Cameron Davis
WVU College of Law Class of 2025
Photo by IrisMagic Photo Studios.
BROOKE BROWN
FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF ALASKA and prairies of Oklahoma to the quiet study rooms of West Virginia University( WVU), Cameron Davis has followed a unique path shaped by his love for his home state of West Virginia.
A graduate of the WVU College of Law and native of Pineville, WV, Davis is preparing to take on a prestigious federal clerkship with Judge Robert B. King of the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Fayetteville, NC. No matter where his legal career takes him, Davis’ heart still belongs in Pineville.
“ When I was in Alaska and Oklahoma, I saw myself as a kid from Wyoming County,” Davis says.“ I will feel that way for the rest of my life.”
Davis got his start at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, earning a Bachelor of Science in American history. Following his time there, Davis served five years of active duty as a field artillery officer in the U. S. Army. He spent three years stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, and two in Lawton, OK. From there, he made the decision to return to his home state.
“ Those are both pretty faraway places, and when it came time to pick a law school, I wanted to be home,” Davis says.“ I am fortunate the school admitted me and has provided me with such fantastic opportunities.”
To Davis, going to law school represented a pivotal time in his life brought on by a drastic change.
“ The most challenging aspect was
the complete shift in lifestyle,” he says.“ In the Army, you always know what to wear, where to be and exactly how you fit into the organization. It can be a difficult job, but there are a lot of things you just don’ t have to worry about. Law school is different. You have to figure out who you want to be and then go be it.”
This transition didn’ t come easily. Davis initially tried to treat law school like a regular job but quickly realized that academic rigor required far more time and mental energy. Over time, though, he found his rhythm.
“ I look back at myself three years ago and now feel like a much more complete person,” he says.“ I have a greater appreciation for what the rule of law means for our society. Now I’ m ready to go out and put my knowledge to good use.”
While at WVU Law, Davis immersed himself in meaningful experiences that deepened his commitment to public service. During the summer of his first year of law school, he interned at the U. S. Attorney’ s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia. Davis was able to see law in action from the perspective of federal prosecutors. In his second year of law school, he interned in Washington, D. C., at the Federal Programs Branch, an office within the Civil Division of the Department of Justice.
“ Just like the previous summer, I loved the job,” Davis says.“ The work spanned the administrative law gamut, and I was fortunate to work on exciting, high-profile stuff while I was there.”
This year, Davis served as a student clinician in WVU’ s Supreme Court Clinic. He says that experience was the most fun and rewarding one while in school.
“ I had the opportunity to argue a case before the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit,” he says.“ All the preparation, moots and travel culminate in a single 20-minute argument.”
Throughout his legal education, Davis has been supported by faculty and peers who recognize his potential. He credits Professor Sarah Wagner as someone who played a pivotal role in his education.
“ After my 1L summer, she basically told me I would be applying for a clerkship with Judge King,” Davis says.“ It wasn’ t even on my radar, but she believed in me.”
In addition to practicing law, Davis is also the executive article selection and symposium editor of the West Virginia Law Review. Davis says the friendships and collaboration he found there were invaluable to him.
In his free time, Davis enjoys the simple things in life, like taking drives with his wife, Sophie, in search of a good donut and attending WVU sports games.
“ Sophie has supported me during all the difficult times,” Davis says.“ I know I would not have accomplished half of what I have without her.” •
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE