About

John J. Davis is a retired founding partner of Pierce Davis & Perritano LLP and a distinguished attorney with over 40 years of legal experience in civil rights, governmental liability, and employment law. From 1998 until his retirement in 2024, Mr. Davis led the firm’s Governmental Liability and Civil Rights Practice Group, defending public entities and officials in complex, high-profile litigation across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

John earned his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Tufts University in 1978 and his Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law in 1981. He was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar that same year and later to the Rhode Island Bar, as well as several federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

John built a nationally recognized practice, successfully defending municipalities, school districts, and law enforcement officers in cases involving wrongful death, civil rights violations, defamation, harassment, and discrimination. Notable victories include Brum v. Town of Dartmouth and Parker v. Hurley, both landmark decisions that helped define the limits of public liability and constitutional rights in education.

In addition to his courtroom achievements, John served as an independent investigator for Title IX and employment discrimination complaints, receiving certification through MCAD-approved training. He has written extensively on tort liability, school law, and employment issues, contributing to MCLE publications and legal periodicals.

Recognized with the AV® Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and selected multiple times to Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, John J. Davis remains a respected voice in municipal and civil rights law. He continues to contribute through speaking engagements and publications, shaping policy and legal education for future practitioners. His legacy reflects a career dedicated to public service, legal excellence, and the defense of constitutional governance.

Law Office Affiliations

  • Founding Partner, Pierce Davis & Perritano LLP
  • Member, Massachusetts Bar Association
  • Member, Rhode Island Bar Association
  • Member, Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association
  • Member, International Municipal Lawyers Association

Licensed State

  • Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island

Education

  • Boston University School of Law
    Juris Doctor (JD)
  • Tufts University
    Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges


massachusetts bar associationRhode island bar associationMassachusetts Municipal Lawyers AssociationInternational Municipal Lawyers AssociationUnited States Supreme CourtU.S. Court of Appeals for the First CircuitUnited States District Court for the District of MassachusettsUnited States District Court for the District of Rhode Island
  • Appeals
  • Litigation
  • Asylum
  • Contracts And Agreements
  • Insurance
  • Discrimination
  • Insurance Fraud
  • Privacy
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Wrongful Termination
  • Violent Crime
  • Wrongful Death

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