Atty. Peter Michael Downey

Atty. Peter Michael Downey

Peter Michael Downey is a lawyer practicing general civil trial practice, criminal trial practice, corporate litigation and 5 other areas of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from Northern Illinois University in 1983, and has been licensed for 37 years.

San Diego San Diego 37 yrs experience 37 year
Call (858) 384-8253 Book Appointment

Corporate Litigation & More Attorney · Serving San Diego, CA · 37+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Peter Michael Downey at a Glance

Peter Michael Downey is a Downey Day based in San Diego, California. They have 37+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1989. Their practice focuses on criminal defense, employment, business, real estate, and litigation. Admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, Central District of California (1989), California (1990), Illinois Federal Trial Bar (1993), and Illinois (1997). Educated at California Western School of Law (J.D., 1989) and Northern Illinois University (B.A., 1983). Active member of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, American Bar and Irish American Bar Associations State Bar of California American Board of Trial Advocates Inns of Court Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Association Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. Serves clients in San Diego, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Peter Michael Downey

  • Peter Michael Downey is a lawyer practicing general civil trial practice, criminal trial practice, corporate litigation and 5 other areas of law
  • Peter received a B.A. degree from Northern Illinois University in 1983, and has been licensed for 37 years
  • Peter practices in San Diego, CA

Practice Areas Explained

Peter Michael Downey's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Peter Michael Downey handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in San Diego.

Criminal Defense in San Diego

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Peter Michael Downey is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in California →

Employment Law in San Diego

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

Peter Michael Downey is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in California →

Business & Corporate Law in San Diego

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Peter Michael Downey is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →

Real Estate Law in San Diego

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

Peter Michael Downey is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in California →

Civil Litigation in San Diego

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Peter Michael Downey is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in San Diego

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Diego are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

San Diego Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a San Diego-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Diego or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Peter Michael Downey

Where is Peter Michael Downey's law office located?
Peter Michael Downey's law practice is located in San Diego, California. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Peter Michael Downey handle?
Peter Michael Downey focuses on criminal defense, employment, business, real estate, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Peter Michael Downey practiced law?
Peter Michael Downey has 37+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1989.
Where did Peter Michael Downey go to law school?
Peter Michael Downey earned their education at (J.D., 1989); (B.A., 1983).
How can I contact Peter Michael Downey for a consultation?
You can contact Peter Michael Downey directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in San Diego Choose Peter Michael Downey

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Peter Michael Downey's practice in the field of criminal defense, employment, business, real estate, and litigation.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Peter Michael Downey brings 37+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in U.S. District Court, Central District of California, California, and Illinois Federal Trial Bar, Peter Michael Downey can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering criminal defense, employment, and business, Peter Michael Downey can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in San Diego

A San Diego-based practice means Peter Michael Downey attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues Peter Michael Downey Handles in San Diego

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Peter Michael Downey has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Wrongful termination claims
Employment
Workplace discrimination
Employment
Wage and hour disputes
Employment
Non-compete agreement review
Employment
Business formation and structure
Business
Contract drafting and review
Business
Partnership disputes
Business
Merger and acquisition support
Business
Residential property transactions
Real Estate
Commercial lease disputes
Real Estate
Title and deed issues
Real Estate
Landlord-tenant conflicts
Real Estate

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Peter Michael Downey directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Peter Michael Downey Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in San Diego commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Peter Michael Downey.

Peter Michael Downey attorney Peter Michael Downey lawyer Peter Michael Downey San Diego Peter Michael Downey California Peter Michael Downey reviews Peter Michael Downey contact criminal defense attorney in San Diego criminal defense lawyer San Diego best criminal defense attorney San Diego top rated criminal defense lawyer near me criminal defense attorney California find a lawyer near me how to hire an attorney

If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Peter Michael Downey directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
California Western School of Law
- 1989
B.A.
Northern Illinois University
- 1983

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Admitted: 1989
California
Admitted: 1990
Illinois Federal Trial Bar
Admitted: 1993
Illinois
Admitted: 1997

Client Reviews & Ratings — Peter Michael Downey

These reviews belong to platform users; they do not constitute advertisement or promotion for the attorney. Opinions are published for informational purposes only.

No reviews yet.