Danny Smith is a Solicitor-Advocate, equity partner of PCB Solicitors, and a member of the Staffordshire University Development Board, Alumni Advisory Board, and Students’ Union Board.
Danny is also a graduate of Staffordshire University, having attained an LLB (Hons) Law and Advice in 2004 and then completing his LPC the following year. He started his career at Clive Shepherd and Co, in his hometown of Walsall. Two-and-a-half years later, he moved to PCB Solicitors, in Shropshire, where he became a newly qualified solicitor, working in the firm’s criminal department.
He immediately pursued duty solicitor status, which allows him to represent defendants in the police station and Magistrates’ Court if they do not have their own solicitor. Then he gained Higher Rights of Audience, meaning he can represent clients in the higher criminal courts, which made him the youngest Higher Court advocate in Shropshire at that time.
He said: “I was 20 or 30 years younger than other advocates and I was looking after cases including murders and rapes. I have made several significant court appearances and was dealing in high end cases while building my career up.”
The partners at PCB Solicitors soon recognised Danny’s drive and promoted him to non-equity partner. Then, in 2019, he was made an equity partner, meaning he is now one-third part owner of the business. In the last financial year, PCB Solicitors opened two new offices and now has 62 employees across Shropshire, in Bishop's Castle, Clun, Church Stretton, Knighton, Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Telford, as well as the Welsh town of Welshpool.
Danny has continued to support Staffordshire University since graduating. He was the first alumni to help fundraise for students, leading to the creation of what is now called the Horizon Fund, which has helped support hundreds in the pursuit of higher education. Alongside his positions on the Development Board, Alumni Advisory Board, and Students’ Union Board, he also regularly returns to the University as a guest lecturer for the Law School, has provided work experience opportunities for current students, and has hired many graduates at PCB Solicitors.
The Award of Honorary Doctor of Staffordshire University is bestowed upon Danny in recognition of his many years of support, his passion for giving every prospective student the chance at education, no matter their background, and for setting a shining example to all students, particularly those pursuing careers in law.