Lee Davis

35+ Years of Criminal Law

Lee Davis is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with more than three decades of experience handling high-stakes cases in Tennessee and across the Southeast. He has tried over two hundred jury trials to verdict, representing clients in complex criminal and civil matters in 18 different states. He was the first attorney in the United States to introduce mitochondrial DNA evidence at trial and has served as lead counsel in multiple death penalty cases, drawing on his experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney.

His appellate work has included cases before the Tennessee Supreme Court, the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as applications for review to the United States Supreme Court.

A former Assistant District Attorney, Mr. Davis prosecuted serious felony cases, including numerous homicide trials, before dedicating his career to defending the accused. Today, he brings the perspective of both prosecutor and defense counsel to the courtroom—an advantage that helps him build strong, strategic defenses for his clients. He has served as lead counsel in multiple death penalty cases and is widely respected for his ability to navigate challenging and high-profile matters with skill, discretion, and persistence.

Beyond criminal defense, Mr. Davis has successfully represented clients in civil disputes involving employment, negligence, real estate, and civil rights claims, achieving favorable outcomes at trial and through mediation. His broad trial background and reputation for thorough preparation have made him a trusted advocate across Tennessee and throughout the region.

Mr. Davis is admitted to practice before all Tennessee state courts and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

In State v. Blair, Lee Davis successfully defended a woman wrongfully accused and facing the death penalty for triple murder. After a jury trial, she was found not guilty. In another case, Lee Davis represented a man who was wrongly accused in the disappearance of his wife. Many in the community, law enforcement, and the media sought to portray our client as a murderer.

With patience and an independent investigation, our client was exonerated. The case was a tragic accident, and our work helped defend an innocent man. As a third relevant example, Lee Davis and our team of lawyers and investigators helped defend a man charged with a false allegation of sexual assault upon a child. Media outlets and police assured the public of a conviction. Thanks to the hard work from our team, the case was dismissed after the grand jury refused to indict.

Lee Davis has also represented hundreds of clients in court with charges that range from Tennessee DUI cases to first-degree murder. As an Assistant District Attorney (1994-1998), Lee Davis prosecuted serious felony cases including cold case homicide investigations and more than twenty first degree murder jury trials. Lee Davis has also served as Special Prosecutor and Special Judge in criminal proceedings in Tennessee.

In civil actions Lee Davis has successfully represented clients at trial, winning cases before juries and in mediation. Cases include age discrimination, retaliatory discharge, negligence, accidents, child injury, real estate, and civil rights cases.

• Hamilton County Herald article about Lee Davis.
• Davis Recalls His Nervous First Murder Defense

Professional and Teaching Experience

Lee Davis has taught Criminal and Constitutional Law at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and previously taught trial practice as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville.

Lee Davis is recognized as a Fellow by the American Board of Criminal lawyers, ABCL. Mr. Davis is a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, NACDL. He has published articles on DNA technology and the death penalty.

Lee Davis has lectured nationally as an instructor with the American Prosecutors Research Institute, Washington DC, APRI.

Personal

Lee is an avid cyclist in his free time and enjoys the scenery Chattanooga and surrounding areas offer for his lengthy rides.

Community Service

Education

Lee Davis teaches continuing legal education courses for attorneys and paralegals, from ethics and white-collar federal criminal defense to emerging issues in Tennessee law.