A Guiding Light in the Legal World for Young Lawyers
Kenya Davis’ remarkable journey through interesting legal jobs is an inspiring narrative for young lawyers and others interested in the field. Now a partner at Boies Schiller her work has included big law firms and work in public law.
Her career, recently reported in LawDragon, is a tapestry woven from diverse experiences, including seven years in Big Law, thirteen years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in D.C., and her current role as a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner.
Davis’ unwavering commitment to human rights shines throughout her career, proving that dedication to such causes is both paramount and achievable in the legal profession.
Davis’ focus has primarily been on human trafficking, where she has notably represented sex abuse victims and assisted companies in establishing safe labor practices.
Her time in government saw her involved in 50 trials and over 100 grand jury investigations, highlighting her deep-rooted passion for equitable justice.
She also played a significant role as the human trafficking coordinator and co-chair of the D.C. Human Trafficking Task Force, emphasizing the prosecution of traffickers, aiding victims, and preventing future trafficking.
In her current role at Boies Schiller, Davis tackles similar issues but from a different angle, focusing on global investigations and white-collar crime, particularly in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters. Her expertise in human trafficking is instrumental in assisting companies to eradicate labor trafficking in their supply chains.
Her work involves handling investigations and implementing compliance strategies in line with stringent national and international guidelines.
Humanitarian Cases
Davis credits her move to Boies Schiller to the firm’s focus on humanitarian cases. Her work continues in representing victims of sex trafficking and sexual abuse in private practice.
Notably, she represents a group of snowboarders suing for sexual abuse and cover-up by various sporting organizations. Davis highlights the complex interplay of abuse, silence, and financial benefits in such cases.
Her recent practice has been influenced significantly by the Adult Survivors Act in New York and similar legislation in California, driving much of her work in sexual abuse cases.
An example of her work includes representing Drew Dixon against L.A. Reid, former CEO of Epic Records, in a case involving allegations of sexual assault and workplace retaliation.
Davis’ prowess as a trial attorney was exemplified in her significant contribution to Boies Schiller’s victory in the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac case.
Joining the litigation in its final stages, she played a pivotal role in reshaping the team’s strategy and presenting the case, leading to a unanimous verdict and a substantial award for the shareholders.
Davis’ approach to jury trials is particularly instructive for young lawyers.
Trust and Honesty
She emphasizes the importance of trust and honesty with jurors, acknowledging that understanding and respecting their perspective is crucial. She believes in presenting all aspects of a case transparently and guiding jurors through complex legal concepts with clarity and humility.
Her career path, beginning at Debevoise & Plimpton and transitioning to government work for more trial experience, demonstrates a proactive and purpose-driven approach to legal practice. Her work at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C. provided her with a unique perspective on both federal and local cases, further honing her skills as a trial lawyer.
Now back in private practice, Davis is heavily involved in ESG work, leveraging her experience in human trafficking to help companies align with regulatory standards and societal values. She advises companies to start with their core values to meet international labor standards and effectively communicate their commitment to these standards.
Kenya Davis’ journey is instructive for young lawyers, illustrating the power of dedication, integrity, and a humanitarian approach in building a fulfilling and impactful legal career.
Her experiences across different realms of the legal system showcase the potential to make a significant difference while achieving professional excellence.
