Dan Downe

First Year of Call
Alberta, 1985

Areas of Practice
Insurance Law

Description
Dan Downe’s primary area of practice is insurance litigation. He has more than 30 years experience defending insured businesses and individuals in a variety of complex litigation matters, including disputes involving motor vehicle accidents and other personal injury claims, commercial property damage and premises liability. Dan appears before all Alberta trial and appellate courts, arbitration panels and administrative tribunals, including coroner’s inquests and fatality inquiries. He has assisted clients with various forms of alternate dispute resolution, including private mediation, judicial mediation and arbitration.
Dan pursues subrogation claims and defends coverage actions on behalf of insurers. He also advises clients on errors and omissions policies, defends related claims, prepares coverage opinions and represents disability insurers in numerous capacities. Also, Dan regularly counsels self-insured professional organizations and defends claims of professional negligence.

In 2010, Dan received his Queen’s Counsel designation, which recognizes lawyers for exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession. He is also a regular speaker on insurance and risk management topics at client seminars and legal conferences.

Value to Clients
Dan uses a creative approach to dispute resolution that he tailors to his client’s goals and the unique circumstances of each case. While Dan excels in tough courtroom battles, he also focuses on helping clients take advantage of various forms of alternative dispute resolution to avoid the risk and expense of prolonged litigation and jury trials, including private mediation, judicial mediation and arbitration.

Outside the Office
Dan played high-level youth hockey and is still athletically active.