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Davis, Attorney at Top Litigation Firm in Arizona: Advize Career Interview
A top Arizona litigation attorney's career journey reveals a dynamic and rewarding legal field.
A non-traditional path, starting with marketing and sales, demonstrates the transferability of skills like public speaking and persuasive communication.
Daily life involves varied tasks, from Zoom hearings to intense depositions, requiring a "photographic memory" and sharp analytical skills.
The most fulfilling aspects include helping clients navigate traumatic experiences and fighting for justice, fueled by a passion for "the underdog." While high-quality work demands and extensive motion practice pose challenges, consistent client communication and mentorship are key.
Success hinges on strong law school performance and LSAT scores, but a diverse background offers unique advantages.
This attorney's message: Aspiring lawyers should embrace unconventional routes, hone transferable skills, and prioritize clear communication to thrive in this intellectually stimulating and impactful profession.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Davis Bauer
Attorney
Top Litigation Firm in Arizona
University of Arizona, Eller College of Management (B.S. Marketing, 2010-2014)
University of Kansas School of Law (J.D., 2018)
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Marketing
Law
Legal
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of an Attorney at a Top Litigation Firm in Arizona
Davis's career path was "non-traditional," starting with a marketing background and sales experience at a payroll processor before law school. The key to their success, according to Davis, was gaining valuable internship experience, even suggesting that aspiring lawyers "go down to your local courthouse" to seek opportunities.
A Day in the Life of an Attorney at a Top Litigation Firm in Arizona
A day for this attorney is highly variable, involving a mix of "attending hearings," mostly via Zoom, and producing "work product" such as motions and discovery responses. Significant time is also dedicated to depositions, which can last "three to four hours," alongside constant client updates and ensuring the quality of work for review by a supervising partner.
Most Important Skills For An Attorney At A Top Litigation Firm In Arizona
Davis, an Arizona attorney at a top litigation firm, emphasizes a "photographic memory" and "sleuth-like detective skills" as crucial for success in litigation. The ability to meticulously analyze details, including uncovering crucial evidence from social media – as exemplified by Davis finding "evidence that will make or break a case from a Facebook post" – is paramount for trial effectiveness.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Attorney At A Top Litigation Firm In Arizona
Davis, a defense attorney, finds the most rewarding aspect of their role is "helping people," particularly those facing "the most traumatic experiences of their lives," and fighting for "the underdog" in both civil and criminal cases. This passion for helping others, a "fire within," has driven their career in law.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Attorney at Top Litigation Firm in Arizona
Davis's biggest challenge as an attorney is consistently delivering high-quality work while dedicating equal time to all clients, a difficulty stemming from the constant influx of "novel and new legal issues" requiring extensive research and collaboration. This challenge is mitigated through mentorship and leveraging existing skills.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Arizona Litigation Legal Industry as an Attorney
Davis, an Arizona attorney, finds the most rewarding aspects of the legal profession to be "the opportunity to learn something new every day" and the deep connection with clients, offering personal contact and dedication to "fight for them." This commitment to client support, fueled by empathy, is key to success in their demanding career.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Law Industry, According To An Attorney At A Top Litigation Firm
Top Arizona litigation firm attorney Davis emphasizes intelligence as "probably more important" than hard work for success in the legal industry, highlighting the significance of strong law school performance and grades in shaping career trajectory. The attorney's personal experience and research findings underscore the predictive power of law school grades and LSAT scores on bar passage and career success, stating that "your grades, your first year of law school will really determine your trajectory".
What An Attorney At An Arizona Litigation Firm Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Law Industry
Davis, an Arizona attorney, revealed a surprising reality of the legal profession: "a ton of motion practice," involving extensive writing, rewriting, and research—significantly more than law school prepares one for. The interviewee also noted the unexpected importance of law school grades in shaping career trajectory, emphasizing that "grades are extremely important" for career success.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Attorneys
Davis, an Arizona litigation attorney, suggests unexpected entry-level paths into the field, highlighting their own experience in sales and marketing as highly transferable due to skills like "public speaking," "finding information," and "being persuasive"—all crucial for courtroom success. This demonstrates that a general marketing position or sales roles offer valuable, often overlooked, transferable skills for aspiring lawyers.
Significant Career Lesson From An Attorney At A Top Arizona Litigation Firm
Davis, an Arizona attorney, identifies consistent, upfront communication with clients as the most significant career lesson learned, emphasizing the importance of "always be[ing] upfront and honest" even when delivering "bad news," because "you never leave them in the dark." This approach, while sometimes challenging, ultimately builds trust and allows for the attorney to maintain professional integrity and avoid miscommunication.
College Experiences That Helped An Attorney At A Top Litigation Firm In Arizona Succeed
Davis, an Arizona-based attorney at a top litigation firm, emphasizes the importance of high grades, particularly during the final three undergraduate years, and a strong LSAT score for law school success, stating that the LSAT is "probably the most important metric". To further bolster application materials, Davis also advises undergraduates to develop a "good starter resume" showcasing transferable skills and experiences to enhance law school and future career prospects.
How Identity Influenced An Attorney's Career At A Top Litigation Firm In Arizona
Davis, a first-generation and non-traditional law student, views their unconventional path as "the fire" that propelled their career, providing unique perspectives gained from corporate experience before law school. This experience allows them to mentor aspiring lawyers, emphasizing that "there's nothing wrong with taking time off" before pursuing legal education, a message particularly valuable to those considering non-traditional routes.
Advizer Personal Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davisbauer/, @davisbauerlaw (Twitter)
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