Profile photo of William L. Downing

William L. Downing

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
Seattle, WA, United States

About

Following a distinguished twenty-eight-year tenure on the King County Superior Court, this neutral entered private practice in 2017. His judicial career involved presiding over approximately 800 trials, covering a vast spectrum of civil litigation including multi-party commercial disputes, medical malpractice, and complex land use cases. He is recognized for his ability to navigate emotionally charged and legally intricate matters with a focus on settlement and fair adjudication.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Construction Employment & Labor Estates & Probate Government & Administrative Healthcare & Life Sciences Insurance Personal Injury & Torts Real Estate & Property

Professional Experience

Neutral
JAMS
Judge
2017
King County Superior Court
1989–2017
Assistant Chief Criminal Prosecutor
King County Prosecutor's Office
1977–1988

Publications Leadership

  • Contributor to various Washington State Bar Association deskbooks on civil procedure and evidence
  • Frequent lecturer for the Washington State Bar Association and King County Bar Association on trial advocacy and judicial ethics
  • Served as a mentor for the University of Washington School of Law
  • Past President of the William L. Dwyer Inn of Court

Positioning Takeaways

This neutral is established as a veteran judicial figure with extensive trial experience, making him suitable for complex civil litigation and sensitive multi-party mediations.

License & Certifications

  • Washington State Bar Association
  • United States District Court
  • Western District of Washington

Education

J.D.
University of Washington School of Law
1977
B.A.
Vassar College
1972

Distinction

Presided over one of the longest judicial tenures in King County history, handling nearly 800 trials across nearly three decades.

Reputation

He is highly regarded by legal professionals for his calm judicial temperament, deep analytical skills, and his effectiveness in resolving high-stakes, sensitive disputes through mediation.