Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Daniel received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in 1968 and a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law in 1971.
He was in private practice in Detroit, Michigan from 1971 to 1977, and was also a director of Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services from 1974 to 1976, and an adjunct professor at the Detroit College of Law from 1974 to 1977.
In 1977, he moved his private practice to Denver, Colorado, and became an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado School of Law, where he continued teaching until 1980.
On March 31, 1995, Daniel was nominated by President Bill Clinton to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Colorado vacated by Sherman Glenn Finesilver.
Daniel was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 30, 1995, and received his commission the same day.