Overview

Several of Judge Davis’ cases have become landmark decisions from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. His rulings on the bench enjoyed a high affirmance rate. He previously served by invitation on both the Federal Circuit and U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He also has served on the Fifth Circuit Judicial Council, the Federal Circuit Advisory Committee on case management, and as co-chair of the Federal Judges Committee of the Federal Circuit Bar Association. He also served on the Federal Circuit’s advisory council. Judge Davis was honored at the New York Intellectual Property Law Association’s annual dinner honoring the federal judiciary by receiving its 2016 "Outstanding Public Service Award" for his service and significant contributions in intellectual property law.

Before his appointment to the federal bench, Judge Davis served as chief justice of Texas’ 12th Court of Appeals. Prior to his service as a judge, he was an active trial lawyer for 23 years. His experience as a practicing attorney included a variety of complex cases, including commercial, oil and gas, will and estate contests, breach of fiduciary duty, medical malpractice, product liability and negligence. He previously served as general counsel to the Republican Party of Texas (1983-1988), in addition to gubernatorial appointments to the State Judicial Districts Board (1988-1992) and State Ethics Advisory Committee (1983-1988).