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    1. Home
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    3. Paul F. DownsPeople
    1. Home
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    3. Paul F. DownsPeople

    Paul F. Downs

    Counsel


    • New York City
    • Office212.940.3029
    • pdowns@nixonpeabody.com
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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, and technology industries.

    Practice Areas

    LitigationComplex DisputesArbitration, Mediation & Alternative Dispute ResolutionNon-Compete & Trade SecretsNP Trial®Financial Institutions & Banking DisputesPharmaceutical & Medical Device LitigationConstruction & Real Estate LitigationLabor & EmploymentSocial MediaLife Sciences

    Industries

    Financial ServicesReal EstateTechnologyEnergy

    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 have tried cases before courts and arbitration tribunals, including those involving multi-million-dollar claims.

    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.

    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)

    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.
     

    Admitted to practice

    New York
    U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
    U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York

    Education

    Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.
    Centre College, B.A.

    Professional activities

    • New York City Bar Association, State Courts of Superior Jurisdiction Committee
    • New York State Bar Association, Commercial Division Committee

    In the News

    • Law360

      Nixon Peabody expands complex disputes practice in New York

      This 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 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.

      March 6, 2023

    Professionals in the Practice Area

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    • Anthony Barron

      Partner / Chair, Litigation Department
      • San Francisco
      • Office:415.984.8309
      • abarron@nixonpeabody.com
      Anthony Barron
    • Kimberly Harding

      Partner / Deputy Leader, Litigation Department
      Leader, Labor Relations Team
      • Rochester
      • Office:585.263.1037
      • kharding@nixonpeabody.com
      Kimberly Harding
    • John Ruskusky

      Partner / Practice Group Leader, Complex Disputes / Leader, Medical Device, Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostic Health
      • Chicago
      • Office:312.977.4460
        Mobile:708.606.8720
      • jtruskusky@nixonpeabody.com
      John Ruskusky
    • Jeffrey S. Brenner

      Partner / Practice Group Leader, Construction & Real Estate Litigation
      • Providence
      • Office:401.454.1042
      • jbrenner@nixonpeabody.com
      Jeffrey S. Brenner
    • Daniel J. Hurteau

      Partner / Deputy Practice Group Leader, Complex Disputes
      • Albany
      • Office:518.427.2652
      • dhurteau@nixonpeabody.com
      Daniel J. Hurteau
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