SBBL Mourns the Passing of Don Davis

After over 40 years of legal service to the United States Attorney’s Office and SBBL Law, Don Davis (Of Counsel to the Firm) tragically passed away in February 2023. He was an exceptionally bright legal mind but, moreover, as kind and genuine as they come. His smile filled a room, and he could listen intently for hours, inviting open and deep discussion about virtually all topics. He was a beloved colleague and friend. He loved the law and being a U.S. Marine veteran, but he loved his family the most. We will all miss him dearly.

Don’s obituary details his tremendous and well-lived life defined by family, friends, adventure, and service.

Professional Background

Before joining SBBL Law, Don was the US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan from 2008-2012. He was the chief federal law enforcement officer across 49 counties in the western half of Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Don was appointed US Attorney by the judges of the US District Court for the Western District of Michigan where he was responsible for supervising nearly 40 Assistant US Attorneys in the US Attorney’s Office. In addition, he served for 35 years in the office as an Assistant US Attorney in numerous capacities, including as First Assistant, Criminal Chief, and Senior Litigation Counsel.

Starting in 1983, Don tried over 75 federal jury trials to verdict, including obtaining acquittals at federal trials as a defense attorney with SBBL Law. He was one of the leading experts in criminal tax law and tax investigations in the United States and argued over 125 federal appellate cases at the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Before joining the Department of Justice, Don served as a law clerk to the Chief Federal Judge for the Western District of Michigan. For more than 40 years, he was extensively involved in the legal community, including the Sixth Circuit Advisory Committee, Michigan State Bar’s US Courts Committee (Chairperson), Federal Bar Association (President), Hillman Advocacy Program (Chairperson), a Master of the Inns of Court, and the Federal Courts Rules Committee and its Criminal Working Group. Don was also a proud veteran of the US Marine Corps.

Education

• University of Michigan Law School, JD
• Western Michigan University, BA (magna cum laude)

Bar Admissions

• Michigan

Awards

• Two US Department of Justice Director’s Awards
• The Lifetime Achievement Award from the IRS
• Hillman Award
• The Marion Hilligan Public Service Award