Second Year Law Student Daniel A. Johnston Wants to Practice White Collar Criminal Defense and Complex Litigation

Personal Life

Daniel A. Johnston is a second year law student at George Washington University Law School and anticipates a May 2014 graduation. Although Daniel has several areas of interest including in-house counsel, regulation compliance and prosecuting at the state and federal level, he plans on practicing white collar criminal defense and complex litigation such as securities litigation and antitrust litigation.


He was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, NY. Daniel grew up with his mother, father and older bother. He said, "My family gave me all the support I could ask for."Daniel went on to graduate with a B.S. in Psychology from the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY Albany) in 2011, cum laude. He completed one year at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University before transferring to George Washington University Law School.

While studying at SUNY Albany, Daniel was a Student Senator and a member of PAD, becoming social chair. In 2011, he interned for the New York State Assembly. When asked about his internship experience, Daniel claimed, "I was exposed to the other side of the law. I understood how the law was made and implemented."

At George Washington University Law School, Daniel was awarded the George Washington Scholar designation, which recognizes law students who are in the top fifteen percent of their class. He is currently a member of the Mock Trial Board and ADR Board. In 2012, Daniel served the Gulf Recovery Network and provided pro bono services for the Southeast Louisiana Legal Services Homeless Advocacy Unit.

During the summer of 2012, Daniel interned at the Westchester County District Attorney's Office in NY. He drafted motions, did research, helped prepare for suppression and felony hearings, and drafted accusatory instruments. In 2013, Daniel, along with a partner, won the Spanogle International Commercial Arbitration Competition. Next year (Fall 2013-14), he will work for the Federal Criminal Appellate Clinic, representing indigent defendants at the appellate level in Maryland. Daniel is currently writing a research paper on the DOJ's interpretation and application of the "grease exception" of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

When the SUNY Albany alumnus isn't studying, he enjoys traveling, reading, watching movies and playing poker. Daniel loved traveling to Rome and Florence, Italy. He plans on visiting Istanbul, Turkey.

Daniel's Academic Law Career and Future Aspirations

Why did Daniel go into the law? "I've always been competitive. Being involved in litigation, especially complex civil and criminal issues, allows me to channel that in a way that helps others."

Daniel shared his aims and aspirations. "I want to practice white-collar criminal defense, antitrust litigation, and securities regulation."

When asked about his key accomplishments, Daniel asserted, "Being the first in my family to pursue any sort of graduate degree, making mock trial board and ADR Board, and making sure I stay actively involved in community service when I can."

Daniel discussed his key strengths and skills that he would like to use to advance his
career goals. "I am a strong public speaker. I also will be the one to put in more work than anyone else is willing to. I may not be the smartest student that walks into a room, but I sure can be the most prepared."

Since law school can be hectic at times, does Daniel have any stress management tactics? The candid student stated, "Not particularly. I tend not to get stressed."

Is there any particular achievement or activity that Daniel would like to share with our readers? "Gulf Recovery Network. The Government and FEMA may have taken small steps to help after Hurricane Katrina, but there is still so much to be done to help New Orleans get back on its feet. Every little bit helps, and I'd highly recommend getting involved if you can."

Where does the New Yorker derive his confidence? "By knowing what I will speaking about, inside and out. Being confident of your knowledge of the facts will lead to confidence speaking."

Three Wishes to Live By, Coping with Fear and Volunteer Experience

If Daniel had three wishes, what would he wish for? "That my family be stable financially and health-wise, that no one go hungry in an age of such abundance… and for a Rolls-Royce."

In regards to handling fear, Daniel said, "I just recognize a goal and move towards it, and make sure fear takes a backseat to more positive emotions."

Daniel discussed his volunteer experience. "While a student senator at Albany, I was on the community outreach and engagement committee. We provided students with community service opportunities, including street cleanups in the poorer sections of the city. This was in 2010. This past year, 2012, I spent a week in Louisiana with the Gulf Recovery Network providing pro bono services for the Southeast Louisiana Legal Services Homeless Advocacy Unit."

Legal Role Models, Personal Philosophy, People You Want to Surround Yourself With and Favorite Quote

Why are David Boies, Ted Olson and Daniel's former white-collar crime professor, Randall Eliason, his legal role models? Daniel stated, "Professor Eliason is passionate, knowledgeable and he cares about his students. He's someone I look up to as legal role model. David Boies and Ted Olson are two of the best litigators in the country and are at the level where I want to be in my career."

What is Daniel's personal philosophy? "Make history or make excuses; your choice."

The future attorney talked about what he believes holds more truth in light of his personal philosophy. Was it fate or choice? "Choice. Because I believe nothing is predetermined. Everyone in America can take steps towards success."

What kind of situations and people is Daniel attracted to? What kind of situations and people does the law student avoid? "I am attracted to people who are positive. I enjoy a diverse environment, both in my school and in a work environment. People from different walks of life can provide such a largely different perspective on life and issues." As for situations and people to avoid, Daniel said, "Negative people. People who come up with excuses instead of action."

Daniel's favorite quote is from a Latin legal phrase: "Fiat justitia ruat caelum." The quote means "Let justice be done, though the heavens may fall." Daniel said the meaning is part of the reason why he got into law. He added, "You can't let someone's position be a deterrent of what needs to be done."