Michael Downey Takes Helm of ABA Law Practice Division

Michael Downey, a nationally recognized legal ethics lawyer and partner in Armstrong Teasdale’s Litigation practice group, will become chair of the American Bar Association’s Law Practice Division for a one-year term effective September 1.

Previously called the Law Practice Management Section (LPM), the 16,000-member Division is host of the ABA TECHSHOW® and a leading publisher and provider of resources to help lawyers and legal professionals improve operation of their law firms, primarily in the areas of marketing, management, technology and finance.

In his practice, Downey advises law firms on legal, ethics and risk management issues, and represents lawyers, their clients, and other professionals in high stakes and complex civil litigation and disciplinary proceedings. He has tried civil and lawyer discipline cases and argued appeals before appellate courts including the Missouri Supreme Court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Downey has also testified as an expert witness in Missouri, Kansas and the District of Columbia.

An adjunct professor for more than a decade, Downey teaches legal ethics and law firm practice at Washington University School of Law and professional responsibility at Saint Louis University School of Law. He has presented on professional ethics more than 250 times, authored the book Introduction to Law Firm Practice, and published more than 60 articles on professional ethics, including the “Ethox & Paradox” ethics columns for the ABA’s Litigation magazine. In 2013, Downey’s article “Ethical Rules for Litigating in the Court of Public Opinion” received a Distinguished Legal Writing Award Winner by the Burton Foundation.

Active as a leader in national and state bar association activities, Downey previously served as the chair elect, vice chair, and secretary of LPM. In addition, he was a member of the Technology Working Group for the ABA’s Commission on Ethics 20/20 and currently serves on the ABA Task Force on the Future of Legal Education.

Admitted to practice in Missouri and Illinois, Downey graduated with honors from Georgetown University and was first in his class from Washington University School of Law. In 2006, he also earned a Certificate in Law Practice Management from George Washington University.