Member Spotlight - J. Christopher Davis

of Crowe & Dunlevy

Tell us about your family:

Married to Adora Davis (anniversary December 1995), andhaveonedaughterEmiliewholivesoutofthehouse and is college aged. We are happy empty-nesters (most nights of the week). My father is still living and lives near us. My father in law is also still living and lives with us in our home inWestTulsa. We have three dogs, Daizie, Malibu, and Muffin, all poodles or poodle strain.

How long have you been practicing law and what are your practice areas?

I clerked for a federal judge after law school, 19951996. I began private practice in September, 1996. I have always been a civil trial lawyer practicing in catastrophic injury and property damages cases, mostly on the defense side, and complex business and IP litigation on both plaintiff and defense sides. In recent years I have had a growing mediation practice, and now serve as mediator in around 50 cases or more a year.

What do you like most about being a lawyer?

There is a nobility to it, I believe. It is an ancient and time-honored profession. Many of our most important figures in history had a law degree, whether they practiced law formally or not. I love the company of lawyers and judges. It is intellectual and constantly challenging. When I was sworn in to bar in September, 1995, then Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Alma Wilson told our new bar members “If you have the soul of a student, you will love this profession”. She was right. I do, and I have.

What has been your biggest professional achievement?

It is not any one case or trial or client representation, but instead the long slow consistent building of a decent reputation, for both competence and character. I would like to think that for those who know me, even a little, they would have a favorable view of me as an honorable person who also happens to be fairly good at the job.

What is your passion outside of work and the law?

I love to read, currently biographies of Presidents and other notable historical figures. My wife and I are also avid RV’ers with a Class A Newmar handicapaccessiblemotorhomecompletewithaliftsystem,hand controls, and functional restroom. We travel all over the US and commonly spend weekends at local state parks throughout Oklahoma “glamping” with friends including fellow attorneys.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

With regard to personal and professional development: Nothing will advance your reputation better than being honest and owning your own mistakes. Own them. If you got delayed in finishing a project in a time frame you promised a client or opposing counsel, don’t make excuses, just be candid and honest. Be humble. And never get personally crossways with any fellow attorney. Our work is important but our humanity even more so

With regard to practicing litigation: Be careful what you ask for.