Daniel T. Downey

Recently awarded the Lawyer of the Year distinction by Best Lawyers for his work in insurance litigation, Dan is a trial attorney through and through. With more than 20 years of experience, he has amassed a repertoire of trial victories, as well as accolades. Dan has been selected to Super Lawyers every year since 2013 and named to the Best Lawyers list annually since 2015.

Dan works closely with law enforcement agencies and officers throughout the state, providing sound advice to help avoid lawsuits and a strong defense when claims inevitably arise. He is also an asset in collective bargaining, and he often leads trainings on law enforcement liability matters, including use of force and jail healthcare liability exposure.

Beyond his governmental clients, Dan regularly represents insurance carriers and their insureds, as well as private businesses. He has successfully defended against numerous legal actions ranging from product defects to catastrophic injuries. Regardless of the client, Dan promises an early case evaluation and to always prioritize the client’s best interests.

Dan is a well-respected litigator in state and federal courts across Ohio, at both the trial to appellate levels. He previously served as the firm’s managing partner, and he continues to be a mentor to the younger attorneys in the office.

While Dan boasts an impressive track record in the courtroom, his most treasured successes are his two daughters. Dan is also a Beatles buff and avid sports fan. He has what some would say is an uncanny ability to seemingly recount every big play made in Buckeye football history.

• Columbus Bar Association
• Ohio State Bar Association
• Federal Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute
• Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
• Public Risk Management Association

Dan frequently presents on a variety of topics concerning insurance defense. He frequently partners with the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association and the County Risk Sharing Authority to address legal issues confronting task forces, road patrols, and corrections divisions.

• Civil Litigation
• Labor and Employment
• Insurance Coverage

• Best Lawyers® 2015 – 2024
• Super Lawyers® 2013 – 2023
• Best Lawyers® 2023 and 2019 Lawyer of the Year

• The Ohio State University, J.D., 1994
• Youngstown State University, B.A. in political science, magna cum laude. 1991

• United States Supreme Court
• Supreme Court of Ohio
• United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
• United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio
• United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio

• Robertson v. Lucas, et al., 753 F.3d 606 (6th Cir. 2014)
• Bright v. Gallia County, Ohio, et al., 753 F.3d 639 (6th Cir. 2014)
• Lovett v. Lucas, et al., 2012 WL 2155163 (N.D. Ohio June 12, 2012)
• Messer v. Butler County Board of Commissioners, et al., Ohio App. 12th Dist., 2009 Ohio 4462
• Carter v. National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh, et al., Ohio App. 8th Dist., 2004 Ohio 6633
• Tablack v. Board of Mahoning County Commissioners, et al., Ohio App. 7th Dist., 2008 Ohio 4804
• Hunt v. Morrow County, Ohio, et al., Ohio App. 5th Dist., 2009 Ohio 4313
• Roberts, et al. v. County of Mahoning, et al., 495 F. Supp. 2d 670 (N.D. Ohio 2005)
• France v. Lucas, 2016 FED App. 0223P (6th Cir.)
• Shanaberg v. Licking Cty., 936 F.3d 453 (6th Cir. 2019)

• Valentino v. Lt. Shawn Haus, et al., Case No. 1:12-CV-902, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division
• Rush, etc., et al. v. City of Mansfield, Ohio, et al., Case No. 1:07‐CV‐1068, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division
• Dobbins, etc. v. Columbia Oil Company, et al., Case No. 03‐CV‐1683, Montgomery County, Ohio Common Pleas Court
• Fletcher v. Vandyne, et al., Case No. C2:07‐CV‐325, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division
• Leggett v. National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA, Case No. 2001 CV 06 0299,Tuscarawas County, Ohio Common Pleas Court
• Wilhelm, et al. v. Knox County, Ohio, et al., Case No. 02 03 786, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division
• Crabbs et al. v. Pitts et al., Case No. 19-4057, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
• Knowlton v. Richland County et al., Case No. 17-3459, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
• Cannon v. Licking County, Ohio et al., Case No. 2:17-CV-0004, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division
• Williams v. Collins et al., Case No. 1:15-CV-337, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, Western Division
• Bard v. Brown County, et al., Case No. 1:15-cv-643, United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, Western Division