Melvin R. Mel Daniel

A competent attorney with deep municipal law experience

I engaged Mel Daniel at Taft to assist my small business with a complex zoning variance issue in Indianapolis. There is no question about his deep knowledge of municipal law; his 53 years of experience and the recognition he's received in that field since 2012 were evident in his strategic advice. He understood the nuances of local ordinances immediately. However, my experience was a mixed bag. While the legal outcome was ultimately satisfactory, the process felt somewhat detached. Communication was functional but not proactive; I often had to follow up for updates, and responses could take several days. Given his stature and likely heavy caseload, I sometimes felt like a lower priority. His billing was precise, but for the rates commanded by a firm like Taft, I had expected a more responsive client experience. For straightforward municipal legal matters where you need an expert's guidance, Mr. Daniel is certainly capable. Just be prepared to manage your own expectations regarding communication timelines and take a more hands-on role in driving the case forward. He is a seasoned professional who knows the law inside out, but the client service aspect felt merely adequate.