Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Downey Brand, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture across all levels of our firm. We work intentionally to attract, retain, and promote individuals of all races, religions, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, family structures, and backgrounds.

We strive to create an environment where everyone, regardless of background, identity, or experience, feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. That commitment is reflected not only in our values but also in our firm’s makeup and the leadership roles our attorneys hold. We’re proud that women at Downey Brand play a prominent role in shaping the firm’s direction. Female attorneys serve on our executive committee and hold key positions, including diversity partner, hiring partner, marketing partner, and pro bono partner. And in 2023, Janlynn Fleener became the first woman in our firm’s history to be elected managing partner.

Our culture of inclusion also extends beyond our walls. Downey Brand attorneys actively participate in organizations and activities that support underrepresented voices in the legal profession and our broader community, including ABAS, Cruz Reynoso Bar Association, the Sacramento Chinese of Indochina Friendship Association, Women in Environment, Women Lawyers of Sacramento, the Unity Bar Dinner, and the Wiley W. Manuel Bar Association.

Broadening Access to the Legal Profession

We believe that expanding diversity in the legal profession begins with broadening access. That’s why Downey Brand is deeply committed to supporting students from historically underrepresented backgrounds at every stage of their journey into law—from early education through law school and beyond.

As a founding member of the Sacramento County Bar Association’s Diversity Fellowship Program, we host first-year law students from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds for paid summer internships. Fellows participate alongside second-year law students as part of Downey Brand’s broader summer associate program, gaining meaningful legal experience, mentorship, and a valuable introduction to life at a law firm.

We also helped launch the Sacramento Legal Employers Diversity Collective (SLEDC) in partnership with McGeorge School of Law. This collaborative initiative connects legal employers across the region with students, from elementary school through college, interested in pursuing legal careers. By connecting aspiring lawyers with resources and role models, we aim to foster early interest in the profession and support long-term success.

Additionally, we support aspiring law students through our long-standing involvement with the UC Davis School of Law King Hall Outreach Program (KHOP). Designed for college students from underrepresented backgrounds, KHOP offers mentoring, advising, and intensive weekend workshops that help participants prepare for law school and explore careers in the legal profession. From 2009 to 2019, Downey Brand served as a KHOP partner and continues to host the program’s annual summer luncheon—a culminating event where students visit our offices, meet with our attorneys, and gain a firsthand look into the legal profession.

Investing in Future Legal Leaders

Through our membership in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), we support the professional growth of diverse attorneys through the LCLD’s Fellows and Pathfinders programs. These yearlong programs offer leadership training, networking, and mentorship for early- and mid-career attorneys. Recent participants include Downey Brand attorneys Tyler Horn (2022), Kelly Breen and Daria Gossett (2023), and Dani Nafekh (2025).

Sustaining Our Commitment

We know that advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a one-time effort—it’s a continuous process that requires attention, reflection, and action. That’s why we continue to integrate DEI principles into mentoring, professional development, business planning, and strategic decision-making across the firm. We’re proud of our progress and remain committed to doing more.