Davina is a seasoned litigation associate that focuses on complex commercial and business litigation. Her litigation knowledge spans a number of industries (including banking, financial institutions, real estate, and health care), and covers varied subject matters including the UCC, breach of contract, shareholder and partnership disputes, business torts, class actions, and more.
As part of her banking practice, Davina represents national banks and financial institutions in various litigation scenarios and provides valuable counsel to entities and individuals on evolving banking matters and regulatory compliance issues. Davina routinely and successfully handles banking litigation involving customer disputes, commercial disputes, and counsels banking clients on issues with other financial entities and regulatory authorities. Her extensive experience covers all types of UCC claims, breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation, negligence, and regulatory compliance matters. Davina’s knowledge of banking requirements and the UCC combined with her superior research skills and strategy in both federal and state courts results in success for clients. She also excels in negotiating favorable settlement agreements that prioritize the interests of the clients.
Davina also provides comprehensive legal services tailored to the unique needs of clients involved in Michigan solar developments. This includes, reviewing and revising easements, leases, and option agreements for renewable energy companies, and ensuring that all contractual agreements align with legal requirements while protecting the interest of clients.
In addition to her practice for private industries, Davina also advises private and public schools including K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions, on a range of matters, including board governance, Open Meetings Act, policy compliance and risk avoidance counseling, discrimination investigations, FOIA, and Title IX matters.
Education & Credentials
Education
Michigan State University
J.D.- Clerked for the MSU Board of Trustees
- Research Assistant for Professor Michael Lawrence
- cum laude
DePaul University
M.A.- Graduated with Distinction
University of Illinois at Chicago
B.A.- cum laude
Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Grand Rapids Bar Association, 3 in 10 Award, 2024
Prominent Assignments
- Provided legal counsel to a top-ranked public university on multiple matters over the past 12 months, including:
- Facilitated the completion of a certification encompassing architectural and real estate title issues, submitted to a U.S. agency in support of establishing a new educational facility.
- Advised on modifying standard construction contracts to integrate the concept of integrated design build (IDB).
- Represented the university in negotiating a significant ground lease agreement.
- Advised a computer systems training company on securities purchase transactions, representing the member-owners of the sale of the company to a private equity-backed competitor.
Professional Involvement
- State Bar of Michigan – Representative Assembly Appointment to 17th Circuit (Kent County)
- National Bar Association
- Floyd Skinner Bar Association
- Grand Rapids Bar Association
- Treasurer, Grand Rapids Bar Association - Young Lawyer Section
- Western District of Michigan Federal Bar Association
- Wolverine Bar Association
- Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
- Michigan State University Inns of Court
- Grand Rapids Bar Association 3Rs Program, Volunteer
- Michigan State University College of Law Black Law Student Association, Volunteer
- Grand Rapids Young Professionals
Publications/Presentations
- Co-Author, “Bank Warning: Don’t Get Charged Millions for Processing Out-of-State Garnishments Improperly," Dickinson Wright Client Alert, Mar 2023