Clifford S. Davidson

Clifford S. Davidson is a partner at Snell & Wilmer and the managing partner of the firm’s Portland office. He is a commercial litigator and trial attorney whose practice includes commercial disputes, constitutional and political litigation, First Amendment matters, anti-SLAPP litigation, financial services litigation, class-action defense, RICO claims, and intellectual property disputes. Cliff maintains an active practice in Oregon, Washington, and California and represents clients in high-stakes civil matters.

Cliff earned a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and an A.B. in Government, cum laude, from Harvard University. His education in law and government supports a practice that frequently involves constitutional questions, complex commercial claims, and disputes involving public entities. That background helps him analyze difficult legal issues, develop litigation strategy, and present arguments in matters where business interests, government action, speech rights, and regulatory concerns may intersect.

Cliff has represented major companies, public bodies, nonprofits, and individuals in federal and state litigation. His experience includes multimillion-dollar commercial disputes, class actions, defamation and anti-SLAPP cases, First Amendment and Equal Protection matters, copyright and trademark disputes, and civil RICO claims. He has also served as a sworn Special Assistant Attorney General to the State of Oregon, acted as outside counsel to municipal bodies, and conducted a government-agency investigation.

Clifford S. Davidson has received recognition for commercial litigation and First Amendment work from Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, The Legal 500, Best Lawyers, and Oregon Super Lawyers. He also serves as a neutral through National Arbitration and Mediation and participates in professional and pro bono activities. His broad trial and appellate experience allows him to combine creative legal analysis with practical strategy when clients face complex disputes, investigations, or constitutional issues.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
• Member, The State Bar of California
• Member, Oregon State Bar
• Member, Washington State Bar Association
• Member, Oregon State Bar Fee Arbitration/Mediation Panel (2015-Present)
• Member, United States District Court, District of Oregon pro bono panel (2014-Present)
• Member, Multnomah Bar Association (2012-Present)
• Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association (2006-Present)
• Member, Section of Litigation (2010-Present)
• Neutral, National Arbitration and Mediation
• Member, Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association (2015-Present)

Licensed State

• California
• Oregon
• Washington

Education

• University of Michigan Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Harvard University
  A.B., Government Cum Laude

Awards & Badges