You wouldn’t think such a successful attorney would try so hard to put himself out of a job. But founding partner Jonathan Downes believes that his job is to help clients reduce areas of potential conflict so they can virtually eliminate the need for a lawyer. This has been his intention for the past two decades with the firm and nearly 30 years of practice.

He earned his Juris Doctor Degree from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is a frequently requested speaker. He also advises a high school mock trial team.

AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law, Ohio State Bar Association.  Inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® 2010.  Named one of Central Ohio's Top Lawyers 2009.  Chosen by his peers as a Super Lawyer since 2004.  Serves as a Mediator for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.


PRACTICE AREAS

Labor and Employment Law

Representation of public employers (State Office Holders, cities, counties, townships, and school districts) and private employers in all aspects of labor relations and human resource management including employment agreements, negotiating labor agreements, representation in impasse procedures mediation, fact-finding, conciliation, arbitrations, contract administration, and enforcement in court actions.

Representation of clients in trials and hearings in court proceedings including injunctive relief, discrimination law, labor and employment law matters.

Representation of clients in administrative hearings before labor relations boards including the State Employment Relations Board, State, National Labor Relations Board, and Federal Civil Rights Commissions, Civil Service Commissions, and the State Personnel Board of Review.

Counsel clients during organizational campaigns, preparation of employee handbooks and manuals, assembly of comprehensive civil service rules for municipalities, preparation of employee evaluation systems and merit pay plans, representation in civil rights matters and all related matters for labor relations and human resource management.

Civil Litigation

Research, preparation, and representation of clients in litigation, including appeals, in state and federal courts.

Industries Represented

Trucking, Retail Sales, Construction, Manufacturing, Medical

Instruction

Instructor in numerous seminars at National and State levels regarding following topics: Labor Law; Collective Bargaining; Public Records, Civil Service Law; Civil Rights; various Discrimination topics; Family Medical Leave Act; Fair Labor Standards Act, Privacy in the Workplace; Sexual Harassment; Drug Testing; and numerous related employment law topics.

Instructor for seminars sponsored by: Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Ohio Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association, Ohio Public Employers Labor Relations Association, Ohio Municipal League, Ohio Police Chief’s Association, Ohio Association of Fire Chiefs, Ohio Safety Directors' Association, County Commissioners' Association of Ohio, Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association, Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys’ Association, County Engineers Association of Ohio, County Treasurers' Association, County Auditors' Association, Ohio School Business Administrators, Ohio Council of School Board Attorneys, Ohio Human Services Directors' Association, Ohio Child Support Directors’ Association, Ohio and National Parks and Recreation Association, International Personnel Management Association, Newark Area Chamber of Commerce, American Jail Association, and numerous clients.

BAR ADMISSIONS

• Ohio - Registration No. 0009905
• United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio
• United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

• The Ohio Public Employers Labor Relations Association (OHPELRA)
• Charter Member; Past President; Past Member Board of Trustees
• OHPELRA 2002 Award of Excellence
• The National Public Employers Labor Relations Association (NPELRA)
• NPELRA 2002 Pacesetter Award for Public Sector Labor and Employee Relations
• The Ohio State Bar Association
• The Columbus Bar Association
• Central Ohio Labor and Employment Relations Association (Officer)
• Cornerstone Academy Community School Board of Directors
• Ohio Civil Service Review Commission (Appointed by the Governor)
• County Commissioners Association of Ohio Award of Excellence in Public Service 2002

• Author, Civil Service Law in Ohio, Banks Baldwin, (1993)
• Edits annual release of Ohio Civil Service and Collective Bargaining Laws, Rules Annotated, West/Thompson, (Since 1992 to present)
• Contributing author to various publications of associations and trade groups including the Ohio Municipal League, Buckeye State Sheriffs' Association, County Commissioners' Association of Ohio, County Engineers' Association of Ohio, Ohio Human Services Directors' Association, the Ohio Police Chiefs’ Association, and Ohio Ready Mix Concrete Association.