Ian Davis

Ian Davis is an associate attorney at McGinnis Lochridge who represents individuals, companies, and governmental entities in state and federal courts across Texas. He is equipped to manage a wide range of legal disputes, including complex civil litigation, federal and state constitutional law, probate and fiduciary litigation, employment law, intellectual property, real estate litigation, appeals, and administrative proceedings before Texas agencies. Ian has trial experience in both federal and state courts, and routinely appears in court for motion practice.

Throughout every stage of a lawsuit, Ian aligns his clients’ business goals to their litigation strategy, avoiding scorched earth tactics in favor of practical solutions. Ian is a trusted advocate who fights for his clients until a matter is resolved. 

In 2022, Ian successfully tried a case on behalf of a pro bono client, delivering a well-deserved courthouse victory. Ian served as lead counsel at trial, conducting opening and closing statements, and putting on expert and lay witnesses. In 2023, Ian argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in a case involving a First Amendment challenge to a Texas statute. The Fifth Circuit reversed and rendered judgment in the client's favor. With fewer cases tried in today’s legal climate, Ian’s comfort and experience in the courtroom serves as a valuable asset.

An Austin native, Ian graduated with High Honors from Emory University School of Law. Prior to joining the Firm in 2020, Ian worked for the Joint Distribution Committee in Tel Aviv, Israel and Riga, Latvia. In that role, Ian coordinated the Committee’s juvenile rights division in Central Israel, supported community leadership in fostering government relations, worked with legal counsel to provide property restitution for confiscated communal assets, and assisted in the distribution of humanitarian aid.

State Court

• Obtained Travis County trial verdict in favor of consumer-plaintiff on breach of contract and Deceptive Trade Practices Act claims, including treble damages and attorneys’ fees (first chair)
• Obtained summary judgment from Gillespie County District Court recognizing an equitable easement to the plaintiff-client’s property and awarding $30k in attorneys’ fees (first chair)
• Obtained temporary restraining order and temporary injunction in favor of clients against defendants who had filed false documents with the secretary of state and were fraudulently operating clients’ business entity
• Obtained summary judgment in favor of employer on claims of sexual harassment
• Obtained partial summary judgment for client in case involving non-payment under a contract, as well as personal liability for the defendant company’s CEO (first chair)
• Obtained seven-figure settlement for physician in lawsuit involving claims for fraud, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty
• Successful representation of homeowner in lawsuit against contractor involving claims for breach of contract and conversion
• Successful representation of Texas electric cooperative in proceeding before the Public Utility Commission of Texas requesting amendment to certificate of convenience and necessity

Federal Court

• Obtained summary judgment in favor of nationwide employer on claims of retaliation
• Obtained numerous summary judgments in favor of county defendants on § 1983 claims alleging violation of US Constitution
• Obtained summary judgment in favor of county defendant in lawsuit alleging disability discrimination
• Trial counsel for property owners challenging constitutionality of municipal ordinance involving Texas Public Improvement District
• Successfully defended against Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) class action lawsuit (first chair)

Appellate 

• Delivered oral argument before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans in a case involving a First Amendment challenge to Texas's drone statute. The Fifth Circuit rendered judgment in the client's favor. See Nat'l Press Photographers Assin v. McCraw, 84 F.4th 632 (5th Cir. 2023). 

Arbitration

• Obtained take-nothing award on behalf of publicly traded e-commerce company in arbitration involving claims for violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, breach of contract, and violations of the Texas Finance Code. The arbitral tribunal found fully in the client’s favor, awarded no money to the claimant, and rejected request for claimant’s attorneys’ fees (first chair)
• Obtained six-figure settlement in favor of sporting goods retailer in international arbitration involving breach of contract claims and challenge to enforceability of non-competition agreement

News

Publications

• Dean’s Recognition of Professional Development (2019)

• Llyod C. Lochridge Inn of Court, Member (2023-present)
• Austin Bar Association (2020-present)
• Glass Leadership Institute, Anti-Defamation League (2023)
• Order of the Coif, Emory Law School (2020-present)
• Emory Law Journal, Articles Editor (2019)