William W. Downs

I've always looked fondly on the phrase "Attorney and Counselor at Law." Although that's not a designation often seen anymore, I especially identify with the lawyer's role as "counselor." The law can be confusing and complex. Prior to law school, I was fairly naive about what exactly were my "legal rights." I remember drafting a letter to a business in my first year of law school accusing the business of violating my Constitutional rights (fortunately, I was later straightened out by my Constitutional Law class that only the state or federal government can violate such rights). In my practice, I try to remember the confusion that often surrounds the law. My aim is to help counsel clients through the law's sometimes unfamiliar territory. In my experience, this was difficult to accomplish in a larger firm setting. I started Downs Law, LLC in order to offer clients quality legal services in a more personal and cost-effective manner. Beyond my dedication to traditional clients, I am also committed to volunteering my time through pro bono legal work. In 2008, I participated in the habeas trial of an inmate on Georgia's death row. The trial was our client's last hope of avoiding the death penalty for a crime he was mentally incapable of committing. Over the next several years, I represented several Georgia non-profit environmental organizations in filing amicus briefs to stop permitting of a coal-fired power plant in southwest Georgia. I emphasized the significant impact of the plant's emission of carbon dioxide. Ultimately, after a ten year battle, permits for the proposed plant were withdrawn. I also served as an attorney coach for the South Atlanta High School mock trial team in their inaugural season. It was a true joy to help the students develop their advocacy skills, and to watch them grow in their self-confidence. I am originally from West Point, Georgia and after completing a journalism degree from The University of Georgia and working at CNN/Sports Illustrated, I decided to switch gears and move to Nashville, Tennessee to attend law school at Vanderbilt University. I am happily married to my wife, Jennifer, with whom I have two beautiful and very energetic children, Dexter and Betty.

• Attorney

• CNN/Sports Illustrated

• The Ultimate Guide to Commercial Real Estate Law
• Combating ‘Rambo’ Litigators
• Collection Law: A Primerombating ‘Rambo’ Litigators
• Read Before You Sign! Top Ten Construction Contract Considerations
• Litigation Strategy: How to Negotiate with Anyone
• Leasing Strategies, Collections and Problem Tenants – Best Practices for Commercial Landlords

• State Bar of Georgia's Access to Justice Committee
• Start:ME (free small business accelerator run by Emory University School of Business)ate Bar of Georgia's Access to Justice Committee
• State Bar of Georgia's Due Justice Do Fifty
• Georgia Innocence Project
• ACLU of Georgia's legal committee

• Georgia, 2006

• State Bar of Georgia