GenXYZ: Michael Davis, 35

Attorney, Law Office of Michael R. Davis (MRD Law)

Nora Caley //October 30, 2013//

GenXYZ: Michael Davis, 35

Attorney, Law Office of Michael R. Davis (MRD Law)

Nora Caley //October 30, 2013//

Davis says he was defiant and opinionated as a kid, but that helped him become an attorney concentrating on making an impact with the little guys.

Why did you start your own practice?

I worked in politics for a long time, and I worked for big law firms for huge clients. When I was a kid and I dreamed of being a lawyer, I did not dream of the minutiae, of pushing papers. I wanted to make an impact on people’s lives. If a huge corporation loses $5 million, it’s just a bad day. If a small client loses $5 million, it’s game-over.

What type of law do you practice?

I help small clients navigate the legal world, the government and regulatory world … and the crisis communications world.

How?

A lot of startups to midsize companies generally cannot afford a huge rate of $500 an hour for these mega law firms. I am trying to align my interest as a lawyer with their interests as clients. I do business disputes for startup to midsize companies. They could be fraud, civil conspiracy, patent infringement or the Lanham Act, which is trademarks and false advertising.

How do you choose volunteer work?

I have passion for special education. My parents and sister worked in special education in inner-city schools in Des Moines, Iowa, where we’re from. I am involved with ARC Thrift Stores. I am a huge fan of the market-based model of charity – the social enterprise. Also I am involved with the Alliance for Choice in Education, or ACE.