Judge Walt Davis, Georgia Business Court (Photo: John Disney/ALM)

Jones Day partner and newly confirmed Georgia Business Court Judge Walt Davis talked about his career change and his plans for the work ahead in this month's Georgia Courts Journal.

"To make sure lawyers and businesses know about the new court, Davis is planning to travel the state to educate folks about the importance of the business court and how it will work," the journal's Aimee Maxwell wrote. "He plans to continue this commitment to all of Georgia by 'riding the circuit' to hear cases. Making himself available to litigants throughout the state, Davis hopes to build trust in the court."

Davis told Maxwell, "When they realize the court is designed to be accessible and responsive, hopefully we will see more people using it."

Davis will start his new job Jan. 1. Meanwhile, he will spend the rest of the year wrapping up his complex business litigation practice and his responsibilities as administrative partner in Jones Day's Atlanta office. Maxwell noted that Davis has frequently practiced in the Delaware Court of Chancery. She said he is "well versed in the workings of the country's premiere business court and the value of a specialized court to hear complex corporate cases."

"The decision to take the helm of the Business Court was not a decision Davis made lightly," Maxwell wrote. She said Davis told her he never aspired to be a judge and doesn't really know what it's going to be like.

"I like the relationship aspect of my practice, and I really enjoyed counseling clients. It's going to be hard not to be an advocate," Davis told Maxwell. "A big firm is communal. You do not do your work alone. I currently work with a terrific team and have other lawyers willing to brainstorm ideas with me. I feel certain I will miss that collaboration."

Maxwell asked Davis why he would leave Big Law to take on an uncertain challenge.

"It's a once-in-a-career opportunity. I knew I would regret it if I turned it down," Davis replied. He added, "I like that my kids will know me not just as a practicing lawyer but as a public servant and a member of the judiciary. Some things are worth sacrificing for."