We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Gregory D.L. Daniel, Esq. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Gregory, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always knew that I would be a solo practitioner from the time I started law school. When I started, as I am now, I was already touring with Brian McKnight, and had no intentions of stopping. So I knew I needed flexibility to be able to do that, as well as stay active as a real estate agent. When Covid hit, I was even more convinced because I knew, even if I wanted to go to a firm, the job market would be practically non-existent for a while. Ultimately, the flexibility is not only about being able to do what I want, but also remove boundaries on how I am able to use my knowledge and experience to help clients. For my entertainment/artist clients, they get not only an attorney, but a creative; they get someone that not only can take action to protect them legally, but can also talk shop and music with them, as well as offer guidance and real input on anything from music publishing to performance; they get an attorney that is still a performer, active in the industry, and most importantly understands what the music means to them. Quite literally, I could step right out of a board room negotiating a contract, remove my suit jacket, and sit right down on a drum throne and play an entire show for the very same artist if they wanted me to. That kind of flexibility, knowledge, and experience all in one person is rare. Because I realized this so long ago, I knew I would need to be able to be in the driver’s seat to fully take advantage of all I have to offer to people.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
To date, I am a drummer, traveling and touring/recording with R&B Legend Brian McKnight. I am an active Real Estate agent. Most recently, I’ve become an Attorney, launched my own firm, specializing in Entertainment Law, Sports Law, Estate Management, and Intellectual Property. The road to get where I am now certainly wasn’t easy. It took me 13 years to finish college and law school combined, from the time I graduated high school. Most notably, one of the biggest struggles I’ve had is wrestling with settling with just one area for a career. Plenty of people advised me to JUST do music, or JUST focus on law. But I realized that part of what makes me, ME, is my ability to be a chameleon of sorts, in being able to understand a lot on a high level, and be effective in everything I do. When I truly embraced that idea, that became my brand. Even now, I’m still growing and starting to see more and more how effective my spread of knowledge and experience interplays with each area I deal in.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Normally, I’m on the road so much or in class, so I wouldn’t get much time to explore the city. But, living in midtown, I frequent Cyclone Anaya’s and Lost & Found. I don’t get out much even now because of covid, but when I do, it’s likely one of those place, or Starbucks with my laptop open and my headphones on.   

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! I definitely have to shoutout my good friend, business mentor, and brother Moses Rangel. I’ve known him for over 19 years, and he has proved to be a great man, not only in business, but on a personal level. Moses was one of my church youth leaders when I was younger, he’s watched me grow, and has really helped give guidance along the way, especially in the world of business. He himself is an incredibly successful person, and that is all attributed to the way he thinks, and also I believe, the way he treats and considers people.

Website: http://www.drgdanielesq.com
Instagram: @gregorydanielmu
Linkedin: linkedin.com/drgdanielesq
Twitter: @gdanielmu

Image Credits
Professional Photos By: Darius Wiggins of The G.A.T.E. Photography (Houston, TX) (instagram: @the22gate)

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