Paul K. Downes
Paul K. Downes
Minneapolis, MN
Works at
SiebenCarey

12 Best Lawyers awards

SiebenCarey logo

Biography

Experienced Minnesota Personal Injury Trial Attorney

Paul Downes is a veteran Minnesota trial lawyer at SiebenCarey who has spent more than three decades helping injury victims and their families pursue justice after serious accidents, wrongful death, medical negligence, and other life-changing personal injuries. Known for his personalized approach and strong courtroom advocacy, he has built a reputation for combining compassionate client service with proven trial experience.

Paul is a Certified Civil Trial Law Specialist, a distinction earned by fewer than 3% of licensed Minnesota attorneys. The certification recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated extensive trial experience, advanced legal knowledge, and a commitment to the highest professional standards. He focuses his practice on personal injury and wrongful death litigation, representing clients in cases involving motor vehicle accidents, defective products, catastrophic injuries, and other complex claims.

Before joining SiebenCarey as a partner in 2002, Paul co-founded the personal injury firm Meyer & Associates alongside Helen Meyer, a distinguished Minnesota attorney and former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice. During that time, he developed the client-first philosophy that continues to guide his practice today.

Paul's professional accomplishments have earned recognition from both his peers and the legal community. He has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff Personal Injury Litigation and has been recognized by Minnesota Super Lawyers for more than two decades. He is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and was elected to the Minnesota chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an invitation-only organization of experienced trial lawyers and judges.

In addition to his litigation work, Paul was appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court to serve on the No-Fault Standing Committee, which helps oversee the implementation of Minnesota's no-fault insurance system. He has served on the Board of Governors for the Minnesota Association for Justice and is a frequent speaker at legal education programs across the country.

Outside the courtroom, Paul is active in his community through charitable work, mentoring law students, and supporting youth programs. His career has been defined by a simple goal: helping injured people navigate difficult circumstances and move forward with confidence.

Works at
SiebenCarey

12 Best Lawyers awards

SiebenCarey logo

Locations

Education

  • William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., graduated 1992
  • University of St. Thomas (St. Paul), BA, graduated 1989

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota, Minnesota State Bar Association

Affiliations

  • American Association for Justice Leader's Forum - Member
  • American Association for Justice - Member
  • American Bar Association - Member
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum - Member
  • Minnesota Association for Justice - Member
  • Minnesota State Bar Association - Member

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Awards:
  • Minnesota State Bar Association - Certified Civil Trial Law Specialist

  • Best Lawyers in America - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Super Lawyer
  • 2013 Top Rated Lawyer in Personal Injury Law - AV Preeminent 5.0 Rating Martindale-Hubbell; The highest rating for professional skills

Additional Information

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Case History

Cases
  • Motorcycle Driver Needs Leg Amputation, $4,000,000 Settlement
  • Secured a $4 million settlement for a motorcyclist who suffered catastrophic injuries resulting in the amputation of a leg after a devastating collision caused by another driver's negligence. Read more.
  • Football Player Blinded in Assault, $2,000,000 Settlement
  • Recovered a $2 million settlement for a former football player who lost vision in one eye after a violent assault, obtaining compensation for the profound and permanent impact of the injury. Read more.
  • Vehicles Mashed Between Dump Truck and Semi, $1,163,219 Settlement
  • Secured more than $1.16 million for clients who suffered serious injuries when their vehicle was crushed between a dump truck and a semi-truck in a devastating multi-vehicle collision. Read more.
  • Pedestrian Hit By Bicyclist Receives Devastating Head Injury, $500,000 Settlement
  • Successfully resolved a complex injury claim arising from a pedestrian-bicyclist collision, resulting in a $500,000 settlement. Read more.

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