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- Jeffrey M. Davidson
Jeffrey Davidson’s trial and appellate practice focuses on high-stakes commercial and insurance coverage matters. Clients have called on him to deliver results in some of their most important disputes.
In a recent trade secret arbitration with $1.8 billion at stake, he obtained a complete defense win on behalf of a major pharmaceutical company. In a recent insurance coverage matter on behalf of a leading corporation, he obtained a $25 million recovery after a contested arbitration hearing. In a third recent matter, he obtained summary adjudication against four insurance companies in a $100-million coverage dispute. Mr. Davidson also litigated one of the foundational cases on the foreign application of U.S. antitrust law, obtaining a ruling eliminating a $3.5 billion claim shortly before trial.
Mr. Davidson also led a cross-office Covington team representing the University of California in its landmark challenge to the government’s rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, obtained a nationwide injunction reinstating DACA, and successfully defended the injunction on appeal. In Regents of the University of California v. Department of Homeland Security, the Supreme Court agreed that the rescission was improper and set it aside.
- Representing leading company in pursuing coverage for hundreds of millions in third-party claims arising from use of insured’s product, including $25 million from a contested arbitration hearing.
- Represented leading pharmaceutical company in a trade secret arbitration, obtaining complete defense victory against plaintiff’s demands totaling more than $1.8 billion.
- Represented managed care provider in $100 million insurance recovery action under errors and omissions policies. Obtained reversal on appeal of adverse trial court ruling, and subsequently obtained summary adjudication against insurers.
- Representing international trading firm in defending allegations of anticompetitive and manipulative conduct in the California gasoline spot market.
- Representing a leading electronics manufacturer in a consolidated set of antitrust and deceptive practices class actions involving liquid crystal displays used in televisions, monitors, and other products. Obtained summary judgment for defendants and dismissal of $3.5 billion in damages claims, in a decision affirmed on appeal.
- Represented pharmaceutical company in patent litigation, obtaining reversal on appeal of adverse trial verdict after replacing prior counsel.
- Representing international airline in defending class-action antitrust litigation. Negotiated settlement for far less than comparably situated defendants.
- Obtained full payment on intellectual property policy issued to leading private technology company.
- Represented national sports league in seeking recovery for expenses incurred in underlying multi-district tort litigation.
- Represented mining company on open pit mining first-party property and business interruption loss, resulting in a favorable settlement with reinsurers.
- Successfully represented policyholder in obtaining insurance recovery for hundreds of millions in asbestos claims.
- Successfully represented policyholder in recovering insurance for loss arising out of large rail accident.
- Represented multiple policyholders in claims, litigation, and settlement in UK solvent schemes of arrangement.
- Represented social media company in patent litigation involving web-accessible databases, obtaining complete victory in the trial court and on appeal.
- Represented network backbone provider in patent infringement litigation, obtaining favorable outcome at trial and on appeal.
- Represented ExxonMobil in successfully seeking to overturn multi-billion dollar punitive damages award on appeal.
Pro Bono
- Leading challenge to the administration’s rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, obtaining a preliminary injunction reinstating DACA. Successfully defended the injunction before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
- First-chaired trial defense of accused individual client, obtaining judgment of acquittal.
- Represented current and former inmates in an appeal to the Third Circuit in a civil matter involving exposure to silica in the prison workplace.
- Representing inmate in federal civil rights litigation to redress brutality by prison guards.
August 20, 2020, Law360
Law360 covered Covington’s representation of Uber in a case involving the company's Buenos Aires launch before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Clara Shin, Lindsey Barnhart, Jeffrey Davidson, and Amy Heath provided counsel to Uber.
July 3, 2020, Bloomberg Law
Jeffrey Davidson spoke with Bloomberg Law about his experience representing the University of California and its president pro bono in an effort to protect DACA. Mr. Davidson says the decision ensures nearly “700,000 people get to continue their lives without worrying about being thrown out of their jobs or arrested and deported.” He adds that the case had ...
Supreme Court Preserves DACA
June 18, 2020
WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court of the United States, in a 5-4 ruling, struck down the Trump Administration’s attempt to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children the opportunity to live and work legally in United States. Covington has represented the University of ...
Daily Journal Selects Covington Defense of Dropbox Inc. as one of its 2019 Top Verdicts
March 3, 2020
SAN FRANCISCO—The Daily Journal has selected Covington's successful defense of Dropbox Inc., in Ironhawk Technologies v. Dropbox Inc., as one of its 2019 Top Verdicts, recognizing the largest and most significant verdicts in California in 2019. The Covington team led by Clara Shin and Jeff Davidson secured a significant victory on behalf of Dropbox in a ...
February 19, 2020, Daily Journal
Dropbox Defeats LA Software Co.'s 'SmartSync' TM Suit
October 29, 2019, Law360
Law360 covered Covington’s representation of Dropbox in a trademark case before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Clara Shin, Jeffrey Davidson, Laura Brookover, Matthew Verdin, Isaac Chaput and Diane Ramirez provided counsel to Dropbox.
September 10, 2019, The Recorder
August 23, 2019
WASHINGTON—Covington has secured a complete victory for our client Eli Lilly & Company against French biotech company Adocia S.A., defeating Adocia’s claims of $1.39 billion for alleged misappropriation of trade secrets in an arbitration before a three-member panel at the American Arbitration Association (AAA). After extensive written submissions and a lengthy ...
June 21, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO—The Daily Journal has named Covington partner Jeffrey Davidson one of its “Top 40 Under 40” lawyers in California. In its profile of Mr. Davidson, the Daily Journal highlights his representation of the University of California in its challenge to the federal government’s attempted rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) ...
DACA Program’s Fate Considered by Appeals Court
May 17, 2018, Society for Human Resource Management
Jeffrey Davidson is quoted by the Society for Human Resource Management in an article regarding oral arguments before the Ninth Circuit in a case challenging the federal government's attempted rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Davidson, who represents the University of California in this case, argued that the government's ...
May 16, 2018, The Washington Times
Jeffrey Davidson is quoted by The Washington Times in an article regarding the Ninth Circuit's response to oral arguments in a case challenging the federal government's attempted rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Davidson, who represents the University of California in this case, argued that there's case law that says even ...
May 15, 2018, Associated Press
Jeffrey Davidson is quoted in an Associated Press article ahead of oral arguments in a case challenging the federal government's attempted rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. According to Davidson, who represents the University of California in the case, "The rescission of DACA is based on what appears to be an argument that ...
DACA's Legality, Rollback Focus Of 9th Circ. Arguments
May 15, 2018, Law360
Jeffrey Davidson is quoted in a Law360 article regarding oral arguments before the Ninth Circuit in a case challenging the federal government's attempted rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Davidson, who represents the University of California in the case, argued that the Administration failed to provide proper justification ...
May 15, 2018, The Recorder
The Recorder highlights Covington's representation of the Regents of the University of California system in its challenge to the federal government's attempted rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This article provides key takeaways from the oral arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on May 15.
Pasadena Appeals Court Hears DACA Arguments
May 15, 2018, CBS
Jeffrey Davidson is quoted in a CBS article regarding oral arguments before the Ninth Circuit in a case challenging the federal government's attempted rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. “The rescission of DACA is based on what appears to be an argument that DACA was illegal when it was enacted, but that’s just wrong," says ...
May 15, 2018, The Wall Street Journal
Jeffrey Davidson is quoted by The Wall Street Journal in an article regarding oral arguments before the Ninth Circuit in a case challenging the federal government's attempted rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. According to Davidson, who represents the University of California in the case, the federal government's decision to ...
May 15, 2018, NBC
Jeffrey Davidson is quoted in an NBC an article regarding oral arguments before the Ninth Circuit in a case challenging the federal government's attempted rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Davidson, who represents the University of California in the case, said, "The record reflects not one word of consideration for the ...
Court appears skeptical of allowing Trump to end DACA
May 15, 2018, The Hill
Jeffrey Davidson is quoted by The Hill in an article regarding oral arguments before the Ninth Circuit in a case challenging the federal government's attempted rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Davidson, who represents the University of California in this case, argued, “The record reflects not one word of consideration for ...
What You Need To Know As 9th Circ. Hears DACA Challenge
May 11, 2018, Law360
Alexander Berengaut and Jeffrey Davidson are quoted in a Law360 article regarding upcoming oral arguments related to the DACA challenge in which Covington represents the University of California. “Our case and its companion cases in other districts aren't about politics but, again, based on the law of how government decisions are supposed to be made,” says ...
May 11, 2018, La Opinión
Jeffrey Davidson and Alexander Berengaut are quoted in a La Opinión article regarding Covington's representation of the University of California in a lawsuit challenging the federal government's attempt to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
UC Returns to Court Next Week to Fight for DACA Students
May 11, 2018, KCBS
Jeffrey Davidson appeared on KCBS to discuss the lawsuit filed on behalf of the University of California challenging the federal government's decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. According to Davidson, "The reason the University has taken such a strong public stand is really because of the several thousand DACA ...
May 2, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO—The National Law Journal has named Covington to its “Pro Bono Hot List.” The 2018 special report recognizes 14 firms who “have taken on some of the biggest issues of our time.” In its profile of the firm, The National Law Journal highlights Covington’s pro bono efforts, led by San Francisco partner Jeffrey Davidson, on behalf of the University of ...
May 2018, The National Law Journal
Covington was named to The National Law Journal's "Pro Bono Hot List" for its representation of the University of California in challenging the government’s rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. "To be in court standing up for 700,000 immigrants, I don't know that there's anything quite like that. For them, it's not a legal ...
March 22, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO—Covington’s Jeffrey Davidson, Thomas Garten, Laura Muschamp, and Michael Plimack have been named among the 2018 “California Lawyer Attorneys of the Year” by the Daily Journal. This annual award recognizes lawyers in the state who have made a “significant impact on public policy, the law, the profession, or a particular practice area.” Mr. Davidson ...
March 7, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Business Times has named Covington partner Jeffrey Davidson to its “40 Under 40” list recognizing him among the region’s “most promising young talent.” Mr. Davidson is the only litigation attorney named to the list. Mr. Davidson’s trial and appellate practice focuses on high-stakes commercial, insurance coverage, products ...
Litigator of the Week: Keeping the Dream Alive
January 12, 2018, The Litigation Daily
Jeffrey Davidson was named "Litigator of the Week" by The Litigation Daily for his representation of the University of California, one of the plaintiffs in the case challenging the Trump Administration's decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. On January 9, U.S. District Judge William Alsup of the Northern District of ...
January 10, 2018, Reuters
Jeffrey Davidson is quoted in a Reuters article regarding a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco that temporarily blocks the government from rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Davidson, who represents the University of California in challenging the government's action, says that ...
Judge Blocks Trump's DACA Rollback Nationwide
January 10, 2018, Law360
Jeffrey Davidson is quoted in a Law360 article regarding a nationwide injunction issued by U.S. District Judge William Alsup that prevents the government from proceeding with its plan to roll back the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Davidson, who serves as counsel for the University of California, one of the plaintiffs in the case, says ...
Covington Secures Injunction of DACA Rescission
January 9, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO—Covington secured a victory on behalf of its clients the University of California and UC President Janet Napolitano when Northern District of California Judge William Alsup issued a nationwide injunction blocking the federal government’s effort to shut down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). On September 5, 2017, the ...
February 10, 2016
SAN FRANCISCO - After a week-long bench trial, a Covington trial team won a $34 million judgment on behalf of clients Draper Esprit, Scottish Equity Partners, and a class of former Zeus Technology investors, prevailing in a lawsuit initiated by San Francisco-based Riverbed Technology. The case, tried in San Francisco Superior Court, lay at the intersection of ...
Covington Honored at GCR Awards 2015
April 20, 2015
WASHINGTON, DC, April 20, 2015 — Global Competition Review has selected matters led by Covington lawyers as winners of two 2015 GCR Awards. Litigation of the Year, Cartel Defense was awarded for the defendants’ win in Motorola Mobility v AU Optronics, et al. Covington partners Robert Wick and Derek Ludwin in Washington, DC, and Jeffrey Davidson in San ...
Covington's Jeffrey Davidson Named "Rising Star"
April 8, 2015
SAN FRANCISCO, April 8, 2015 — Law360 named Covington partner Jeffrey Davidson one of five “Rising Stars” in the area of competition law. The award honors lawyers under the age of 40 whose “legal accomplishments belie their age.” In its profile, Law360 highlighted Mr. Davidson’s role in Samsung Electronics’ victory in its high-profile antitrust litigation ...
December 5, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC, December 5, 2014 - For the second time this year, Am Law Litigation Daily named Covington & Burling’s Robert Wick as “Litigator of the Week.” Mr. Wick was honored for convincing the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to reject Motorola's attempt to hold Samsung Electronics and several other of the world’s largest liquid crystal display ...
November 26, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC, November 26, 2014 — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit today rejected Motorola Mobility LLC's attempt to hold Samsung Electronics and several other of the world’s largest liquid crystal display manufacturers liable under U.S. antitrust law for allegedly fixing prices of mobile phone displays sold to Motorola’s foreign subsidiaries. ...
U.S. court rejects Motorola Mobility price-fixing appeal
November 26, 2014, Reuters
Robert Wick, Jeffrey Davidson, Derek Ludwin, John Playforth and David Zionts are mentioned in these articles regarding their representation of Samsung. From WSJ: "Robert Wick, a Covington & Burling lawyer who represented the LCD makers, said the court’s ruling meant Motorola would have to assert its claims under foreign law." “The court’s opinion basically ...
Washington-area appointments and promotions for Oct. 20
October 20, 2014, The Washington Post
"Covington & Burling of the District appointed Ashley Bass, Robin Blaney, Krista Carver, Jeffrey Davidson, Nicole Duclos, Shankar Duraiswamy, Scott Freling, David Garr, Andrew Lazerow, Michael Lechliter, Anne Lee, Scott Schrader, Nathan Shafroth and Ranganath Sudarshan partners."
Covington Promotes 15 Lawyers to Partnership
October 1, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC, October 1, 2014 — Covington & Burling is pleased to announce that it has elected 15 lawyers to its partnership effective today. “Our new partners come from six firm offices and practice in a variety of areas that are of great importance to the firm’s clients,” said Timothy Hester, chair of Covington’s management committee. “These are all superb ...
August 8, 2014
SAN FRANCISCO, August 8, 2014 — Northern California Super Lawyers named Tammy Albarrán one of Northern California’s “Top 50 Women” lawyers and Robert Haslam one of the region’s “Top 100” lawyers. The publication selected 33 Covington & Burling lawyers for its 2014 list of top legal talent. Super Lawyers selects no more than five percent of the total lawyers who ...
January 31, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC, January 31, 2014 — Am Law Litigation Daily named Covington & Burling’s Robert Wick as “Co-Litigator of the Week” for his role in securing dismissal of various antitrust claims, valued at more than $3 billion, brought by Motorola Mobility against Samsung Electronics and several other liquid crystal display manufacturers. In a ruling issued on ...
January 24, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC, January 24, 2014 — Covington & Burling scored a major victory for several of the world’s largest liquid crystal display manufacturers by persuading a federal judge in Chicago to dismiss antitrust claims asserted by Motorola Mobility, Inc. U.S. District Judge Joan B. Gottschall of the Northern District of Illinois found that U.S. antitrust law ...
June 27, 2013, Covington E-Alert
Lexis Practice Advisor
2012-2013
Mr. Davidson authored chapters on fidelity and cyber-security insurance.
8/23/2012
SAN FRANCISCO, August 23, 2012 — Northern California Super Lawyers selected 24 Covington & Burling lawyers for its 2012 list of top legal talent. Super Lawyers selects no more than five percent of the total lawyers who practice in Northern California based on peer review and the publication’s independent research. Robert Fram and Robert Haslam were named among ...
April 23, 2012
SAN FRANCISCO, April 23, 2012 — Covington & Burling advised Microsoft Corp. in negotiating a definitive agreement with Facebook that assigns the social networking company the right to purchase a portion of a patent portfolio that Microsoft recently purchased from AOL Inc. Under the agreement, announced today, Facebook will pay $550 million in cash. Covington ...
Covington Advises Microsoft in Standards-Essential Wireless Patents Portfolio Transaction with MOSAID and Nokia
September 2, 2011
SAN FRANCISCO, September 2, 2011 — Covington & Burling LLP represented Microsoft Corp. in a patent monetization transaction involving the acquisition by MOSAID Technologies Incorporated of Core Wireless Licensing S.a.r.l., a Luxembourg company that holds a portfolio of 400 patent families, consisting of approximately 2,000 wireless patents and patent ...
- Recognized as a "California Lawyer Attorney of the Year" by the Daily Journal (2018).
- Named one of California’s top "40 Under 40" attorneys by the Daily Journal (2018).
- Named “Litigator of the Week” by American Lawyer (1/12/2017)
- Named by the San Francisco Business Times to its "40 Under 40" list.
- Named "Top Attorney Under 40 - Rising Star" in Competition Law by Law360.
- Result in antitrust case named “Litigation of the Year - Cartel Defence” by Global Competition Review.
- Representation featured in National Law Journal’s "Pro Bono Hot List."
- Named 2012-2017 “Rising Star” by Northern California Super Lawyers.
- Legal 500 US, Dispute Resolution - Product Liability, Mass Tort, and Class Action (2017) and Insurance - Advice to Policyholders (2016)