WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General Karl A. Racine today announced that Jason Downs will serve as Chief Deputy Attorney General for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Mr. Downs will report directly to the Attorney General and help lead the agency’s legal practice as it continues to provide the best legal services to District of Columbia government, the D.C. Council, and District residents. Former Chief Deputy Natalie O. Ludaway transitioned to private practice after more than five years of service to OAG and the District of Columbia.

“The District of Columbia is fortunate that Jason Downs is the Chief Deputy Attorney General,” said AG Racine. “I have known Jason for nearly 15 years, and, simply put, Jason is one of the best trial lawyers in the United States, and he is respected by judges and opposing counsel alike. District residents should also know that Jason is prepared to manage the country’s top AG office on day one because he had the rare opportunity to work on a daily basis with former Chief Deputy Natalie Ludaway since last November. Jason Downs continues the tradition of excellent leadership at the Office of the Attorney General.”

Most recently, Mr. Downs served as General Counsel at OAG. Prior to joining OAG in November 2019, Mr. Downs was a Founding Partner at Downs Collins, P.A., handling civil and criminal litigation in the District and nationally. Mr. Downs also previously spent nearly a decade at the Public Defender Service (PDS) for the District of Columbia, serving as lead counsel on dozens of jury trials. At PDS, he also served as Training Director where he routinely trained attorneys on matters relating to litigation, trends in expert testimony, advanced trial techniques, and more.

Mr. Downs has also taught at Harvard Law School and The University of Maryland School of Law. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Baltimore and a law degree from the University of Maryland.

Additionally, Mr. Downs has demonstrated his commitment to empowering District youth through his volunteer work. He previously served on the Board of Directors for LearnServe International, a D.C.-based nonprofit organization that equips local high school students from diverse backgrounds with entrepreneurial skills. Mr. Downs has also volunteered as a youth mentor at Thurgood Marshall Public Charter High School and taught basic legal concepts to Ballou High School students interested in pursuing a legal career.