Hogan Lovells 2024 Election Impact and Congressional Outlook Report
Jason Downs
Partner Litigation, Arbitration, and Employment
Languages
English, Spanish
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Overview
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Experience
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Credentials
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Insights and events
Jason Downs, a distinguished trial lawyer, is renowned for his expertise in state attorneys general investigations, white-collar investigations, and ESG matters. As a partner in Hogan Lovells' Litigation, Arbitration, and Employment practice group in Washington, D.C., Jason's insight and dedication to client advocacy make him a central member of the State Attorneys General practice. He has a deep understanding of complex legal landscapes and a strong track record of success, especially in managing high-stakes legal challenges and delivering exceptional results.
Jason's innovative approach to educating the State AG community and guiding businesses through regulatory challenges makes him a sought-after advisor. He provides strategic guidance on civil and criminal investigations, civil rights audits, and DEI matters, assisting companies in mitigating risks and improving equity.
Before joining Hogan Lovells, Jason served as the Chief Deputy Attorney General for the District of Columbia, where he managed all legal matters brought on behalf of or against the District. His role involved overseeing enforcement actions related to anticompetitive, unfair, and deceptive trade practices, and he successfully led felony jury trials against federal prosecutors during his seven years at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia.
Beyond his legal practice, Jason is actively involved in DEI initiatives. He is a faculty member of a trial advocacy workshop at Harvard Law School and an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland School of Law.
Jason holds a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Baltimore. Fluent in Spanish, he leverages his diverse skill set to deliver exceptional results for his clients.
Representative experience
Resolved consumer protection investigation launched by State Attorney General into a Fortune 500 company without the necessity of a complaint.*
Conducted audits on behalf of Fortune 500 companies and advised them on litigation risk regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion matters, public-facing commitments, civil rights, and discrimination.*
Won a contested hearing before the D.C. Board of Elections for alleged violations of campaign finance laws.*
Convinced federal prosecutors not to indict the chief financial officer of a company under investigation for foreign importation statute violations.*
Persuaded federal prosecutors to dismiss a 17-count indictment after a week-long jury trial, and four days of deliberations resulted in a hung jury.*
Successfully litigated an 8-level variance from the federal sentencing guidelines in a case involving bribery of a public official.*
*Matter handled prior to joining Hogan Lovells.
Credentials
Education
- J.D., University of Maryland School of Law, 2007
- B.A., University of Baltimore, 2004
Bar admissions and qualifications
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
Court admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court