Radford University’s College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences recognized The Honorable Devika E. Davis with its 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award during a homecoming ceremony at Hemphill Hall on Friday, Oct. 4. An active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority during her time at Radford, Davis earned her B.S. in psychology in 2001. She then attended American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington D.C., earning her Juris Doctor in 2005.
After practicing law for 16 years at Abato & Davis, where she became a managing partner, Davis led her own private practice. Throughout her career as an attorney, she handled a broad range of both criminal defense and civil cases.
At the award ceremony, Interim Dean Jeff Aspelmeier commented on Davis’ successful career and remarkable journey since graduating from Radford: “One of the criteria for this award is being a graduate who has had a distinguished professional career and served as a transformational leader in their community. Judge Davis, you certainly exceed those very high standards.”
Davis has been active in numerous professional associations, including the Richmond Bar Association, the Richmond Criminal Bar Association, the Metropolitan Richmond Women’s Bar Association, the Hill-Tucker Bar Association and the Henrico County Bar Association. She also served on the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board and is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Richmond School of Law. She received the Young Lawyer of the Year Award from the Richmond Bar Association in 2018.
According to one of her colleagues, “As an attorney, Devika enjoys the respect of her peers, particularly those in adversarial roles. She comports herself with collegiality and professionalism, as she zealously advocates for creative outcomes suited to the vulnerabilities and needs of her clients.”
Another colleague said, “Devika frequently occupies working roles in leadership and organization. Her level of involvement is nothing short of extraordinary considering her other responsibilities.”
On June 1, 2021, she was elected to the bench in the 13th Judicial District Court by the Virginia General Assembly.
In her letter nominating Davis for the Outstanding Alumni Award, classmate and fellow sorority sister Lijah Smith-Nicholson wrote: “Judge Davis' remarkable contributions to society through her profession and her steadfast commitment to justice make her an exemplary candidate for this esteemed recognition. Throughout her illustrious career, Judge Davis has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the legal profession … She has played a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape and advocating for justice within her community … Her dedication to professional development and community involvement exemplifies the values instilled by Radford university. Furthermore, as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Judge Davis embodies the principles of scholarship, sisterhood and service further enhancing her contributions to society … Her academic achievements, coupled with her exemplary career in law, reflect the high standards of excellence upheld by Radford University.”