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A legacy built on helping clients
achieve what matters most.

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A Century of Service. A Legacy of Trust.
A Future of Possibility.

 

For a century, Downey Brand has been part of the fabric of Northern California, helping clients navigate change, seize opportunities, and overcome challenges, all while contributing to the strength and vitality of the communities we call home. What began with three remarkable and driven lawyers has grown into a firm known for deep expertise, trusted relationships, and unwavering commitment to service.

Our 100-year milestone is an opportunity to reflect not only on our history, but on the people, partnerships, and shared successes that have defined the journey. For generations, clients have entrusted us with matters that shape their lives, businesses, industries, and communities. From the early days of Sacramento’s growth to the complex legal landscape of today, we have been guided by a simple belief: that exceptional service, delivered with integrity and purpose, creates lasting value.

This anniversary is also a celebration of the communities that have supported us and the many individuals who have helped build our firm over the past century. Their trust, partnership, and dedication are the foundation of our legacy.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on our core values—investing in the next generation of lawyers and leaders, strengthening the relationships that define our work, and continuing our tradition of service to clients and communities throughout Northern California. While much has changed over the past 100 years, our commitment to excellence, integrity, and meaningful service remains constant. We know that this enduring commitment will carry Downey Brand forward for the next century and beyond.

 


 

100 Years, 100 Acts: Celebrating a Century

A milestone like this is best measured not only in years, but also in the impact made along the way.

Throughout our centennial year, we are proud to celebrate 100 Years, 100 Acts—a year-long initiative dedicated to honoring the people, partnerships, and communities that have shaped Downey Brand’s first century. Through 100 meaningful acts, we are recognizing the values that have defined our firm for generations: service, leadership, collaboration, gratitude, and a commitment to making a positive difference.

These acts take many forms—from supporting nonprofit organizations and community initiatives to recognizing clients, colleagues, and community leaders whose work strengthens Northern California. Some are large and visible; others are simple expressions of gratitude for the people and partnerships that make our work possible. Together, they reflect our belief that success is measured not only by professional achievement, but also by the contributions we make to the people and places around us.

As we celebrate 100 years, we are mindful that our legacy has been built through service—to our clients, our profession, and our communities. The 100 Years, 100 Acts initiative is both a reflection on that legacy and a commitment to carrying it forward, one meaningful act at a time.

January 2026
Sacramento Loaves & Fishes has been a steady source of refuge for neighbors experiencing homelessness for more than 40 years. To kick off 100 Years, 100 Acts, attorneys and staff collected 100 blankets—a fitting number for our centennial year—to help provide a little warmth and comfort to those who need it most. A small gesture in keeping with the spirit of the year ahead.
January 2026

Kicking off 100 Years, 100 Acts with a Blanket Drive for Loaves & Fishes

January 23, 2026
What a night to celebrate. The Sacramento Metro Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Business Awards is always a highlight of the year—and this year, the honorees hit especially close to home. Former partner Stan Van Vleck was named Businessman of the Year, and his wife, Nicole Monta Van Vleck, was honored as Businesswoman of the Year. Stan and Nicole have given so much to this region, and there was no better stage to recognize it. Congratulations to both—and to all of this year’s remarkable honorees who continue to invest their time, talent, and vision in helping the Sacramento region prosper.
January 23, 2026

Celebrating the Leaders Who Shape Our Region

February 7, 2026
The American River Rotary Club’s 42nd Annual Crab Feed is the kind of Sacramento tradition that reminds you why community matters. Overflowing crab buckets, familiar faces, lively conversation—and all of it in support of youth educational and enrichment programs benefiting Soil Born Farms, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, and Starr King Elementary School. The firm and many of its attorneys are long-time members and supporters of Rotary and were happy to attend and support another great year.
February 7, 2026

Cracking Crab for Local Youth

February 23, 2026
Managing Partner Jan Fleener participated in the Sacramento Business Journal's Mentoring Monday at Aggie Square, joining women leaders from across the region for a morning of speed mentoring and connection. One of 25 mentors, Jan spent the morning connecting with participants, sharing her experiences, and offering practical insights to help women at every stage of their careers. It was an energizing morning spent supporting and advancing women in business and leadership and strengthening Sacramento’s network of emerging leaders.
February 23, 2026

Mentoring Monday with the Sacramento Business Journal

March 2026
Downey Brand was thrilled to sponsor the first-ever Reading With Your Reporter, a community program from CBS News and Good Day Sacramento that brought the joy of reading into local classrooms throughout March. Our attorneys joined Story Hour events in Sacramento and Stockton, reading with students and sharing how reading has shaped their personal and professional journeys. To help encourage continued learning beyond the classroom, Downey Brand also provided books for students to take home and enjoy.
March 2026

Reading With Your Reporter

May 2026
The Sacramento SPCA cares for thousands of animals each year, and shelter animals benefit from enrichment just as much as the basics. In celebration of National Pet Month, attorneys and staff donated new pet toys and treats throughout May to support local shelter animals. A simple, cheerful way to give back to an organization doing important work for animals in our community.
May 2026

Toys & Treats for the Sacramento SPCA

May 14, 2026
Downey Brand was pleased to sponsor and attend the Sacramento County Bar Association’s annual Bench Bar Reception, a signature gathering that brings together the bench and bar for an evening of connection and celebration within the legal community. This year’s program honored Elena J. Duarte as the 2026 Judge of the Year, recognizing her service and contributions to the administration of justice. The reception provided a meaningful opportunity to connect with members of Sacramento’s legal community and recognize the important work being done throughout the profession.
May 14, 2026

Where the Bench and Bar Come Together

June 2026
Adventure Christian Church’s Compassion 365 program hosts the annual Ready for Robla event to help local children and families prepare for the school year. Throughout June, Downey Brand attorneys and staff collected clothing, shoes, socks, and underwear for Robla School District students in grades TK–6, helping them begin the year feeling confident and ready to learn. Our team also enjoyed spending time volunteering and sorting clothing in preparation for the big distribution event on August 1st.
June 2026

Ready for Robla: Helping Local Children Start the School Year Ready to Learn

July 3, 2026
Front Street Animal Shelter’s Doggie Day Out program gives shelter dogs a chance to enjoy time away from the shelter while receiving exercise and enrichment. Inspired after the firm’s toy and treat drive for SSPCA, Sarah Galloway decided to give a local shelter dog a special day of her own. Sarah was paired with Becky, a one-year-old pit bull mix, for an adventure around Sacramento. The pair enjoyed a pup cup, playtime, park cuddles, and lunch together. It was a meaningful way to give a deserving pup some extra love and fun. The first of many Doggie Days to come!
July 3, 2026

A Doggie Day Out with Becky

August 1, 2026
Downey Brand volunteers helped more than 150 Robla School District families “shop” for clothing at this year’s Ready for Robla distribution event. Children also received new shoes, backpacks, school supplies, food, and other essentials generously provided by participating community organizations. It was a wonderful day supporting local students and their families as they prepared for the new school year!
August 1, 2026

Ready for Robla: Shopping for a Successful School Year