Robert Downs
Chicago, IL
Licensed for 56 years
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Divorce and Family
Language
English
About
Mr. Downs was President of the Illinois State Bar Association in 2005-2006 and was a member of the ISBA task force on attorneys for minority children, which drafted the Illinois revised child representative law. He also chaired the ISBA Family law Section Council and was Chair of the Chicago Bar Association Matrimonial Law Committee. He was also one of four recipients of the 1995 American Bar Foundation Family Law Pro Bono Services Award. Mr. Downs' efforts have also been recognized by the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and others. He did his undergraduate work at Grinnell College, where he was awarded their Distinguished Alumni Award, and he received his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2009.
Practices Areas
Estate Planning
Divorce and separation
Family
Language
English
Contact
Reviews
It's been a very difficult transition for me and my children. I was referred to Bob by the Lilac Tree in Evanston. He has continued to provide me with his time and thoughtful care with my situation. I've appreciated the support and advocacy on my behalf. I've learned a tremendous amount from him as he patiently explains every step of the process with every detail to prepare. Thank you for your time. It's invaluable.
Bob Downs helped me get through my divorce with dignity. I think he's a very ethical lawyer who steered me clear of messy disputes that would be costly and unproductive, hurtful to kids, and would ultimately prolong the healing process.
Attorney Downs and Attorney O'Connor did a great job handling my case. I was impressed with their attention to detail, and techniques. They were excellent communicators; explaining things to me in simple yet concise terms. Every suggestion was helpful as they were welcome; I really appreciated Team Downs (especially your rock star Attorney Mallory O'Connor). Quote: Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much. For on the smiles, the thanks we give, our little gestures of appreciation, our neighbors build up their philosophy of life." (A.J. Cronin)
My family contacted Downs Law Firm to discuss various concerns with respect to family law and our situation. Attnys. Downs and Teague were most helpful, and their advice gave us confidence and a sense of direction in working to meet our needs.
Bob and his associates are the most efficient, ethical, caring family lawyers I have encountered. I only wish they'd represented me since the start of the process, but am so glad to have found them three years ago! They are effective, reliable, responsive, and honest. You will do yourself (and your bank account, in the long run) a favor if you hire Bob Downs.
Bob took over my case after I'd wasted time going to a law firm that promised me the world. He cleaned up the mess they made and we settled relatively quickly after he got involved. He was not interested in building up his fees, he wanted to settle my case quickly and fairly without extra costs. I'd send anybody to him in a heartbeat!
Robert Downs and his associates may have worked well for others, but he truly, TRULY failed me. I hired Downs Law in June, 2013 for my divorce: 0 kids, 1 house, 1 car, limited savings. I do not doubt that Mr. Downs is knowledgeable and experienced in the matter of family law. Downs Law (and his associates Mallory O'Connor and Julia Strauch) did nothing more than give me the run-around. They estimated my case (0 kids, 1 house, 1 car, limited savings) would go to trial and my case could last thru end of 2014, possibly 2015. Well 8 months later and having spent $10,000 on Downs Law, I fired Downs law in Jan, 2014. My new attorney (Lisa M. Giese) got my case settled, without going to trial, in May, 2014. (May 2014 is the best Downs Law could do, to get a pre-trial date with the judge...stating that was earliest the judge was available. Something the judges secretary denied). HALF the time, HALF the cost, and to my satisfaction = my new attorney. Downs Law would offer limited/delayed responses to emails and messages, often blaming their email/voicemail system being down, including blaming their billing system for incorrect charges. I was as much frustrated with Downs Law, as I was with the person I was divorcing. I thought my lawyer was supposed to make things smoother for me, yet they made this more complex for me - knowing all the health issues I had been going thru. Sorry Mr. Downs - I would NOT recommend you, Mallory, or Julia to anyone!
It's been a very difficult transition for me and my children. I was referred to Bob by the Lilac Tree in Evanston. He has continued to provide me with his time and thoughtful care with my situation. I've appreciated the support and advocacy on my behalf. I've learned a tremendous amount from him as he patiently explains every step of the process with every detail to prepare. Thank you for your time. It's invaluable.
Bob Downs helped me get through my divorce with dignity. I think he's a very ethical lawyer who steered me clear of messy disputes that would be costly and unproductive, hurtful to kids, and would ultimately prolong the healing process.
Attorney Downs and Attorney O'Connor did a great job handling my case. I was impressed with their attention to detail, and techniques. They were excellent communicators; explaining things to me in simple yet concise terms. Every suggestion was helpful as they were welcome; I really appreciated Team Downs (especially your rock star Attorney Mallory O'Connor). Quote: Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much. For on the smiles, the thanks we give, our little gestures of appreciation, our neighbors build up their philosophy of life." (A.J. Cronin)
My family contacted Downs Law Firm to discuss various concerns with respect to family law and our situation. Attnys. Downs and Teague were most helpful, and their advice gave us confidence and a sense of direction in working to meet our needs.
Bob and his associates are the most efficient, ethical, caring family lawyers I have encountered. I only wish they'd represented me since the start of the process, but am so glad to have found them three years ago! They are effective, reliable, responsive, and honest. You will do yourself (and your bank account, in the long run) a favor if you hire Bob Downs.
Bob took over my case after I'd wasted time going to a law firm that promised me the world. He cleaned up the mess they made and we settled relatively quickly after he got involved. He was not interested in building up his fees, he wanted to settle my case quickly and fairly without extra costs. I'd send anybody to him in a heartbeat!
Robert Downs and his associates may have worked well for others, but he truly, TRULY failed me. I hired Downs Law in June, 2013 for my divorce: 0 kids, 1 house, 1 car, limited savings. I do not doubt that Mr. Downs is knowledgeable and experienced in the matter of family law. Downs Law (and his associates Mallory O'Connor and Julia Strauch) did nothing more than give me the run-around. They estimated my case (0 kids, 1 house, 1 car, limited savings) would go to trial and my case could last thru end of 2014, possibly 2015. Well 8 months later and having spent $10,000 on Downs Law, I fired Downs law in Jan, 2014. My new attorney (Lisa M. Giese) got my case settled, without going to trial, in May, 2014. (May 2014 is the best Downs Law could do, to get a pre-trial date with the judge...stating that was earliest the judge was available. Something the judges secretary denied). HALF the time, HALF the cost, and to my satisfaction = my new attorney. Downs Law would offer limited/delayed responses to emails and messages, often blaming their email/voicemail system being down, including blaming their billing system for incorrect charges. I was as much frustrated with Downs Law, as I was with the person I was divorcing. I thought my lawyer was supposed to make things smoother for me, yet they made this more complex for me - knowing all the health issues I had been going thru. Sorry Mr. Downs - I would NOT recommend you, Mallory, or Julia to anyone!