Current Openings

Lateral Attorney Candidates

We’re always eager to connect with talented attorneys who bring experience across our practice areas. If you don’t see a position that aligns with your expertise listed below, we encourage you to submit your materials and express your interest here: Lateral Attorney Application

First-Year Associate Candidates

Our Summer Associate Program typically fills most of our first-year associate positions. However, we invite you to submit your materials to our applicant tracking system for consideration if an opportunity arises here: First Year Associate Application

Recruiting Professionals/Agencies

Professional recruiters and search/placement firms are kindly asked to have signed terms and conditions on file with Downey Brand before submitting candidates. Please reach out to Maureen Cooper, Recruiting Director, for more information. Search firms may only submit candidates for experienced lateral attorney positions pursuant to a current, signed fee agreement and through our designated recruiting contact. Submissions made outside of this process, or for law students, entry-level, or post-clerkship candidates will not be considered and will not be eligible for any fee. Submissions for these categories must be made directly by the candidate.


Sacramento

Senior Associate Attorney – Energy & Utilities (Sacramento or San Francisco)

Date Posted: January 16, 2026

Downey Brand, one of California’s leading law firms in water, environmental, energy, and natural resources law, is seeking a talented senior associate attorney with 5 to 8 years of experience to join our Natural Resources Department. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven attorney who thrives in complex, high-stakes matters and wants to work on cutting-edge legal issues in both the public and private sectors.

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About the Role
As a key member of our team, you will play an integral role in representing a diverse range of clients statewide on energy regulatory proceedings, energy-related contracts, energy project permitting and development, and other environmental matters. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Representing clients in a wide array of regulatory proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission, on energy, communications, water, and transportation issues such as regulated utility ratemaking, regulatory compliance, energy market design policy and mechanics, procurement obligations for reliability and renewable resources, purchase and sale of utility assets, wildfire safety and mitigation, and other cutting-edge topics.
  • Representing clients in matters before the California Energy Commission, the California Independent System Operator, the Office of Energy Infrastructure and Safety, and the California Air Resources Board.
  • Negotiating a broad spectrum of energy-related contracts, including power purchase agreements and interconnection agreements.
  • Advising developers of generation, storage, and transmission projects.
  • Identifying and anticipating developments involving complex utilities regulations and changed regulatory requirements.

What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will bring strong interpersonal and communication skills, a keen analytical mindset, and a meticulous eye for detail. We are seeking someone who is a self-starter, eager to take on client-facing responsibilities, and ready to contribute to challenging and impactful work. A track record of success in energy and utilities law, along with a distinguished academic record, exceptional research, and writing skills, are essential. Experience in proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission is a valuable attribute. Must be a current, active member of the California State Bar.

Compensation & Benefits
We recognize the importance of investing in our team members’ professional development. You’ll receive robust mentorship, hands-on training, and opportunities for growth within a collaborative and dynamic environment. Our associate base compensation is lockstep, determined by your class year, substantive experience, and geographic location, with bonus consideration based on performance and productivity:

  • Sacramento: $195,000 – $225,000
  • San Francisco: $233,000 – $256,000

We are open to candidates outside the Sacramento and San Francisco areas and offer a relocation bonus to help with the transition. The firm also provides a comprehensive benefits package. At Downey Brand, we understand the importance of a balanced professional and personal life. We offer a hybrid work environment with flexibility to work remotely part of the time, ensuring you can excel in your role while maintaining personal well-being.

Why Downey Brand?
Joining Downey Brand means becoming part of a dynamic and highly respected firm with one of the largest Natural Resources practices in the state. Our attorneys counsel clients on critical compliance strategies and regularly handle some of the most complex disputes in the west. You will have the opportunity to work with top professionals in the field, gain exposure to a wide variety of legal matters, and contribute to shaping the future of environmental law – in an environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to do their best work.

Application Process
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to an outstanding practice, we invite you to submit your cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a recent writing sample to Maureen Cooper, Recruiting Director.

Downey Brand LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All inquiries will be kept confidential. Please, no telephone calls.

Submit Resume

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Partner or Of Counsel – Energy & Utilities (Sacramento or San Francisco)

Date Posted: January 16, 2026

Downey Brand, one of California’s leading law firms in water, environmental, energy, and natural resources law, is seeking a high-caliber partner or of counsel to join our energy and public utility group within the Natural Resources Department. This is an exciting opportunity for attorneys looking to grow their practices and work on cutting-edge legal issues in both the public and private sectors.

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About the Role
As a key member of our team, in addition to your portable book of business, you will have additional opportunities to represent a diverse range of clients statewide on energy regulatory proceedings, energy-related contracts, energy project permitting and development, and other environmental matters. Typical issues handled by the group include:

  • Representing clients in a wide array of regulatory proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission, on energy, communications, water, and transportation issues such as regulated utility ratemaking, regulatory compliance, energy market design policy and mechanics, procurement obligations for reliability and renewable resources, purchase and sale of utility assets, wildfire safety and mitigation, and other topics.
  • Representing clients in matters before the California Energy Commission, the California Independent System Operator, the Office of Energy Infrastructure and Safety, and the California Air Resources Board.
  • Negotiating a broad spectrum of energy-related contracts, including power purchase agreements and interconnection agreements.
  • Advising developers of generation, storage, and transmission projects.
  • Identifying and anticipating developments involving complex utilities regulations and changed regulatory requirements.

What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is an experienced, entrepreneurial attorney with a portable book of business that complements our energy and utilities practice. We are seeking someone who is a self-starter, eager to take on client-facing responsibilities, and ready to contribute to challenging and impactful work. A track record of success in energy and utilities law, along with a distinguished academic record, exceptional research, and writing skills, are essential. Experience in proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission is a valuable attribute. Must be a current, active member of the California State Bar.

Compensation & Benefits
Within the Natural Resources Department, you can expect opportunities for growth within a collaborative and dynamic environment. Base compensation for this position is typically in the range of $300,000 – $800,000 annually, depending on the candidate’s book of business and experience. Additional performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities may also be available.

We are open to candidates outside the Sacramento and San Francisco areas and offer a relocation bonus to help with the transition. The firm also provides a comprehensive benefits package. At Downey Brand, we understand the importance of a balanced professional and personal life. We offer a hybrid work environment with flexibility to work remotely part of the time, ensuring you can excel in your role while maintaining personal well-being.

Why Downey Brand?
Joining Downey Brand means becoming part of a dynamic and highly respected firm with one of the largest Natural Resources practices in the state. Our attorneys counsel clients on critical compliance strategies and regularly handle some of the most complex disputes in the west. You will have the opportunity to work with top professionals in the field, gain exposure to a wide variety of legal matters, and contribute to shaping the future of environmental law – in an environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to do their best work.

Confidential Inquiry Process
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to an outstanding practice, we invite you to contact Janlynn Fleener, Managing Partner, or Scott Shapiro, Natural Resources Department Chair, at (916) 444-1000. You may also send a message to them jointly here.

Downey Brand LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All inquiries will be kept confidential.

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Mid-to Senior Level Associate Attorney – Commercial Litigation and Bankruptcy

Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Downey Brand LLP is seeking a highly skilled and motivated mid-to-senior-level associate attorney to join our dynamic Bankruptcy and Litigation group in Sacramento. Our bankruptcy attorneys represent a diverse range of stakeholders in high-stakes insolvency matters across multiple industries, including real estate, agriculture, retail, energy, manufacturing, and more. This is a unique opportunity to work on complex Chapter 11 cases and commercial litigation while developing your career in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

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Why This Role is a Unique Opportunity:

High-Impact, Diverse Work:
As a member of our Bankruptcy and Litigation group, you’ll engage with cutting-edge legal issues and play a key role in high-profile cases. You will represent debtors, creditors, committees, fiduciaries, asset purchasers, and other stakeholders in complex insolvency matters. Your work will span multiple industries, giving you a broad, deep understanding of the bankruptcy landscape and its far-reaching implications.

Career Growth and Development:
We are committed to helping our attorneys reach their full potential. You will be exposed to challenging and intellectually stimulating cases, as well as opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. This position offers you the chance to develop your advocacy skills, from drafting motions and handling discovery to representing clients in contested matters and adversary proceedings. Your growth will be supported by experienced partners who are dedicated to your success. Our associate base compensation is lockstep, determined by your class year, substantive experience, and geographic location. The salary for this role ranges from $175,000 – $205,000, with bonus consideration based on performance and productivity.

Collaborative, Supportive Culture:
At Downey Brand, we foster a collegial environment where collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual respect are paramount. You’ll be joining a team of experienced professionals who are committed to your development and provide hands-on mentoring. We offer a hybrid work environment with flexibility to work remotely part of the time, ensuring you can excel in your role while maintaining personal well-being.

Key Responsibilities:
• Handle all aspects of Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, including motions, contested matters, and adversary proceedings
• Represent clients in complex commercial litigation and insolvency-related disputes
• Manage discovery and law and motion practice in both bankruptcy and commercial cases
• Develop and maintain client relationships, offering strategic legal counsel
• Participate in business development activities and firm-wide initiatives

What We’re Looking For:
• 3-6 years of experience in bankruptcy and commercial litigation, with a strong background in discovery and law and motion practice
• A distinguished academic record and exceptional research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Strong public speaking and advocacy skills
• Bankruptcy clerkship experience is a plus
• Active member of the California State Bar
• Desire to work in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment

Compensation and Benefits:
• Competitive base salary and bonus potential
• Access to top-tier training, mentoring, and development opportunities
• Clerkship bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid work environment with flexible remote options
• Relocation bonus for out-of-town candidates to help defray the cost of relocation and accommodate their regular presence in the office
• An environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to do their best work

How to Apply:
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and work in an environment that supports your professional growth while offering interesting and challenging work, we want to hear from you. Please submit your cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a recent writing sample that demonstrates your analytical skills through the firm’s web application.

Downey Brand LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No telephone calls or email applications, please.

Submit Resume

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Mid-to Senior Level Associate Attorney – Complex Business Litigation

Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Downey Brand LLP has opportunities available for a talented and driven mid-to-senior-level associate attorney to join our thriving Sacramento Litigation Group. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on a broad spectrum of complex business litigation matters across industries such as intellectual property, real estate, and construction litigation. Join our team and engage in high-stakes, impactful cases that challenge you to grow as a legal professional and advocate.

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Why This Role is a Great Opportunity

Variety of Sophisticated Litigation Work:
As a member of our respected litigation team, you will have the opportunity to handle a diverse range of cases. From intellectual property disputes to construction and real estate matters, you’ll be deeply involved in complex business litigation that spans industries and legal areas. This is an ideal position for an attorney eager to broaden their expertise and tackle multifaceted legal challenges.

Career Growth & Development:
At Downey Brand, we believe in empowering our associates to develop their skills and progress in their careers. You will receive robust training, direct mentorship from experienced litigators, and the chance to take on increasing levels of responsibility. This role will allow you to hone your litigation skills, including drafting motions, arguing law and motion matters, taking and defending depositions, and preparing for trials. Our collaborative environment will support your career trajectory and help you reach your full potential. Our associate base compensation is lockstep, determined by your class year, substantive experience, and geographic location. The salary for this role ranges from $175,000 – $205,000, with bonus consideration based on performance and productivity.

Work-Life Flexibility:
We offer a hybrid work environment with flexibility to work remotely part of the time, ensuring you can excel in your role while maintaining personal well-being. The firm provides a relocation bonus for candidates who are not from the area in which the position is based to help defray the cost of relocation and accommodate their regular presence in the office.

Key Responsibilities:
• Draft, file, and argue motions in state and federal courts
• Take and defend depositions in complex business litigation matters
• Manage all aspects of discovery and law and motion practice
• Represent clients in negotiations, mediations, and other alternative dispute resolution processes
• Contribute to business development initiatives and foster client relationships
• Work closely with senior attorneys to develop case strategies and manage complex litigation

What We’re Looking For:
• 3-6 years of experience in complex business litigation, including intellectual property, real estate, and construction litigation
• Substantial experience with law and motion practice, drafting motions, and handling discovery
• Strong public speaking and advocacy skills
• A distinguished academic record and excellent research, writing, and communication abilities
• Federal clerkship experience is a plus
• Active member of the California State Bar
• A proactive, team-oriented approach to case management and client relations

Compensation & Benefits:
• Competitive base salary and bonus potential
• Access to top-tier training, mentoring, and development opportunities
• Clerkship bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid work environment with flexible remote options
• Relocation bonus for out-of-town candidates
• An environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to do their best work

How to Apply:
If you are ready to advance your career in a firm that offers exciting litigation challenges and strong professional development support, we want to hear from you. Please submit your cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a brief, recent writing sample that demonstrates your analytical skills through the firm’s web application.

Downey Brand LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No telephone calls or email applications, please.

Submit Resume

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