Asked what led him to a career in law, Charles Darwin “Skip” Davidson replied with a unique brand of pragmatism and quick wit.
“In rural Arkansas, where I grew up, you either owned land or knew how to repair a tractor. I didn’t qualify for either of those,” he said. “I also learned at an early age that I can’t dance and I can’t sing, but I can organize the party and I can clean up the mess.”
Davidson also learned the value of hard work and determination, which the native of Lake Village toted with him to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he also attended law school. While there, he joined the U.S. Army ROTC in 1968, balancing academics with a commitment to service and leadership.
Fresh out of law school, Davidson founded Davidson Law Firm in Little Rock, realizing his vision of working for himself and creating opportunities for future generations. He discovered the same work habits taught during his youth were of equal importance as an entrepreneur.
“From my small-town upbringing, I learned that you have to show up and work hard. You had to be consistent,” he said. “You have to adapt, improvise and overcome challenges.”
After more than a half-century in practice, there is lots that Davidson can point to that has changed in the legal field.
“The biggest change in the practice of law has been the internet,” he said. “The internet provides quick information and allows mass communication at the click of a button. Instant communication is documented in real time, and the internet speeds up communication, which speeds up transactions and speeds up litigation.
“I was slow to adapt, but when I broke my leg and was forced to work from home for six weeks, I learned to like email. Now I am on the computer most of the workday.”
Davidson’s reticence to join the dot-com revolution may be a byproduct of getting older, but there are a lot of advantages to having been around as long as he has, too, having learned from the process of trying hundreds of cases.
“Age and experience provide a wealth of wisdom,” he said. “Age and experience allow you to see into the future from your knowledge of the past. It allows you to anticipate how to prepare and avoid problems in the future and to take advantage of opportunities that you know are going to develop. Such are the invaluable connections I have made over the years.”
Davidson’s Little Rock firm handles a variety of legal work, including corporate law, construction law, estate planning, divorce and family law, business transactions, real estate, and other areas.
When he is not in the courtroom or the office, he embraces life as a farmer and cattle rancher, finding balance in the fields of central Arkansas.
“Ranching and working cows and horse competitions gives me a break from the office because you have to focus on the horse and cattle,” he said. “I am a better lawyer on Monday when I return from a weekend working cattle or competing at a horse show.”
When it comes to what has remained consistent over five decades of being a business owner and practicing law, Davidson said it all boils down to the fundamentals.
“The principles of law practice that have been constant over the years have been working hard, working smart and figuring out a strategy to be successful in every transaction and every lawsuit,” he said. “This has been accomplished by applying a mix of common sense, being fair but firm, and managing the client’s expectations.
Davidson also cited the value of continuous learning as one of his secrets to longevity.
“Studying the law every day allows me to know the latest legal developments. That has kept me a legal Sherpa, so to speak, guiding clients to the mountain top,” he said.
Whether strategizing a case or tending his herd, Davidson remains committed to building a legacy defined by hard work and integrity with one eye on the future.
“My professional accomplishments would be decades of successful law practice and helping clients with proven results in transactions and litigation,” he said. “I have represented clients and their families over many years through opportunities and challenges in business and in life.
“Without question, my greatest achievement would be my family, extended family, strong friendships, and the financial ability to enjoy a cattle ranch and still leave something for others.”
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