Jonathan J. Downes
AV® Rated by Martindale - Hubbell since 2004
A founding partner at Downes Fishel Hass Kim, Jonathan’s more than 32 years in practice have made him an authority in many facets of employment law.
Well-known for his proficiency in this arena, he’s often asked to testify before lawmakers and to file legal briefs that influence policymaking.
Peer-Rated Super Lawyer
Jonathan’s mantra is prevention. He instructs, prepares and advises clients on current changes affecting their employees, reducing conflicts and costs. But when litigation is necessary, Jonathan has successfully argued cases in a variety of legal forums including the Ohio Supreme Court and the United States Sixth Circuit of Appeals.
Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law (by Ohio State Bar Association)
Jonathan’s forte in civil rights and civil service law has earned him a position as mediator for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He has also served on the Civil Service Review Commission for the State of Ohio.
Often asked to lecture nationally and statewide, his webinars include topics such as: Labor Law, Collective Bargaining, Public Records, Civil Service Law, Civil Rights, Discrimination Law, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, Privacy in the Workplace, Sexual Harassment and Drug Testing.
Jonathan’s gift is his ability to understand the clients’ missions and to focus his efforts on achieving their long-term goals.
Best Practices for Businesses
In the private sector, he focuses on helping entrepreneurs and family-run businesses adopt best practices in all matters related to labor relations and human resource management.
On the Personal Side
Jonathan believes in serving the public good. He volunteers on the boards of a public library and two charter schools. One of his important projects is advising a high school mock trial teams.
Professional Memberships
- The Ohio State Bar Association
- The Columbus Bar Association
- The Ohio Public Employers Labor Relations Association (OHPELRA)
- OHPELRA Charter Member; Past President; Past Member Board of Trustees
- The National Public Employers Labor Relations Association (NPELRA)
- 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
Presentations and Publications
- Author, Civil Service Law in Ohio
- Editor, Ohio Civil Service and Collective Bargaining Laws Annotated (annually over 20 years)
- Ohio Municipal League
- Case Western Reserve University School of Law
- Columbus Bar Association
- Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association
- Ohio CLE Institute
- County Commissioners Association of Ohio
- Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association
- Ohio School Boards Association
- Ohio Human Services Directors Association
- Industrial Relations Research Association
- Ohio State Bar Association
- Ohio Police Chiefs Association
- American Jail Academy
- Ohio Association of Fire Chiefs
- Chambers of Commerce
- Ohio School Boards Association
- Government Finance Officers Association
- County Auditor’s Association
- Ohio Management Lawyer’s Association
Practice Areas
- Civil Litigation
- Employment & Labor
- Administrative Law
-
Collective Bargaining
Credentials and Distinctions
- AV® rated by Martindale-Hubbell
- Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law (by Ohio State Bar Association)
- Best Lawyers in America®, 2010 - 2012
- Central Ohio Top Lawyers 2009
- Super Lawyers, Employment and Labor, 2004 – 2012
- OHPELRA 2002 Award of Excellence
- NPELRA 2002 Pacesetter Award for Public Sector Labor and Employee Relations
Education
Case Western Reserve University – JD
Virginia Tech – BS in Business Administration
Bar Admissions
- Supreme Court of Ohio
- United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio
- United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit