional time keeps you focussed. Personally, my daughters. Every decision I have made in my professional life since my wife and I found out we were pregnant has been about what is best for them and what sets the best example.
What has been the best development in wills and probate in the last 20 years?
The adoption and development of online portals. To be able to upload documents and see progress digitally has massively helped the overall client experience.
And the worst?
Centralising the Probate Registry. I remember very early in my career needing a Grant of Probate urgently. My old supervisor sent me off to the supermarket to get chocolate and then down to the Manchester District Probate Registry to try and sweet talk the team. Luckily my choice of chocolate did the trick. You couldn’t do that today.
If you could bring in one new piece of legislation for the sector, what would it be and why?
I would digitalise the process of obtaining a death certificate. The current method of appointment with a registrar seems outdated.
What piece of legislation would you take off the statute books and why?
Controversially or maybe predictably, The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. If a testator doesn’t remember you in their Will by choice, then tough.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you regarding your career?
Really fine tune your soft skills, they mean more than anyone gives them credit for.
What advice would you like to give to someone just starting out?
Find your niche and really lean into it.
Tell us something people may be surprised to know about you…
I am 40 in February 2027 and I am entering my mid-life crisis era, so I signed myself up to compete in the Bolton Ironman 70.3 event in June 2027.
