Pawnee A. Davis

I am an award-winning attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable. I am committed to serving my clients well through assertive, thoughtful advocacy. All cases are handled with care, and with a focus on getting results for the client. It is a team effort and I seek the best resolution for you.

Some results:
I obtained an award of 50% joint physical custody and decision making authority for a father--exactly what he wanted.

I litigated a motion and won a judgment for a mother that she is able to keep primary custody of her special needs daughter.

Through my contract writing, a cyber security firm received the correct contractor agreements in place for its federal contract.

My efforts through legal advice helped keep a CEO's business decisions within the bounds of the law.

A middle-aged professional wins a protective order against her abusive ex-boyfriend.
A man receives a protective order against his harassing ex-girlfriend.

These are just some of the ways I've helped my clients.

Call now for your initial consultation!

• Divorce
• Family Law
• Personal Injury

• Credit Cards Accepted
  Discover, MasterCard, and Visa cards are accepted and preferred.
• Contingent Fees
  Contingency fees may be appropriate for certain cases.
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  I offer free phone consultations After the phone consultation we will meet in person and discuss how I would approach your case based on your unique circumstances.

District of Columbia

Since 2008

Maryland

Since 2006

Attorney

Various short-term contract positions at law firms

2015 - 2017

Handled family law, contract law, and negotiated settlements for law firms.

Policy/Legal Analyst

Government Accountability Office

2004 - 2014

Legal and policy research, analysis, and writing: immigration, insider trading, appropriations law, and other matters. Received multiple awards relating to leadership, thorough analysis, and financial savings.

Legal Intern

Regional Housing Legal Services

2002 - 2004

Legal research and advice regarding incorporation of non-profit organizations and affordable housing issues.

Legal Intern

Various short-term internships

2000 - 2001

Worked at district attorney's office, county attorney's office, alternative dispute resolution department. Helped prepare and file pleadings, summaries, memos, researched cases, prepared evidence, and legal memos.

University of Pittsburgh School of Law

J.D. | Law

2001 - 2004

Activities: Journal of Technology, Law, and Policy

University System of Georgia - Savannah State University

M.A. (2001) | Public Administration

1999 - 2001

Honors: Summa Cum Laude

Activities: Tutor, Pre-law Fraternity, Legal Intern

California State University - Sacramento

B.A. (1999) | Government/Pre-Law

1995 - 1999

Activities: Tutor, Women's Track Team

Rising Stars

Super Lawyers

2018

Top 10 Attorney

American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2017

Lead Counsel Rated in Divorce Law

Lead Counsel Rated

2017

Top 100 Lawyers

National Black Lawyers

2016

J Franklyn Bourne

Member

2017 - Current

Native American Bar Association of DC

Member

2017 - Current

Women's Bar Association of DC

Member

2016 - Current

Washington Council for Lawyers

Member

2016 - Current

Montgomery County Bar Association

Member

2016 - Current

DC Bar Association

Member

2008 - Current

Maryland State Bar

Member

2006 - Current

5th National Pescatoral Domestic Violence Conference, Washington, DC

November 4, 2017

Pennsylvania Baptist Church

Spoke about the domestic violence from a legal perspective and answered questions.

Verified Lead Counsel in Divorce Law

Lead Counsel

Q. Do I have a case, pharmacy gave me wrong medicine, I took one, threw up, still feeling sick though.

4 July 2019

A: Please obtain a copy of the document for your own records. Also, you need to obtain the pharmacist ‘s contact information because you may need him to testify about the mistake.

Q. What proper/careful steps do I take to make sure an abusive parent/estranged husband is not given custody or visitation?

4 July 2019

A: Your situation needs a lawyer to ask you questions and get more information in order to advise you. So, please contact an attorney experienced in divorce and domestic violence.

Q. spouse on conditional visa in usa sent back due to conflict with uscitizen wife if no contact for six month it's divor

4 July 2019

A: There is no automatic divorce even if you haven seen or spoken to o your spouse in 6 months. You will need to file for a divorce. I suggest that you make an appointment with a lawyer to discuss what to do.

Q. Husband wants a divorce and has not filed yet. I just found out that he has been cheating for the past 4 years. Options?

14 December 2018

A: Depending on when your daughter reaches age 18 or is emancipated, she might not be an issue for the divorce suit in terms of custody and child support. If she is then that will be another issue to sort out for you two. Your options are to file for a divorce based on separation or based on adultery. If you file based on adultery you have the challenge of needing solid evidence to prove the adultery. But you can also include the separation. You could start your case in court based on a limited divorce (much like a legal separation) and it will be ripe for the final divorce in April 2018. Feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.

Q. Hello, I am married for 6 years and getting divorced. What are my rights?

7 December 2018

A: I am not able to give you an answer without more information. There are questions and follow up questions that need to be asked about your situation for me to give you an answer. You may call to schedule a consultation or any divorce lawyer in Maryland of your choosing.

Q. Do I have to pay Maryland annual back fees for an entity that has never conducted any business?

30 November 2018

A: I sympathize with you. When you set up a business you do need to follow the state law requirements and pay all your dues. You should have dissolved the business if you weren’t making any money at all for the first year. That doesn’t mean not making a profit. It means literally not making any money. At this point you may want to speak to Maryland to see if you can negotiate with them to pay less if you don’t have the funds to pay the back fees. Otherwise, just pay them.

Q. Should we merge our companies or just change the name?

30 November 2018

A: Changing the name would have no effect. So, I would advise you make the businesses one business. You have not said what type of business Company A is. But should they have the same or similar purposes it should be fine. However, I do urge you to consult with an attorney so that he or she can get more details to be certain they are advising you correctly.

Q. Can I sue a cyclist who hit me on a sidewalk? There were no marked bike lanes.

26 November 2018

A: There are several questions I would ask you before I could tell you that if you have a case where you may want to sue the bicyclist. Were you injured? Do you have medical bills? What is thI total amount of charges? Do you have the bicyclists contact information? These are some factors that need to be addressed by an attorney. Please find one to have a consultation with.

Q. I was hit while riding my bicycle and I hardly remember it. How can I sue the driver if my memory is so blurry?

16 November 2018

A: More information is need d to answer your question. However, some things that may help your case. You went the ER or another doctor for treatment. How injured are you? Were there any witnesses that you have or can get contact information for? Did you speak to anyone about the account? Can the driver that hit you he identified? Was there a police report? A consultation with an attorney would greatly help you.