Real Estate
Investors, developers and property owners rely on Downey Brand’s capabilities to guide them through every phase of a real estate project. Our attorneys have the depth of experience and industry knowledge to assist clients in analyzing real estate opportunities that will advance their interests.
From environmental and title due diligence, to land purchase and financing, and through the approval process with local and state agencies our attorneys are there to keep the project on track and close the deal. Our industry team brings together real estate, finance, environmental and governmental attorneys, providing clients a comprehensive and efficient response to the challenges and opportunities of any real estate project.
Our diverse client base is representative of our firm and includes manufacturers, agricultural growers and processors, investors, tenants, and owners whose properties include office buildings, retail centers, mixed-used developments and industrial office parks through the region. With years of experience and an understanding of the many variables of a real estate project, our team knows how to close the deal to meet our client’s goals.
Selected Experience
- Represented several lenders in connection with all real estate aspects of financings secured by solar and wind generation projects in California.
- Represented national investment management and consulting firm in connection with an approximately 123,000 square foot office building lease to the State of California.
- Represented a retail developer in connection with the acquisition, development, financing and leasing of several anchored shopping centers in Northern California.
Trade Groups
- Association of Commercial Real Estate (ACRE)
- Bay Planning Coalition (BPC)
- California Business Properties Association (CBPA)
- California Real Estate for Women (CREW)
- California Retailers Association (CRA)
- International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
- Lambda Alpha Land Economics Society (LAI)
- NAIOP, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
- North State Building Industry Association (BIA)
- Real Estate and Construction Networking, Sacramento (RECON)
- Sacramento Association of Realtors (SAR)
- Urban Land Institute (ULI)
- Represented several lenders in connection with all real estate aspects of financings secured by solar and wind generation projects in California.
- Represented national investment management and consulting firm in connection with an approximately 123,000 square foot office building lease to the State of California.
- Represented a health care organization in connection with the financing, entitlement development and leasing of several medical office building and hospital projects in Northern California.
- Represented a retail developer in connection with the acquisition, development, financing and leasing of several anchored shopping centers in Northern California.
Kelly M. Breen
Kelly M. Breen
Counsel

Kelly Breen has a proven track record of helping clients navigate complex business issues with a common sense approach that achieves optimal results. She applies the right balance of aggressive advocacy, robust understanding of the law, and creative problem-solving to every case she handles.
Sacramento 916.520.5485 direct
Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5485 direct
Kristin N. Capritto
Kristin N. Capritto
Counsel

Kristin Capritto assists clients with all aspects of estate planning, trust administration, probate, business entities, and real estate transactions. Her alternative dispute resolution and negotiation expertise offers clients alternatives to litigation and adversarial proceedings.
Sacramento 916.520.5275 direct
Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5275 direct
San Francisco 415.848.4818 direct
Matthew W. Ellis
Partner
San Francisco 415.848.4846 direct
Thomas E. Marrs
Thomas E. Marrs
Partner

Tom Marrs draws from extensive litigation experience to efficiently resolve complex family law matters for clients throughout California. Known for his practical approach, Tom skillfully advances his clients' interests, resulting in successful and timely resolutions.
Sacramento 916.520.5210 direct
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5210 direct
James Robertson
James Robertson
Partner

James Robertson uses a unique combination of legal skills and business leadership experience to provide his clients with practical and efficient legal advice and to counsel his clients through complex business transactions and an increasingly burdensome regulatory environment.
Sacramento 916.520.5363 direct
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5363 direct
Reno 775.329.5900 direct
Danielle R. Stephens
Danielle R. Stephens
Partner

Danielle Stephens is a skilled transactional attorney who assists clients with commercial real estate leasing, financing (including CMBS and SBA loans), acquisitions and sales, easements, and title matters with a focus on contractual negotiations requiring collaborative deal-making. She also advises on matters involving contaminated properties including due diligence and remediation.
Sacramento 916.520.5475 direct
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5475 direct
Madeline R. Weissman
Madeline R. Weissman
Associate

Madeline Weissman uses her background in litigation, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and water law to advise public agencies and private clients on regulatory and land use entitlement issues governing real estate developments, renewable energy facilities, applications for and compliance with water quality permits, and ground and surface water issues throughout California.
San Francisco 415.848.4812 direct
Associate
San Francisco 415.848.4812 direct
In the News
1 related items-
July 16, 2014Mercury Cleaners Saved, Will Move Across 16th Street
The Sacramento Bee
Press Releases
4 related items-
October 20, 2020Downey Brand Welcomes Madeline R. Weissman to its San Francisco Office
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February 7, 2020Danielle Stephens Rejoins Downey Brand as a Partner
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January 2, 2020Downey Brand Welcomes Aaron Johnson to Estate Planning and Taxation Practices in Sacramento
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December 12, 2017Downey Brand Names Six New Partners
Speaking Engagements / Events
1 related items-
May 10, 2019Resiliency for a Vibrant Bay Area
Panelist, Bay Planning Coalition’s 2019 Spring Summit
Legal Alerts
10 related items-
January 8, 2016The California Supreme Court’s CEQA Docket Comes To A Dramatic Close For The Year, Resolving That EIRs Need Not Address The Environment’s Impacts On A Project
Environmental Law -
December 2, 2015California Supreme Court Strictly Interprets State Fully Protected Species Statute and Finds Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis Inadequate in Newhall Ranch EIR
Land Use Law -
October 30, 2015Update: Berkeley Hillside Case Ends With Victory for Lead Agency in Court of Appeal
Land Use Law -
June 6, 2015Appeals Court Decides Crucial Case On State Fish And Wildlife’s Extension Of Streambed Alteration Limits To Existing Water Diversions
Water Law -
March 4, 2015California Supreme Court Delivers Long-Awaited Ruling In Berkeley Hillside
Land Use Law -
May 2010Your Purchase Agreement May be an Unenforceable Option
Real Estate Law -
March 5, 2010July 1st: May be Able to Deter ADA Plaintiff’s Lawsuits With New ADA-Focused Inspections
Real Estate Law -
March 4, 2010New Water Policy Legislation Not Just About Water; Imposes New Delta Land Use Regime
Real Estate Law -
March 2, 2010LEGAL TIPS: Subordination, Nondistrubance and Attornment Agreements: Who’s on First and Why do we Care?
Real Estate Law -
March 2, 2010Taking Title To Foreclosed Property? Make Sure Your Leases Are Still In Effect
Real Estate Law
Publications
5 related items-
March 2020Update: Signature Gatherers and Solicitors
California Grocer, Issue 1 -
April 2016Family Farm and Ranch Business Succession
Inside the Minds: Family and Business Succession Planning, 2016 Ed., Aspatore Books -
February 20132012 Legislative Highlights
California Real Property Journal -
August 2012Legal Issues in Vineyard Development and Expansion
California Association of Winegrape Growers -
February 20122011 Legislative Highlights
California Real Property Journal