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Introduction
Paul Downs is an experienced trial lawyer who represents entities and individuals in complex disputes involving commercial, trade secret, real estate, and contractual issues. Paul has particular experience representing clients in the renewable energy, banking and finance, life sciences (biotech and pharmaceutical), real estate, food and beverage, entertainment, and technology industries.
My focus
I help clients (ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups and individuals) navigate high-stakes legal disputes and achieve favorable outcomes, mindful that success is measured differently depending on a client’s needs. With a deep understanding of the law and a commitment to my clients’ success, I provide strategic and effective representation both in and out of the courtroom. I also am an editor of the New York Commercial Division Practice Guide, which is part of Bloomberg Law's Litigation Practice Portfolio Series, and I teach Legal Writing as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Fordham University.
I have tried cases before courts and arbitration tribunals, including those involving multi-million-dollar claims.
Representative experience
*The below representative experience includes representations from prior firms.
- Defense of several Fortune 500 companies in trade secret disputes.
- Representation of several Fortune 100 companies in complex contract disputes.
- Representation of a biopharmaceutical company in commercial arbitration conducted under the ICC Rules.
- Representation of a professional sports league and certain member clubs in litigation concerning the relocation of a franchise.
- Representation of a major airline in complex contractual disputes.
- Pro bono representation of individuals in criminal and civil proceedings before New York courts.
Looking ahead
The trend toward arbitration is continuing. It remains an attractive path to dispute resolution because it’s typically cost-effective and efficient.
In addition, for clients in the technology, biotech, and pharmaceutical space, there are emerging trends with trade secrets. First, courts are willing to entertain larger and larger damages awards, rewarding plaintiffs’ creative damages theories. Second, courts are increasingly requiring plaintiffs to define their trade secrets with specificity early in litigation.
Insights
Clerkship
- Law Clerk to the Honorable David. J. Hale, United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
Presentations
- Moderator, “Meet NY’s Commercial Judges—by and for Junior Lawyers —Part 3,” New York State Bar Association (December 2022)
Publications
- “New York's New Approach to Non-Compete Agreements,” NYSBA New York Litigator, October 2023, (co-author)
In the news
- NYSBA NYLitigator
New York’s new approach to non-compete agreements
Oct 16, 2023Complex Disputes counsel Paul Downs and department attorney Vincent Nguyen, both of New York City, contributed this article discussing New York’s proposed law banning non-compete agreements and what it means for both employers and workers.
- New York Law Journal
Your Commercial Division ‘tool kit’
Aug 17, 2023This article reviews the 2023 “New York Commercial Division Practice Guide,” which was co-edited by New York City Complex Disputes senior counsel Stephen P. Younger. The guide serves as a tool kit for lawyers who appear in the Commercial Division. New York City Complex Disputes counsel Paul Downs also contributed to the guide.
- Law360
Nixon Peabody expands complex disputes practice in New York
March 6, 2023This article focuses on the arrival of New York City Complex Disputes counsel Paul Downs to the firm, detailing his practice area, career, and why he chose NP. The article also highlights the recent arrival of New York City Complex Disputes senior counsel Stephen P. Younger, noting the two attorneys’ longstanding working relationship. It also quotes Chicago partner and Complex Disputes practice leader John Ruskusky and New York City Office Managing Partner Ilana Kameros.
Admitted to practice
New York
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
Education
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.
Centre College, B.A.
Professional activities
- New York State Bar Association, Commercial Division Committee
- American Bar Association, Member
- American Bar Foundation, Fellow
- New York City Bar Association, State Courts of Superior Jurisdiction Committee
- Fordham University School of Law, Adjunct Professor
- New York Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Centre College’s Law, Policy, and Government Advisory Board, Member
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllAnthony Barron
Partner / Chair, Litigation Department- San Francisco
- Office:+1 415.984.8309
- abarron@nixonpeabody.com
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Kimberly Harding
Partner / Deputy Leader, Litigation Department
Leader, Labor Relations Team- Rochester
- Office:+1 585.263.1037
- kharding@nixonpeabody.com
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John Ruskusky
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Complex Disputes- Chicago
- Office:+1 312.977.4460Mobile:708.606.8720
- jtruskusky@nixonpeabody.com
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Jeffrey S. Brenner
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Construction & Real Estate Litigation- Providence
- Office:+1 401.454.1042
- jbrenner@nixonpeabody.com
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Daniel J. Hurteau
Office Managing Partner / Deputy Practice Group Leader, Complex Disputes- New York
- Office:+1 518.427.2652
- dhurteau@nixonpeabody.com
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