Kearns Davis

Practice Areas

Kearns Davis is an acclaimed courtroom advocate, a veteran of both high-profile cases and sensitive matters resolved confidentially. A former federal prosecutor and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, he has tried jury cases at all levels of federal and North Carolina trial courts, and he represents clients in U.S. trial and appellate courts across the country. His clients have included public companies, private businesses, elected officials of both major parties, Hall of Fame athletes, Division I coaches, corporate executives, and professionals including doctors, accountants, professors, and numerous other lawyers. He served as president of the North Carolina Bar Association in 2016-17.

Professional Memberships

President, North Carolina Bar Association (2016-17)

State Committee, American College of Trial Lawyers (2020-present)

President, Federal Bar Association, Middle District of North Carolina Chapter (2010-11)

Adjunct Law Professor/Lecturer in Trial Advocacy, University of North Carolina School of Law (2009-15, 2018-present)

Adjunct Law Professor, Trial Advocacy, Elon University School of Law (2008)

Trial Advocacy Instructor, U.S. Department of Justice National Advocacy Center (2007)

Faculty, National Institute for Trial Advocacy Southeast Regional (2006 & 2007)

Member, North Carolina Commission on the Administration of Law & Justice (2015-17)

North Carolina Equal Access to Justice Commission (2014-15)

Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (2011)

Criminal Justice Act Appellate Panel Committee, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (2008-2014)

Criminal Justice Act Panel, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (2007-present)

Criminal Justice Act Panel, Middle District of North Carolina (1997-2003, 2007-present)

Chair, North Carolina Bar Association Criminal Justice Section (2007-08)

Chair, North Carolina Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (2004-05)

Board of Directors, Legal Aid of North Carolina (2017-18)

Pro Bono Representation Program, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (2008-present)

Member, North Carolina Faith and Justice Alliance Steering Committee (2020-21)

Board of Directors, Greensboro Police Foundation (2014-2022)

Board of Directors, Greensboro Sports Council (2013-16)

Development Committee, Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro (2019-present)

Co-Director, Rotary Youth Leadership Program (2007)

Board of Directors, University of North Carolina School of Law Alumni Association (2000-06, 2020-present)

Board of Directors, Davidson College Alumni Association (2007-2010)

Board of Directors, National Association of Assistant United States Attorneys (2006-07)

Chair, Greensboro Bar Association Pro Bono Committee (2000-01)

Founding Chair, Greensboro Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Domestic Violence Project (1999-2001)

Secretary, Rest Haven Summer Sunday School, Pamlico River, Beaufort County, NC (2010-22)

Finance Board & Deacon, Grace Community Church (2004-06)