Riddle, Scott

James J. Downes is a founding partner of the law firm and has handled all phases of civil litigation for the firm, including personal injury matters, product liability, labor law, toxic torts, insurance law and discrimination and sexual harassment cases.  Since 1971 he has tried numerous civil cases representing injured plaintiffs or defending individuals and companies.  He has lectured for various bar associations and insurance companies on behalf of the firm.  He is consistently recognized as AV rated by Martindale Hubbell for the highest possible peer review rating in legal ability and ethical standards.

Mr. Downes currently serves as a commissioner on the Board of Ethics for the Town of Pound Ridge, N.Y. and has previously served as a member and Chairman of the Town of Pound Ridge Recreation Commission. He was employed as an Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County, N.Y. (1969-1971) and was an associate at the law firm of Clark Gagliardi & Miller, White Plains, N.Y. (1971-1982).