Introduction
Paul Downs is an experienced trial lawyer and appellate lawyer, earning a reputation for successfully navigating complex, high-stakes litigation and delivering results. Paul represents clients across a variety of industries, including the renewable energy, environmental, banking and finance, life sciences (biotech and pharmaceutical), real estate, alcohol, entertainment, and technology industries. Paul also advises startups and early-stage companies, providing practical, solution-oriented advice.
My focus
Based in New York, I navigate high-stakes commercial disputes for Fortune 500 companies, startups, and individuals, achieving favorable outcomes uniquely tailored to the client’s goals. I stay at the forefront of legal developments, ensuring strategic legal representation.
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 am also an editor of the New York Commercial Division Practice Guide, which is part of Bloomberg Law’s Litigation Practice Portfolio Series, and I teach Commercial Litigation and Legal Writing as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Fordham University.
I have tried cases before courts and arbitral tribunals, including those involving multi-million-dollar claims in complex contract disputes, trade secrets, regulatory issues, commercial disputes, and real estate litigation.
Representative experience
- Successful appeal of a $1 billion fiduciary dispute
- Successful defense of a $130 million AAA real estate arbitration
- Successful defense of Fortune 100 and startup companies in complex contract disputes
- Successful defense of several Fortune 500 companies in trade secret disputes
- Successful representation of a biopharmaceutical company in international arbitration
- 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
Generative AI has arrived in the legal field. The practice is rapidly evolving, posing new challenges and unique opportunities. A nuanced, experienced understanding of the law and legal process has never been more essential to harness these tools.
/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
- “Effective Use of Interrogatories in Commercial Division Cases,” New York Law Journal, October 2024, (co-author)
- “What You Need to Know About New York Commercial Division Rule 13(c),” New York Law Journal, October 2024, (co-author)
- “New York's New Approach to Non-Compete Agreements,” NYSBA New York Litigator, October 2023, (co-author)
In the news
- New York Law Journal
Attorneys ‘on the move’
Feb 6, 2025This roundup article of recent promotions and moves across the state highlights Complex Disputes partners Paul Downs of New York City and Eric Ferrante of Rochester for their promotions to partner.
What you need to know about New York Commercial Division Rule 13(c)
Sep 13, 2024New York City Complex Disputes counsel Paul Downs, co-chair of the Commercial Division Committee of the Commercial and Federal Litigation Section (ComFed) of the New York State Bar Association, co-authored this article discussing the importance of the state’s Commercial Division Rule 13(c) and how the courts apply it. The rule streamlines the process of introducing expert analysis and opinions into the courtroom, ensuring that such submissions are relevant and reliable.
- The American Lawyer
Litigator of the Week Runners-Up and Shout Outs
May 31, 2024This article covers a New York Court of Appeals decision that allows for a revival of claims against FanDuel asserted by the founders, former employees, and early investors of the sports gambling company. The coverage highlights Complex Disputes counsel Erik Goergen of Buffalo for representing the plaintiffs in the case.
- 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. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
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
U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky
Education
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.
Centre College, B.A.
Professional activities
- New York State Bar Association, Commercial Division Committee, Co-chair
- New York City Bar Association, State Courts of Superior Jurisdiction Committee
- American Bar Association, Member
- Fordham University School of Law, Adjunct Professor
- Centre College’s Law, Policy, and Government Advisory Board, Member
- American Bar Foundation, Fellow
- New York Bar Foundation, Fellow
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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Robert Fisher
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Government Investigations & White Collar Defense- Boston
- Office:+1 617.345.1335
- rfisher@nixonpeabody.com
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Jenny L. Holmes
Partner / Deputy Leader, Cybersecurity & Privacy- Rochester
- Office:+1 585.263.1494
- jholmes@nixonpeabody.com
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John Ruskusky
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Complex Disputes- Chicago
- Office:+1 312.977.4460Mobile:+1 708.606.8720
- jtruskusky@nixonpeabody.com
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