About Davis Gee-King
Davis Gee-King Yee is a distinguished federal administrative law judge based in San Jose, California. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in February 2001, starting a robust legal career. Currently, he serves as an Administrative Law Judge at the Social Security Administration's Office of Hearing Operations in San Jose, where he adjudicates cases related to social security benefits. His legal expertise is backed by a solid educational foundation; he earned his Juris Doctor from Lewis & Clark Law School in 1999, where he also obtained a certificate in federal taxation. Yee completed his Bachelor of Science at the University of California, Davis, in 1993 — This undergraduate degree laid the groundwork for his subsequent legal studies.
In 2005, he furthered his education by earning a Master of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center, enhancing his specialization in tax law. His academic achievements reflect a commitment to understanding complex legal frameworks, particularly those related to taxation and administrative law. Before assuming his current role, Yee was a Special Trial Attorney with the Office of Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). His contributions to administrative guidance were recognized when he received the IRS Commissioner's Outstanding Achievement Award. This accolade shows his impact in the field of tax law.
Additionally, he served as an attorney-adviser to the Honorable Peter J — Panuthos of the United States Tax Court, gaining inexperience in federal tax litigation. He also clerked for the Honorable Charles Z. Smith of the Washington State Supreme Court, further broadening his legal acumen. In addition to his judicial responsibilities, Yee has been an adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law since 2014. He teaches courses in administrative law, ethics, and tax law, sharing his extensive knowledge with the next generation of legal professionals.
His commitment to education is complemented by his role as co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the American Bar Association’s Litigation Section, where he advocates for a more inclusive legal community. Yee's contributions to the legal field have not gone unnoticed — He has received several awards, including the Warren E. Burger Prize in 2017 and 2021 for his essays on professionalism and diversity. His qualifications extend beyond law; he is also a certified public accountant, which enhances his understanding of financial matters in legal contexts. Fluent in both English and Cantonese, Yee is well-equipped to serve clients, reflecting his dedication to accessibility in the legal system.