Former Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
Prior to his retirement in 2015, Judge Davis served as the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas where he oversaw one of the busiest intellectual property law dockets in the country. He personally handled over 1700 patent cases during his time on the bench.
His insightful handling of complex patent litigation earned the respect of attorneys on both sides of the docket. In 2016 Judge Davis was recognized by the New York Intellectual Property Law Association for his service and contributions in intellectual property law by honoring him with its Outstanding Public Service Award.
From 2015 to 2025, Judge Davis was Of Counsel with the international IP firm Fish & Richardson, PC where he provided strategic counseling to clients in some of the most significant intellectual property law cases in the country. Prior to his appointment to the bench in 2000, Judge Davis was an active trial attorney for 23 years trying complex cases throughout the Eastern District of Texas.
Judge Davis's experience as a judge and trial attorney gives him unique insights as to what works and does not work with juries and judges in East Texas. Judge Davis enjoys helping other lawyers and their clients in developing trial strategies, doing case assessments and evaluations, mock trials, Markman hearings, settlement negotiations, and mediations. In addition to legal consulting, Judge Davis serves as an arbitrator in selected complex disputes, as well as conducting high-stakes mediations.
Twelfth Court of Appeals of the State of Texas
Baylor School of Law
Texas Christian University
Texas Electric Service Company
University of Texas at Arlington
Best Lawyers
2018-2021
Super Lawyers
2018-2019
New York Intellectual Property Law Association
2016
Houston Intellectual Property Law Inn of Court
2015
American Board of Trial Advocates, Texas Chapter
2013
Baylor University School of Law
2012
All Saints Episcopal School
1998
All Saints Episcopal School
1998