Atty. Walter J Downes

Atty. Walter J Downes

Walter J Downes is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, family, general practice and 2 other areas of law. Walter received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years.

Ionia Ionia 41 yrs experience 41 year
Call (947) 226-3280 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Walter J Downes at a glance

Walter J Downes is a Member based in Ionia, Michigan, practicing at Walter J. Downes Attorney at Law. They have 41+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1985. Their practice focuses on probate, criminal defense, family law, and estate planning. Admitted to practice in Michigan (1985), U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan (1985), and U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan and U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (1991). Educated at Wayne State University Law School (J.D., 1985) and Michigan State University (B.A. Criminal, 1982). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Ionia-Montcalm County, Ingham County and American. Serands clients in Ionia, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Walter J Downes is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, family, general practice and 2 other areas of law
  • Walter received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years
  • Walter practices at Walter J. Downes Attorney at Law in Ionia, MI

Practice Areas Explained

Walter J Downes's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Walter J Downes handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Probate

Walter J Downes is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Michigan →

Criminal Defense

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

Walter J Downes is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Michigan →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Walter J Downes is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Michigan →

Estate Planning & Probate

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

Walter J Downes is one of 226,536 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Michigan →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Michigan

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

Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Ionia or all attorneys in Michigan.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Walter J Downes

Where is Walter J Downes's law office located?
Walter J Downes's law practice is located in Ionia, Michigan. The firm is Walter J. Downes Attorney at Law. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Walter J Downes handle?
Walter J Downes focuses on probate, criminal defense, family law, estate planning. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Michigan.
How long has Walter J Downes practiced law?
Walter J Downes has 41+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1985.
Where did Walter J Downes go to law school?
Walter J Downes earned their education at (J.D., 1985); (B.A. Criminal, 1982).
How can I contact Walter J Downes for a consultation?
You can contact Walter J Downes 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.
What awards or recognition has Walter J Downes received?
Walter J Downes's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Education

J.D.
Wayne State University Law School
- 1985
B.A. Criminal
Michigan State University
- 1982

Awards

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions

Michigan
Admitted: 1985
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
Admitted: 1985
U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan and U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
Admitted: 1991

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