CATHERINE F. DOWNING started her own firm in 1990, which became Downing & Flynn in Boston, and which specializes in the representation of condominium and cooperative associations, property management companies, and landlords throughout Massachusetts. Prior to founding the firm, Ms. Downing graduated from Boston College in 1980 with a B.A. in history, magna cum laude, and from Suffolk University Law School in 1983 with a J.D., cum laude. She then served as a clerk to the Honorable Marilyn M. Sullivan at the Land Court. Following this clerkship, she went to work for a firm that specialized in real estate litigation, and she remained there until 1990. She is a frequent speaker for the New England Affordable Housing Management Association and has been honored by that group with an Award for Excellence in Providing Legal Education to the Affordable Housing Industry. Ms. Downing has also conducted seminars for the Institute for Real Estate Management and has served as both panelist and chair for several programs for MCLE focusing on landlord-tenant issues, including the annual Practical Skills Program.(August 2011)