DIRECT EX AMINATION

DIRECT EXAMINATION: CODY DAVIS

PROGRAM EVALUATOR, NC GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1. When you were in elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?

8. What has been the most surprising or unexpected development in your career?

I am very much looking f orward to that surprising turn in my career.

I wanted to be a judge. I am not sure what led me to that conclusion in elementary school, but my aspirations have not changed much since then. 2. What was the most important lesson your parents taught you?

Persistence 9. What is your favorite book? “David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants” by Malcolm Gladwell 10. What is your most marked characteristic?

The first thing people almost always notice about me is that I am blind. It just happens to be what people notice first, so I think it is probably my most marked characteristic.

3. Who was your favorite teacher and why? 11. What is your hidden talent?

I have been fortunate to have had so many talented and dedicated educators, both teachers and administrators. If I had to choose one, I would pick my V.I. teacher, Kerri Smith. It was not easy learning to read and write all over again in my sophomore year using Braille, but Ms. Smith was the exact kind of person I needed to make it possible.

4. Did you love or hate law school?

I think I am pretty good at making models of various architectural designs. Even if I am not very talented, it is still so much fun.

12. Who are your real-life heroes?

People who do everything they do for the betterment of someone else, no matter how extraordinary or inconspicuous the act may be.

If you had asked me in the midst of a particularly difficult semester, I would have said I hated law school. Overall, however, I loved it. I recall sitting in my first class after returning from my 1L holiday break and realizing how happy I was to be back where I belong studying law. 13. When and where were you happiest?

I hope my answer to this will always be: Right here, right now. Life is good, and I am sure it only gets better.

5. What was your most embarrassing courtroom experience?

My first time representing someone in a domestic violence hearing was my most embarrassing courtroom experience. Fortunately, I had great mentors and a great judge.

6. What was your best courtroom experience?

My most embarrassing courtroom experience was also my best. It was my best because it showed me that I am a capable lawyer and helped me to cast aside any self-doubt.

7. Why did you become a lawyer?

I am a lawyer because I love the law and because I recognize the power of the law to make positive changes in the lives of individuals and generally make the world a better place.