How much does it cost to hire James for a civil rights case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does James offer a free consultation?

James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

How long do civil rights cases in New York typically take?

Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can James take my case if I'm outside White Plains?

James is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with James?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is James accepting new civil rights clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James J. Downes, Civil Rights Attorney in White Plains, New York

Over 57 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Employment, and Environmental · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatRende, Ryan & Downes, LLP

White Plains, NY

Practicing civil rights in White Plains since 1969.

57+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Civil Rights Employment Environmental General Insurance Personal Injury +2 more →

Are you James J. Downes?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

James J. Downes is a member based in White Plains, NY. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and Environmental. James has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rende, Ryan & Downes, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: White Plains, NY
Experience: over 57 years
Known for: Civil Rights · Employment · Environmental

Handles Civil Rights, Employment, and Environmental matters from White Plains, NY.
Over 57 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in White Plains

James concentrates on civil rights, employment, environmental, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in White Plains, New York

James takes civil rights matters in White Plains, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in White Plains, New York

James takes employment matters in White Plains, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Environmental cases in White Plains, New York

James takes environmental matters in White Plains, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

General cases in White Plains, New York

James takes general matters in White Plains, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in White Plains, New York

James takes insurance matters in White Plains, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Biography

James J. Downes, civil rights attorney serving White Plains

James J. Downes is a lawyer practicing personal injury, product liability, municipal liability and 5 other areas of law. James received a A.B. degree from Mount St. Mary's College in 1966, and has been licensed for 57 years. James practices at Rende, Ryan & Downes, LLP in White Plains, NY.

James's approach to civil rights cases

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, employment, and environmental matters in White Plains and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

New York Law School
J.D. · 1969
Mount St. Mary's College
A.B. · 1966

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court a
1974 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1973 · ACTIVE
New York
1969 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in New York Law School and A.B. in Mount St. Mary's College.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in New York Law School and A.B. in Mount St. Mary's College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

James's legal honors and published work

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

Northern Westchester, Westchester County and New York State Bar Associations The Association of Trial Lawyers of America New York State Trial Lawyers Association
membership

Locations

James J. Downes's office in White Plains

James's primary office is at 202 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY, 10022-6069. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Rende, Ryan & Downes, LLP

202 Mamaroneck Ave.

White Plains, NY 10022-6069

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James J. Downes — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in White Plains.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James J. Downes claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James J. Downes — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in White Plains, New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James

James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James J. Downes

How much does it cost to hire James for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in New York typically take?
Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside White Plains?
James is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new civil rights clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by New York residents in the last few months, answered by civil rights attorneys like James J. Downes. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I sue my employer for racial discrimination in New York?
I work at a tech company in Manhattan, NY and I've been facing constant racial slurs and unequal treatment since I was hired. I've documented incidents and reported them to HR, but
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · New York
How can I challenge a discriminatory practice in a public school in Tennessee?
My son, who is Hispanic, is being treated unfairly in his public school in Memphis, TN. I believe this is due to discrimination. What legal steps can I take to challenge these prac
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Tennessee
What steps can I take after being denied service due to my religion in Massachusetts?
I was recently denied service at a café in Boston, MA, because of my religious attire. I feel this is a clear violation of my civil rights. What steps can I take legally to address
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Massachusetts
What can I do if a school discriminates against my child in Virginia?
My daughter was not allowed to participate in a school event in Richmond, VA, because of her disability. I feel this is discriminatory. What steps can I take to address this issue
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Virginia
Can I sue for discrimination after being denied a loan in Alabama?
I applied for a small business loan in Birmingham, AL, and was denied despite meeting all qualifications. I suspect my denial was based on my ethnicity. Can I pursue legal action a
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Alabama
How can I seek justice for discrimination in a government agency in Hawaii?
I faced discrimination while applying for services at a government agency in Honolulu, HI. They treated me unfairly due to my cultural background. What legal recourse do I have to
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Hawaii

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving White Plains and Albany in New York

James handles civil rights matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in White Plains handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

James J. Downes, Civil Rights Attorney in White Plains, New York

Quick answer

James's practice areas in White Plains

Civil Rights cases in White Plains, New York

Employment cases in White Plains, New York