Legal professional offering over 23 years experience as an insurance defense attorney handling all aspects of property damage claims and serious bodily injury claims in cases involving wrongful death, medical malpractice, supervision of security personnel, construction accidents, highway design, automobile accidents, employment and bad faith. Represented insurance companies in first party coverage cases.
Dedicated [Job Title] with an extensive background in litigation and legal research. Expertise in case analysis, strategic planning and negotiations.
Highly accomplished [Job Title] with broad legal knowledge who has provided counsel to government and private organizations for [Number] years. Thorough in analyzing statutes, ordinances and data.
Attorney adept at predicting defense arguments of the opposing council and addressing important concerns or questions in an articulate manner.
Attorney adept at developing positive rapport with clients. Presents evidence in a clear and straightforward manner and practices sound and thorough case analysis techniques.
Ambitious Lawyer bringing extensive in-house counsel and law firm experience in a wide variety of disciplines, with emphasis in [Type of law] and [Type of law].
Logical and resourceful [Job Title] who effectively anticipates and evaluates legal issues to protect clients and resolve cases. Highly accomplished [Job Title] with broad legal knowledge who has provided counsel to government and private organizations for [Number] years. Thorough in analyzing statutes, ordinances and data.
Senior Underwriter, 03/2006 to 08/2013
American Legal Funding – Scottsdale, AZ
Prepared legal documents to utilize in connection with funding of individual cases; ensure compliance with the Uniform Commercial Code; Oversaw an average of 50 cases per month.
Partner, 03/1999 to 06/2003
Law Office of William J. Downey, P.C. – Phoenix, AZ
Continued transition from primarily insurance defense practice to plaintiff personal injury practice;
Partner, 01/1998 to 03/1999
Westover & Downey, P.C. – Phoenix, AZ
Joined a practice with a former partner and his son; began efforts to transition from insurance defense practice to primarily plaintiffs personal injury practice;- Developed strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Presented key evidence and exhibits during civil trials.
- Questioned and cross-examined witnesses throughout the course of trials.
- Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- Drafted legal briefs and opinions for all clients.
- Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.
- Wrote memoranda and reviewed legal briefs.
- Managed all trial preparation for case litigation.
- Creatively formulated trial techniques that specifically pertained to each case.
- Conducted settlement negotiations and trial for property case with $[Amount] in counterclaims.
- Drafted demurrers and replied to oppositions.
- Proposed requests for admission and requests for production of documents.
- Resolved post-judgment litigation settlements and default judgment orders in favor of the client.
- Researched, wrote and filed all motions, writs and briefs for each case.
- Oversaw an average of [Number] cases each month.
- Maintained records of client and vendor contracts.
- Apprised clients of potential risks and costs associated with each course of action.
- Managed a high-volume caseload in the most populous and demanding circuit.
- Engaged in complex civil litigation under statutes relating to protection of the environment and public health.
- Addressed strategic issues of public policy.
Partner, 04/1996 to 01/1998
Downey & O'Connor – Phoenix, AZ
Formed a firm with former house counsel for insurance company
Partner, 01/1993 to 03/1996
Rake & Downey, P.C. – Phoenix, AZ
Continue practice with partner with a Plaintiffs personal injury practice and my insurance defense practice; accountable for handling claims with varying levels of exposure such as bad faith,medical malpractice, highway design, employment, andauto liability,etc.
Partner, 06/1989 to 01/1993
Rake, Downey, Copple & Black P.C. – Phoenix, AZ
Joined a practice that was split 50/50 between a plaintiffs practice and insurance defense practice; my practice consisted of claims for personal injury, fatalities, serious physical injury and large property loss
Associate, 06/1982 to 06/1989
O'Connor, Cavanaugh, Killingsworth, Anderson, & Beshears P.C. – Phoenix, AZ
Joined a firm primarily insurance defense firm;
Associate, 06/1981 to 06/1982
Reed, Smith, Shaw & McClay P.C. – Pittsburgh, PA
Joined 200+ lawyer firm; worked as a new associate
J.D.: 1981
University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA
MBA: European History, 1978
University of Westchester - West Chester, PA
Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, 1974
Ursinus College - Collegeville, PA
