Lanny Davis Bio

 

Lanny Davis, one of the original endorsers of The Civility Project, has modeled civility in public discourse over his 30 years in local, state and national politics. His commitment to debating with strong ideas rather than ear-shattering decibels was particularly distinct during the heated 2008 presidential election where he served as an advisor for the Clinton campaign.

Davis' first "encounter" with The Civility Project Founder Mark DeMoss was through a letter.  DeMoss wrote to commend Davis for his civility during numerous television appearances on Mrs. Clinton's behalf, and his respectful treatment of those with whom he disagreed.  That letter is now displayed in Davis' office.

Davis has served three terms on the Democratic National Committee as a representative for the State of Maryland.  He also served as special counsel to former President Bill Clinton in the White House and was a spokesperson for Clinton concerning campaign finance issues and other legal matters.  In 2005, Davis was appointed by former President George W. Bush to serve on the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. 

Currently, Davis is a partner at Orrick, a global law firm assisting clients in more than 100 countries.  He has worked out of their Washington, D.C. office since 2003 as a member of the Litigation Group.  Davis advises clients in legal strategic and crisis management, governmental affairs and commercial litigation.   

Davis has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College and a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School.  He has authored and co-authored a number of publications.  His most recent book, Scandal: How 'Gotcha' Politics is Destroying America (Palgrave Macmillan), was published in 2007.

Davis lives in Potomac, Md., with his wife Carolyn.  They have four children.

 

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