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A legacy built on helping clients
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For a century, Downey Brand has been part of the fabric of Northern California, shaped by the people, industries, and communities we serve. What began with three notable and ambitious lawyers has grown into a firm known for its deep expertise, collaborative approach, and relentless pursuit of the results that matter most.

Our 100-year milestone is an opportunity to reflect not only on where we’ve been but also on the relationships, challenges, and defining moments that have shaped us along the way. From the early days of Sacramento’s growth to the complex legal landscape of today, we’ve remained grounded in a simple idea: that great work, done well and with purpose, stands the test of time.

Just as importantly, this milestone is about what comes next. As we look ahead, we remain focused on investing in the next generation of our firm—developing future leaders, strengthening the relationships that define our work, and continuing to serve our clients and communities with the same integrity and purpose that have guided us for the past century. It’s this continuity of people, values, and commitment that will carry Downey Brand forward for the next 100 years.

 

 

100 Years, 100 Acts: Celebrating a Century

A milestone like this is best measured not only in years, but in impact.

Throughout our centennial year, we’re excited to celebrate 100 Years, 100 Acts—a year-long effort dedicated to giving back, showing gratitude, and recognizing the leadership and collaboration that make Downey Brand who we are. Through 100 Years, 100 Acts, we’re highlighting 100 meaningful moments – big and small – that reflect our dedication to service, leadership, teamwork, and the results that matter most.

These acts take many forms—from strengthening our communities and supporting causes important to our clients and colleagues to celebrating shared successes and expressing gratitude for the people and partnerships that make our work possible.

Together, they tell a broader story about who we are and what we value, not just over the past 100 years but also in the work still ahead.

January 2026
Throughout January, we collected new and very gently used blankets for Sacramento Loaves & Fishes. Thanks to the generosity of our attorneys and staff, we donated 100 blankets—a fitting number as we celebrate our milestone year. It was a simple act to bring a little warmth and comfort to the neighbors in our community who are experiencing homelessness.
January 2026

Kicking off 100 Years, 100 Acts with a Blanket Drive Supporting Loaves and Fishes

January 15, 2026
Congratulations to Sacramento Metro Chamber's Leadership Sacramento (LS) Class of 2025 on the ribbon-cutting for their community service project at Alchemist CDC’s Oak Park Sol Community Garden. This impressive group of local leaders, including our own Kelly Breen, raised $193K and contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to create a welcoming space that supports food growth and community connection. We were happy to sponsor and celebrate this year's class project and see it come to life. A special shoutout to LS alumnus Brad Carroll (pictured with the DB commemorative brick) for helping mark the occasion.
January 15, 2026

Sacramento Leadership Ribbon Cutting at Alchemist CDC’s Oak Park Sol Community Garden

January 22, 2026
In January, several of our team members gathered to write handwritten cards and letters to seniors in care homes and community programs, helping ease loneliness and reminding seniors they are remembered and appreciated. We sent more than 30 letters through Letters Against Isolation, a volunteer-run nonprofit founded by two teenage sisters in 2020 that now reaches tens of thousands of seniors worldwide. We were happy for the chance to spread a little kindness and look forward to continuing our letter-writing efforts throughout the year.
January 22, 2026

A Small Note Can Make a Big Difference!

January 23, 2026
There’s nothing better than celebrating the people who help our region grow and thrive. We were proud to sponsor and attend the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Business Awards and celebrate this year’s remarkable honorees—especially former Downey Brand partner Stan Van Vleck, named Businessman of the Year, and his wife, Nicole Monta Van Vleck, honored as Businesswoman of the Year. As part of our 100 Years, 100 Acts initiative, we’re recognizing the leaders, volunteers, and community champions who continue to invest their time, talent, and vision in helping the Sacramento region prosper.
January 23, 2026

Celebrating the People Who Help Shape and Lead Our Region

February 2026
In February, we supported children and families served by Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance, collecting more than $1,000 in gift cards to help ease some of the day-to-day burdens that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis. Whether used for groceries, gas, meals, or small comforts along the way, these cards represent a community rallying around families during some of their hardest moments. Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance continues to make a meaningful impact by providing emotional, educational, and financial support to children with cancer and their families, while also advancing awareness and research toward a cure.
February 2026

Supporting Families Through Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance

February 7, 2026
With crab season in full swing, our team was excited to join the American River Rotary Club’s 42nd Annual Crab Feed on Saturday evening. Between the overflowing crab buckets, lively conversations, and familiar faces from across the region, the event was a great reminder of how community traditions like this continue to bring people together for a good cause. Proceeds from the evening supported youth educational and enrichment programs benefiting Soil Born Farms, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, and Starr King Elementary School—all organizations helping create opportunities for students to learn and explore new experiences.
February 7, 2026

Cracking Crab – A Community Tradition Supporting Local Youth

February 7, 2026
Serving on the Board of Directors for the Sacramento Tree Foundation, Downey Brand partner Meredith Nikken joined fellow volunteers at one of many annual tree-planting events to help grow a greener Sacramento. Through community plantings and neighborhood greening efforts, the Foundation works to expand Sacramento’s urban canopy and create healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods across the region. A great example of how small acts can make a lasting impact—one tree at a time.
February 7, 2026

Giving Back – One Tree at a Time

February 14, 2026
Our annual sponsorship of Legal Services of Northern California’s Race for Justice is always a highlight for the firm. This year, several of our attorneys and staff traded briefcases for running shoes and spent Valentine’s Day weekend out in support of LSNC’s mission to expand access to justice for low-income and vulnerable communities throughout the region. Downey Brand’s connection to LSNC runs deep, dating back to the organization’s earliest beginnings and continues through decades of support and participation in the Race for Justice.
February 14, 2026

Race for Justice: LSNC Annual Valentine Run

February 15, 2006
As part of our 100 Years, 100 Acts campaign, Downey Brand welcomed Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors and mentees to our suite at Golden 1 Center for a night of Disney on Ice. Hosted by Downey Brand partner and BBBS board member Chris Kolkey, the event brought mentors and mentees together for a fun night of bonding and the chance to experience a little Disney magic. We’re grateful to be able to provide opportunities like this for connection and shared experiences, which are at the heart of the BBBS mentoring program.
February 15, 2006

A “Suite” Night at Disney on Ice with BBBS Mentors and Mentees

February 19, 2026
Members of our team volunteered with Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, helping sort and prepare fresh produce for distribution to families across our region. Our visit kicked off one of several volunteer days we have planned at the food bank in 2026 as part of our 100 Years, 100 Acts. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, a milestone reflecting five decades of service and impact. We are grateful to play a small part in supporting an organization that has been a pillar of civic service in the Sacramento community for 50 years.
February 19, 2026

Volunteering of "Sorts" at the Sacramento Food Bank

February 23, 2026
Jan Fleener was pleased to participate 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. As 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

February 28, 2026
Saturday night was truly special! Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance annual gala brought together an incredible community in support of kids and families facing pediatric cancer. By the end of the evening, a record-breaking $330,000 was raised—the most in the event’s history. Downey Brand was grateful to sponsor and attend with several supporters, including our colleague Alexis Ortega, who serves on Keaton’s Board of Directors.
February 28, 2026

A Special Night with Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance

March 2026
Throughout March, in celebration of National Reading Month, Downey Brand collected more than 150 new and gently used children’s books in support of literacy in our community. The books were donated to Love Talk Read, which provides books for at-risk children and families to keep at home and help build early literacy skills. From picture books to early readers, it was a simple way for our team to help put more books in the hands of local children, supporting early literacy development while also encouraging a lifelong love of reading.
March 2026

Celebrating National Reading Month with Our Annual Book Drive

March 7, 2026
As part of our 100 Years, 100 Acts, Downey Brand attorneys and staff joined the Donut Dash in Land Park, trading miles for a well-earned stop at Marie’s Donuts along the course. The 4-mile run/walk brought together more than 2,200 participants who fueled up on 165 dozen donuts and 700 dozen donut holes, raising $120,000 in support of the Child Life Programs at Sutter Children’s Center and UC Davis Children’s Hospital. It was a fun, community-filled morning for a great cause—and a fittingly sweet way to keep our centennial celebration moving.
March 7, 2026

Donut Dash: Running and Donuts For a Good Cause

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

March 19, 2026
Downey Brand’s corporate group is a proud sponsor of Junior Achievement of Sacramento’s Stock Market Challenge, a high-energy, interactive event where professionals across the region come together for an evening of friendly competition in support of youth financial education. The simulation gives students a hands-on introduction to investing and decision-making in a fast-paced market environment, helping bring financial literacy and career readiness concepts to life. Check out the video of this year’s event.
March 19, 2026

Game On: Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge

March 21, 2026
Our team donned hard hats and got to work alongside volunteers from across the region for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento’s annual Women Build event in Citrus Heights. This marked our firm's fifth year participating in Women Build. We spent the day landscaping and preparing homes for local families, contributing to the creation of safe and affordable housing in the community. Held each March, Women Build brings together hundreds of women from diverse industries and backgrounds to roll up their sleeves, learn new skills, and make a lasting impact in the Greater Sacramento region.
March 21, 2026

Together We Build!

March 28, 2026
Downey Brand joined community leaders, partners, and supporters Saturday evening at United Way California Capital Region’s United In Purpose Gala, a celebration of the partnerships and programs helping strengthen local families and students across the Capital Region. The event raised nearly $500,000 in support of United Way’s mission and brought together people from across the region for an evening filled with meaningful stories and community impact. Downey Brand is proud to support the organization through the leadership of Tyson Hubbard, who serves on United Way’s Board of Directors.
March 28, 2026

United in Purpose Gala

April 18, 2026
Downey Brand attorneys and staff were excited to take part in this year’s Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash, joining their four-legged companions for a fun morning in support of a great cause. The annual event, a favorite in Sacramento, raised more than $206,000 for the Sacramento SPCA, helping provide life-saving care to animals in need. From wagging tails to team spirit, it was a great way to support an organization making a real difference for animals in our community.
April 18, 2026

Tails on the Trail at Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash

April 19, 2026
Scott Shapiro and Andrew Skanchy traveled to Washington, D.C., as part of the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s annual Cap-to-Cap program, joining more than 400 business and community leaders from across the Sacramento region. The week began with the firm’s annual Cap-to-Cap brunch, this year at China Chilcano, where Scott and Andrew welcomed clients, colleagues, and friends of the firm for an opportunity to reconnect, meet new faces, and kick off a busy week of conversations and continued advocacy on the issues that matter most to our region.
April 19, 2026

Good Times at Downey Brand’s Annual Cap-to-Cap Brunch in D.C.

April 30, 2026
Another fun evening volunteering at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. From bulk macaroni to individually weighed, bagged, sealed, and labeled portions, we packed 23 boxes, each with 24 one-pound bags for a total of 552 pounds of macaroni. It was another meaningful opportunity to support the organization’s 50 years of service to families throughout the Sacramento community.
April 30, 2026

Take Two at the Sacramento Food Bank

April 30, 2026
To close out National Earth Month, the Sacramento Tree Foundation hosted its annual Tree Hero celebration, recognizing volunteers, organizations, and community partners dedicated to growing and protecting Sacramento’s urban canopy. A longstanding supporter, Downey Brand was proud to attend and celebrate this year’s honorees alongside others committed to supporting greener, healthier communities. The Tree Foundation works year-round to grow and steward the region’s urban forest through tree planting, education, and advocacy for green spaces.
April 30, 2026

Celebrating Our Tree Heroes

May 4, 2026
Downey Brand fielded two foursomes at PBS KVIE’s 15th Annual Golf Classic, joining a gathering of over 120 business and community leaders in support of public media and the cherished programming it delivers to viewers. As an Eagle Sponsor, the firm helped make possible an event that raised more than $70,000 to further PBS KVIE’s mission of educating, enriching, and inspiring diverse audiences throughout the region. Partner Brad Carroll serves on the PBS KVIE Board of Directors, continuing a longstanding tradition of Downey Brand leadership and service to the station.
May 4, 2026

Driving Support of Public Media

May 7, 2026
Downey Brand was proud to support the Center for Land-Based Learning during this year’s Big Day of Giving. Partner Becky Smith, who serves on the organization’s Board of Directors, helped champion the effort as the nonprofit celebrates its 25th anniversary. As CLBL’s “Lunch Rush” sponsor, the firm provided $2,500 in matching funds to help support agricultural education, beginning farmers, and greater access to fresh, local food. Together, the community raised more than $60,000 in support of CLBL’s mission.
May 7, 2026

Big Day of Giving: Supporting Agriculture and Education

May 7, 2026
During this year’s Big Day of Giving, Downey Brand joined community supporters in backing Meals on Wheels Yolo County and its “Yolo Seniors Can EAT (Eat, Age, Thrive)” initiative. In support of partner Austin Cho, who serves on the organization’s Board of Directors, the firm matched up to $1,000 in donations to help provide local seniors with nutritious meals, wellness checks, and meaningful social connection – services that allow older adults to age safely and with dignity in the homes they love.
May 7, 2026

Big Day of Giving: Supporting Seniors and Wellness

May 9, 2026
Our Downey Brand crew joined neighbors and community partners in Oak Park for Habitat for Humanity’s annual Rock the Block event, helping revitalize the neighborhood through cleanup, landscaping, and beautification projects. On day two of the event, our team painted the exterior of a home and transformed its front yard with a new patio, fresh landscaping, and sprinklers. From 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, it was a day well spent! Always happy to support Habitat for Humanity and the incredible work they do to strengthen neighborhoods and bring communities together.
May 9, 2026

Rocking the Block at Habitat for Humanity

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

May 15, 2026
Downey Brand was honored to attend and sponsor the 2026 Sacramento Go Red for Women Bruncheon hosted by the American Heart Association. The event brought together community leaders, advocates, and supporters committed to advancing women’s heart health and raising critical funds for research, education, and access to care. Together, an incredible $557,750 was raised in support of the Go Red for Women movement. We are especially proud to recognize Downey Brand’s Kristin Capritto for her service on the 2026 Sacramento Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team and her support of this important initiative.
May 15, 2026

Supporting Women's Heart Health at Go Red for Women

May 18, 2026
Continuing our 100 Years, 100 Acts initiative, Downey Brand was proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters’ inaugural Golf for Kids’ Sake tournament at Del Paso Country Club. Downey Brand partner and BBBS board member Chris Kolkey also served on the event planning committee that helped raise more than $100,000 in support of BBBS’s mission to connect young people with caring mentors across the Sacramento region. From the first tee to the final putt, it was a terrific day on the green with friends and colleagues committed to investing in the next generation of our youth.
May 18, 2026

Inaugural Golf For Kids’ Sake Tournament was a Hole in One!