NLJ PROFILE: Paul Daniels

What was your route into the profession?

My first job was as a Heinz Beanz kid, but I got the sack for pouring squash on the director, so I was probably always going to be an employment lawyer. Unfortunately, five-year-olds can’t claim unfair dismissal.

What has been your biggest career challenge so far?

I’d say that work-life balance is the biggest challenge for many of us. Dealing with the many demands on your time can risk burn-out, but if you can manage to get it right both productivity and home life can prosper. Once I realised the importance of such balance I’ve been really lucky with the flexibility given to me during my many years at Slater & Gordon and now at Keystone Law.

Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?

I’d probably plump for one of the many unsung heroes, rather than a big name; the ones who dedicate their legal lives to causes they are passionate about whether or not they fill up column inches. Practising law can be a remarkable agent for change.

If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?

TV seems a no-no sadly, so I would have loved to lecture in and teach global development economics (assuming I couldn’t quite get into the Welsh rugby team!).

Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?

I’m tempted to say Vinny (played hysterically by Danny DeVito) from the film My Cousin Vinny. I think as lawyers we perhaps take ourselves too seriously at times.

What change would you make to the profession?

I would love more law firms to wholly embrace flexible and agile working practices and make a true commitment to diversity at all levels. Many law firms are still quite some way behind the times in my view.

How do you relax?

I love all sports as well as goofing around with my family. A nice pint doesn’t go amiss either...