Mary Laura "Chee" Davis

Mary Laura “Chee” Davis was a dedicated and influential attorney, renowned for her commitment to seeking justice for her clients. Throughout her illustrious career, she left an indelible mark on the legal profession, particularly in groundbreaking cases that challenged prevailing norms and fought for the rights of the oppressed.

Born and raised in Durham, N.C., Davis embraced the nickname “Chee,” lovingly given to her by her father during her toddler years. Her journey in the legal field was far from conventional. Initially drawn to the performing arts, she pursued her passion for dance and acting on Broadway and in summer stock productions for 13 years. Despite her artistic success, the call to the legal world eventually prevailed.

After completing her bachelor’s degree at Hunter College in New York in 1971, Davis embarked on a remarkable academic journey, earning her law degree from Emory University in Atlanta in 1977. Emory Law provided her with a solid foundation for her future legal endeavors and ignited her commitment to advocacy and justice.

Joining the prestigious law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Los Angeles, Davis focused on products liability and medical malpractice defense, gaining recognition as an expert in representing major pharmaceutical companies, health care organizations, and hospitals. Her dedication to her clients and unwavering pursuit of justice set her apart as an exemplary attorney in the legal community.

Tragically, Mary Laura “Chee” Davis passed away at the age of 59 in Los Angeles. Despite her untimely departure, her contributions to the legal profession and her relentless pursuit of justice continue to inspire future generations of attorneys.

To honor her memory and impact, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, her longtime law firm, made generous donations to establish The Mary Laura “Chee” Davis Award For Writing Excellence at Emory University. This award recognizes and celebrates exceptional writing talent among Emory Law students, reflecting Davis’s enduring commitment to the pursuit of excellence and her strong connection to Emory Law.