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Kevin M. Downey

kdowney@wc.com
D202-434-5460
Kevin Downey Photo

Kevin Downey practices in the areas of complex criminal and civil litigation.  He continues Williams & Connolly's tradition of representing entities and individuals who face challenging, high profile cases, charges or investigations.  He has represented several Fortune 100 companies and some of the nation's largest law firms. He has also represented dozens of corporate executives, including the current and former CEOs of several Fortune 25 companies, and many current and former government officials, including Cabinet members. Kevin has served as lead counsel and tried cases in federal and state courts and agencies across the country, as well as matters in arbitration.  In addition to his work in court matters, Kevin represents clients who are subject to investigation by committees of both Houses of the United States Congress. 

Kevin has been consistently recognized for many years for excellence in the practice of law by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, Legal 500, Benchmark Litigation, Super Lawyers, and Washingtonian Magazine.

FULL PROFILE

Representative Experience

Though all cases vary and none is predictive, Kevin’s experience includes:

  • Lead counsel for former CEO of biotech company in indicted fraud case pending in the Northern District of California. 
  • Lead counsel for the former Chairman and CEO of a Fortune 25 company against securities fraud claims. After extensive hearings over several years, the Court awarded summary judgment in the executive’s favor on all counts. 
  • Lead trial counsel for former Fortune 25 CEO at trial, leading to resolution of claims. 
  • Represented CEO of technology company in indicted securities fraud matter in which the government ultimately voluntarily dismissed all charges.
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Education

  • Harvard Law School, J.D., magna cum laude, 1991; Editor, Harvard Law Review
  • Dartmouth College, A.B., magna cum laude, 1988; Phi Beta Kappa

Clerkships

  • Judge Edward R. Becker, United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, 1991 - 1992

Recognitions

"Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America," Benchmark Litigation, 2021-2023

"Litigation Star,” Benchmark Litigation, 2015-2025

“Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations (DC),” and “Securities (DC),” Chambers USA, 2010-2024

"Leading Lawyer," in the category of Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense, Legal 500, 2020-2024

"Next Generation Lawyer," in the category of Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense, Legal 500, 2018-2019

"Top Lawyer Hall of Fame," Washingtonian magazine, 2022

“500 Leading Litigators in America,” Lawdragon, 2023-2025

“Washington’s Best Lawyers” in the category of Criminal Defense, White Collar, Washingtonian magazine, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015, 2017-2020

Recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America ®, 2011-2021

“Securities Litigation (Nationwide),” Chambers USA, 2013-2017

"Bet-the-Company Litigation Lawyer of the Year for Washington, D.C.," The Best Lawyers in America ®, 2017

“Future Star,” Benchmark Litigation 2012-2014

“Criminal Defense: White-Collar Lawyer of the Year for Washington, D.C.,” The Best Lawyers in America ®, 2014

Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Pennsylvania
  • United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and Eleventh Circuits
  • United States District Court for the District of Columbia, and the Middle District of Pennsylvania
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