Kevin Downes began his legal career in the corporate department of a major New York law firm, advising clients on a wide range of matters, including commercial lending, securities offerings, SEC compliance, and employment and consulting agreements. In 1993, he joined a small firm that focused on healthcare, representing New York hospitals and nursing homes in financing and refinancing capital projects.
From 1998 to 2013, Kevin practiced in the public finance departments of two major law firms, primarily serving as bond counsel on healthcare and higher education financings across multiple states in the Northeast, the South and the Midwest. He developed extensive experience with diverse financing structures, including variable-rate and convertible bonds, credit enhancement arrangements, commercial paper programs, investment agreements, and derivatives.
In 2013, Kevin returned to a small healthcare firm, where he represented nonprofit organizations in tax-exempt and taxable bond financings, bank loans, lines of credit, as well as other corporate matters. He remained at this firm until he joined Hawkins in March 2026.
Best Lawyers – recognized since 2008 - New York City Public Financing Law, Lawyer of the Year 2015