Contact: Mark Fefer, Marketing Communications, 206.757.8583 or markfefer@dwt.com
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is delighted to announce that the firm’s founder and chief inspiration, John Davis, celebrated his 100th birthday this week. He will be honored with a party at the firm’s offices in downtown Seattle.
Mr. Davis, who is one of the oldest living graduates of the University of Washington Law School, founded the firm in 1944 based on what he called “Real Aims,” which included “Good reputation among fellow men, especially for ability and integrity.”
"Those aims guide us to this day," said Dave Baca, managing partner of Davis Wright Tremaine, which is now one of the top 200 law firms in the nation. "Mr. Davis has been an invaluable mentor to generations of attorneys at the firm, and his commitment to excellence, honesty, and community service continues to be a role model for everyone."
Throughout his career, Mr. Davis distinguished himself as a leading banking lawyer. He served as counsel to the state banking association for 36 years. With his guidance, Japanese banks were first able to open offices in Seattle, an important step in advancing Pacific Rim trade. He served in, and was honored by, local, state, and national bar associations in countless ways.
His public service was extensive. He devoted more than three decades to the Pacific Science Center, was one of the founders of the Mountaineers Foundation, and shared his time and counsel for 27 years as a board member for Virginia Mason Medical Center.
Mr. Davis never officially retired, and he maintained a regular weekly schedule of visits to Davis Wright’s Seattle office up until this year. In 2004, in honor of his 90th birthday, the firm established an annual diversity scholarship in his name at the University of Washington Law School. In celebration of his turning 100, the firm has made an additional $10,000 gift to the scholarship fund. Four students at the law school are John Davis scholars this year.
The party for Mr. Davis will feature a video tribute with testimonials and words of gratitude from attorneys and staff all over the firm. Clients and friends from around the Northwest will attend.
“To have a leader as beloved as Mr. Davis here to inspire us is an ongoing gift,” said Bob Blackstone, partner-in-charge of Davis Wright’s Seattle office. “We wish him many more years of health and good fortune.”
About Davis Wright Tremaine
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is a national law firm with approximately 500 lawyers representing clients based throughout the United States and around the world. For more information, visit www.dwt.com.
