Elizabeth Lan Davis

Elizabeth Lan Davis brings deep experience advising clients facing derivatives enforcement, regulatory investigations, and complex financial disputes. Her work centers on advocacy before federal agencies and exchanges, guiding individuals and businesses through examinations, litigation, and compliance challenges while focusing on practical solutions that limit exposure and resolve matters efficiently for regulated industry matters.

Elizabeth earned a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996, building a strong foundation in analytical reasoning. She later completed a J.D. at Tulane University Law School in 1999. This academic path supports her clear writing style, disciplined analysis, and ability to explain complex regulatory issues in direct, understandable terms.

Elizabeth spent nearly two decades in federal service, including leadership roles at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. As a chief trial attorney and trial lawyer, she handled enforcement actions, civil litigation, and courtroom proceedings involving financial markets, taxation, and regulatory compliance across varied enforcement forums.

Elizabeth represents individuals and organizations in examinations, investigations, and litigation involving derivatives, commodities, and financial services. Her clients include senior management, traders, financial institutions, fintech companies, digital asset exchanges, agricultural and energy firms, and commodity market participants seeking guidance during high-stakes regulatory matters nationwide and globally across evolving market sectors.

Elizabeth’s work has earned significant recognition, including a Band 1 ranking by Chambers & Partners for derivatives enforcement and inclusion among Chambers USA’s “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.” She also received the DOJ Tax Division Outstanding Attorney Award and Washington Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business,” reflecting sustained excellence over time.

Elizabeth advises clients on regulatory compliance, internal investigations, and risk management strategies tied to Dodd-Frank reporting, registration, and market conduct. She is known for efficient case management, cost-effective reviews, and steady advocacy that reduces penalties while protecting reputations during civil and criminal government inquiries nationwide with regulators worldwide daily.

Elizabeth Lan Davis focuses her practice on clear guidance, disciplined advocacy, and results-driven representation. She helps clients navigate enforcement actions, regulatory change, and emerging market issues by combining trial experience with practical judgment, ensuring informed decisions and steady support throughout complex legal challenges, nationwide matters and complex financial matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, Women’s Bar Association of Washington, D.C.
• Member, Women’s White Collar Defense Association
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia

Education

• Tulane University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Pennsylvania
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges