20 Under 40: Topher Davis

What do you do? (job, community involvement)

I am an attorney and owner of Lake Superior Law, PLLC, a law firm that I started in 2018 after several years of practice with two established law firms in Duluth.

I also have become active in education. Beginning with the spring semester of 2019, I have had the opportunity to teach Civil Procedure and Personal Injury Litigation at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. This has been a tremendous experience where I can only see my passion for education growing.

I have had a wonderful time taking part in "The Northland's Sports Page" radio show broadcast on Saturday mornings on Northland Fan 106.5 FM/AM 560 with hosts Brian Prudhomme and Dave Cook. Being able to chat about sports and real-life issues with two tremendous individuals has been an absolute honor. It's great being on the radio with Brian and Dave, but even better calling them both friends.

For the last handful of high school hockey seasons I have also been an analyst for high school hockey broadcasts for both girls and boys hockey on The Fan. I have also been lucky enough to be the public address announcer at Hermantown Arena for the Hermantown boys high school hockey and the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage girls high school hockey teams for the past five seasons. It's a true honor to be the "Voice of the Hawks."

In addition to that, I have served on the board of the Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce for the past five years and had the honor to serve as the board president in 2018.

I have also been on the board of the NorthShore Inline Marathon for five years and have been proud to serve such a great organization that puts on the largest inline marathon in North America.

How do you spend your free time?

When I am lucky enough to find some free time I thoroughly enjoy getting out on the golf course on a sunny day. The Duluth area is blessed with amazing natural beauty and I love the competitive challenge of the game of golf.

Aside from golf in the summer and being around hockey arenas in the winter — and when there is not a worldwide pandemic — spending time with my family in the area including my parents, one of my two sisters (the other is in beautiful Oregon with her two great kids) and my nephews and niece. Most of all, I enjoy planning our next adventure with my wonderful girlfriend.

Tell us about an influential person in your life.

There have been so many influential people in my life through all different stages of my life. I would start with my parents who always have supported me through whatever crazy adventure that comes along. Also, former Hermantown high school hockey head coach Bruce Plante has been very influential, probably more than he even knows. From my days playing for him to the life lessons that go far beyond the rink. I owe a lot to him.

In the legal world, I have been blessed to work with some great attorneys, but I learned so much from J.D. Feriancek and later from Steve Overom.

Finally, Dylan Malagrino, a former law professor of mine, has influenced my passion for teaching and has been a constant mentor in that area of my life.

Where is your favorite place in Duluth/Superior?

Well, just a little up the hill from Duluth, my favorite place in the Northland is Hermantown and probably those outdoor rinks in the winter. Hermantown is a beautiful place to live with wonderful wilderness and close enough to the great city of Duluth and all that it has to offer.

In Duluth, I would have to say Park Point for some beautiful days along Lake Superior or enjoying the beautiful scenery of Ridgeview Country Club.

What have you learned in your time spent at home during the pandemic?

This time during the pandemic has certainly changed so much in everyone's life. But, for me, I would say the biggest lesson is to really value the time that we are able to spend together. It has been difficult to be apart and not enjoy the fun group activities that we all know and love.

This isn't fun for anyone, so all we can do is be respectful and have some grace for everyone. We're all in this together.