Prior to practicing law, Daniel worked as a newspaper reporter covering major political events and court cases. He was a war correspondent in Afghanistan in 2004, and later wrote for the Detroit Free Press. His war reporting not only earned him a Pulitzer Prize nomination but solidified his resolve to pursue a law career.

Daniel graduates from Detroit Mercy School of Law after serving as a member of the Law Review, co-editor of the law school newspaper, and an intern to Judge Marianne O. Battani at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Daniel also gains experience with RLUIPA casework, an underserved area of civil and religious law.

Daniel helps secure his first RLUIPA trial victory in San Diego, helping to earn his client a seven-figure jury verdict. The trial win allows the private school client to expand classroom size and further their religious mission work. This becomes the first of many matters Daniel and his team successfully handle for religious organizations around the country.

Daniel diversifies his practice to represent medical providers and institutions in malpractice cases throughout Michigan. Notable outcomes in state and federal courts throughout Michigan earn Daniel a strong reputation in malpractice litigation as he begins to represent several hospital systems.

On the heels of a medical malpractice trial victory, Daniel and his team begin to represent Henry Ford Health System and its providers in medical malpractice actions throughout Michigan. This work includes handling complex neurosurgery and cardiac cases.

Months after helping to successfully defend a $20 million medical malpractice case to verdict, Daniel establishes Cortez & Associates in Bingham Farms, Michigan. Julie Colton, Lisa Lefevre, and Christina Green Natzel quickly join the team. In the firm’s inaugural year, both Daniel and Christina are recognized as Michigan Super Lawyers.

Cortez & Associates expands its roster with the addition of Andrew McKeachie as Senior Counsel. Andrew brings years of successful experience defending malpractice cases at a large Detroit law firm.