W. Richard Davis is a life-long resident of the City of University Park.  He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from SMU in 1956 and a Juris Doctor degree from SMU Dedman School of Law in 1958.

In 1958, Davis began his career with Strasburger & Price LLP as only the 11th lawyer in this firm. He has practiced extensively in matters involving product liability and civil litigation, representing major automotive, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, maritime, and oil companies.  Davis has been lead counsel of record in litigation in 15 states and Puerto Rico, as well as national, regional or multi-state counsel for General Motors, Nissan, American Honda, and International Harvester.  He served on the Policy Committee of Strasburger & Price for 15 years and held the positions of chairman and senior member.  Davis became counsel to the firm in 2000.

Since 1972, Davis has served on the City of University Park Master Plan Committee, and the Planning and Zoning Commission, to name a few.  He was elected and served three successive terms on the City Council, and is currently the Mayor of the City of University Park.

He is a frequent lecturer on various aspects of civil litigation for the American Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, and Dallas Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, Product Liability Advisory Council, International Association of Defense Counsel, Federation of Defense Counsel, American Manufacturing Association, and numerous law schools including SMU Dedman School of Law.  

Davis has been a member of Park Cities Baptist Church since 1945, and is active in many civic, educational, and charitable organizations.  He has served on the Board of Buckner Children’s Homes for six years.  

Davis has been involved extensively in many professional organizations such as President, International Association of Defense Counsel (1987-1988), Board of Directors of the Product Liability Advisory Council (1987– 2002), Charter Member of the Product Liability Advisory Council Foundation (1990 – 2002), and Director, Defense Research Institute (1983 – 1989).  He was elected as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, American Bar Foundation, Texas Bar Foundation, and Dallas Bar Foundation.  Davis was named in the “Who’s Who Legal” edition of Best Lawyers in America for 20 consecutive years until his retirement from active litigation.

Davis has been married to Sally Kay Davis for 54 years, has three children, and ten grandchildren.