Paul F. Downs

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.