1926

Stephen W. Downey, Clyde H. Brand and Harry B. Seymour joined forces in Sacramento to form the law partnership of Downey, Brand & Seymour.

In 1926, there were four Superior Court judges and roughly 100 lawyers in Sacramento.

1930s

During the Depression, in a case argued by Stephen Downey in the United States Supreme Court, the irrigation districts in California’s Central Valley were freed from imminent foreclosure by their bondholders. As a result, much of the valley agriculture was saved from bankruptcy.

In the 1930’s, the firm’s long history of community service began when new lawyers were required to collect for the Community Chest.

1931

Otto Rohwer joined the firm upon graduation from law school.

1935

When SMUD undertook to enter the electric business in Sacramento and take over PG&E’s electrical distribution system, the firm successfully represented SMUD and tried the condemnation case that took many years to resolve.

1946

Twenty years after the firm was founded, the number of lawyers at what was now called Downey, Brand, Seymour & Rohwer had increased only to five. Nevertheless, those five lawyers made it the second largest firm in Sacramento.

There were still only four Superior Court judges and roughly 250 lawyers in Sacramento. Following World War II, the growth of Sacramento began in earnest, and the business of law followed.

1947

When Otis Babcock, then district attorney for Sacramento County, sued McClatchy Newspapers for libel, the firm represented McClatchy and won the case on appeal in a much publicized and frequently cited opinion.

1951

In an early water rights battle, water rights authority Stephen Downey argued for the Sacramento Valley Council of the Chamber of Commerce that only surplus water from Lake Shasta be exported to the San Joaquin Valley.

1973

After 47 years in the Crocker Bank Building, the firm moved to its present location at 555 Capitol Mall.

1977

Harry Seymour died. The last of the three original partners, his tenure of more than 50 years is still the longest that any partner has achieved.

1990

The Sacramento County Bar passed a resolution that dedicates its 1990 Law Week activities to Jack Downey, son of firm founder Stephen Downey. In 1956, Jack founded the Legal Aid Society of Sacramento County, a group that evolved into what is known today as Legal Services of Northern California.

1993

In 1993, the law firm received the Community Service Planning Council’s “Reach Out” Award for its service to the community.

Also in 1993, the law firm received the Outstanding Corporation Award by the Sacramento Chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives in recognition of the firm’s donations of time and resources to Sacramento-area nonprofit organizations and events.

2000

The law firm expanded its reach into the San Joaquin Valley with the addition of six attorneys from what had previously been San Joaquin Valley’s largest law firm. The attorneys formed the firm’s Stockton law office.

At the end of the year, the law firm opened an office in Roseville to serve clients in the fast-growing south Placer County region.

2001

The firm received the Sacramento Celebrates award from the Sacramento Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The award promoted Sacramento business and individuals who demonstrated excellence in community commitment.

2002

Otto Rohwer died in his Sacramento home at the age of 97. He practiced law for 45 years and had helped to organize the Sacramento County Bar Association, serving as its second president.

2003

The law firm continued to bolster its regional presence with the addition of partners from Reno’s Armstrong Miller law firm. The partners, along with other Downey Brand attorneys practicing in Nevada, formed the core of the firm’s Reno office.

Over a three year period, the firm added nearly 40 attorneys, bringing its total number of attorneys to over 100. For the fifth year in a row, the law firm is the largest in Sacramento.

In response to client feedback, the law firm shortened its name to Downey Brand, the name clients frequently use to refer to the firm.

2005

Renowned water lawyer George Basye celebrated his 50th anniversary of law practice with Downey Brand. He began working at the law firm in 1955 and is regarded as a respected expert on water law and flood control issues.

The firm announced that it signed a lease with developer David Taylor and will be an anchor tenant at the new office tower being developed at 621 Capitol Mall. The firm is expected to move from its current location at 555 Capitol Mall in 2008.

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