Davis’ proudest accomplishments have been when “I have had a part in resolving an injustice, righting a wrong or giving voice to the silent.” He believes his greatest contribution is his sponsorship of the annual Davis Levin First Amendment Conference, a free and public debate hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union. Davis has had active leadership roles in many community organizations such as the Hawaii International Film Festival, the American Civil Liberties Union and The American Friends of Hebrew University. A frequent guest speaker at local, national and international conferences, and lecturer for continuing legal education, he is also author and editor of books and articles on legal topics. When asked to name the most influential person in his career, Davis says, “My father was my closest adviser and greatest cheerleader.” He credits his father with raising four sons “to believe in ourselves, to understand and respect the opposition, and to muster the courage to risk occasional failure in order to enjoy a triumph.” What sets him apart from others, Davis believes, is awareness that “it is sometimes more important for a lawyer to be a good listener than a good talker,” and to relax an otherwise rigid perspective to embrace creative and innovative solutions. Davis’ free legal advice follows Abraham Lincoln’s counsel to compromise and avoid litigation. When that fails, “be honest, candid and professional with your opposing counsel, and demand the same in return.”

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 35

EDUCATION:
Tulane Univ (B.A., cum laude, 1971), Southampton Univ, England, Washington Univ Law School (J.D., 1974)

BAR ADMISSIONS:
Hawaii (1974), Supreme Court of Hawaii (1974), U.S. District Court of Hawaii (1974), U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1974), U.S. Supreme Court (1979)

PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS:
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; “Best Lawyers in America” (‘91-’09); Lawyer of the Year 2009; President, Consumer Lawyers of Hawai‘i; National Board of Governors, American Association of Justice; Adjunct Professor, Richardson School of Law

HONORS:
President, The Inner Circle of Advocates, national organization of 100 best U.S. trial lawyers. The National Law Journal’s “Hot List Hall of Fame”, highest 100 jury verdicts in the country. Three-time recipient, Wydman Wysocki Medal for Contributions to the Civil Justice System.