Advancing Justice and Equity: Highlighting Angela Downes, Esq.’s Journey From Public Service to Conflict Resolution

Learn about her legal journey, what she enjoys most about mediating and the professional accomplishments she is most proud of.

Please provide a snapshot of your legal career prior to joining JAMS.

Prior to joining JAMS, my law career focused on public service, policy and legislative efforts. Following roles with the Collin County and Dallas County district attorney's offices, I served as attorney for court programs at the national office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating drunk and impaired driving. Subsequently, I held the position of senior attorney at the National District Attorneys Association in Alexandria, Virginia, where my work centered on child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, victims' rights and elder abuse. In this role, I concentrated on national policy development and provided training and technical assistance to prosecutors nationwide. I firmly believe in the transformative power of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), recognizing its applicability from complex corporate disputes to smaller community conflicts. Conflict resolution permeates all facets of life, and the ADR profession presents a unique opportunity to effect positive change in how we address conflict. My experience encompasses a diverse range of areas, including consumer cases; employment, insurance and corporate issues; and divorces involving high-net-worth individuals. As a former prosecutor with a focus in domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and interpersonal violence, I possess a unique skill set that has enabled me to establish a niche in school law, university Title IX conflicts and sexual assault matters. Furthermore, my work with international forums and research on global corporate structures and contracts has provided me with a valuable global perspective as well.

How did you get your start in ADR?

My interest in ADR was ignited during my law school studies. I actively pursued this interest by completing the 40-hour mediation training program, culminating in earning the mediation credential. As part of my coursework, I had the opportunity to mediate pro bono cases. These experiences provided invaluable firsthand insights into the transformative power of ADR in effectively resolving conflicts.

What are some of the highlights of your career to date, whether in ADR or litigation?

A significant highlight of my career has been my role as an assistant director of experiential education at the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law. I teach clinical courses at the Joyce Ann Brown Innocence Clinic, including a 40-hour mediation course with a unique focus on human trafficking and the law, as well as domestic violence and the law, offering an innovative approach to addressing interpersonal violence. My scholarship centers on mediation, ADR, vicarious trauma, civility, cultural responsiveness and critical issues of interpersonal violence, encompassing domestic violence, human trafficking and child abuse. I am recognized as a subject matter expert on interpersonal violence.

What practice areas are you passionate about and why?

As a mediator and arbitrator, I am an innovative and critical thinker dedicated to employing creative solutions to effectively resolve disputes. My areas of practice encompass a diverse range of matters, including business/commercial, insurance, higher education and Title IX, family law and employment issues. I possess extensive experience in ADR, with a particular focus on specialized areas such as sexual assault, employment, business and consumer disputes. In addition to my mediation and arbitration practice, I am a member of an esteemed panel of ADR professionals who provide commentary on Supreme Court cases. My recent analysis focused on the significant consumer law case involving Ticketmaster, where I highlighted the potential for this case to have a profound impact on consumer rights.

How would you describe your mediation and arbitration style?

My mediation and arbitration style is deeply rooted in humility and civility. I approach each case with an open mind, acknowledging the valuable perspectives and experiences of all parties involved. By fostering a respectful and courteous environment, I encourage open dialogue and facilitate mutual understanding. My primary goal is to guide a collaborative process where all voices are heard and solutions are crafted with empathy, fairness and a focus on building trust. Through this approach, I strive to create lasting resolutions that honor the dignity of all participants.

What traits have contributed to your success as a mediator?

My success as a mediator and arbitrator can be attributed to several key traits: innovation, creativity and tenacity. I possess the ability to think outside the box, developing unique solutions tailored to the specific needs of each dispute. My tenacity keeps me committed to finding resolutions, even when faced with significant challenges. I also believe in the inherent goodness of people and situations, fostering a positive and constructive environment for all parties involved. Compassion plays a crucial role in my approach, as it allows me to understand the unique perspectives and concerns of each party and empathize with all individuals involved.

Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most memorable advice given to you?

I have been fortunate to have numerous mentors throughout my career, with Professor Kay Elliott having a particularly profound impact. A pioneer in Texas mediation, Professor Elliott has been an invaluable influence. I have had the privilege of training and teaching alongside her, an incredibly enriching experience. We recently co-authored an article on civility in the legal profession for the SBOT paralegal section, and in 2022, a piece we co-wrote was selected for presentation at the conference for Legal Storytelling in London. The most memorable advice she imparted was to always approach mediation with empathy and an open mind, and to see it to it that every voice is heard and respected

How do you participate in serving your community?

I am actively engaged in numerous boards and organizations, including serving as Chair of the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Gun Violence. I am also a proud member of the American Bar Fellows, Texas Bar Fellows, Texas Mediation Credentialing Association, Dallas Bar Association, Bridging the Gap Foundation, Dallas Children's Theater, Dallas Free Press, Jack and Jill of America, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I earned my Juris Doctorate from Texas A&M School of Law, formerly known as Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. Recently, I was honored to be appointed by the Governor of Texas to serve on the Texas Medical Board as a disciplinary specialist.