With more than 60 litigators, our law firm has the area’s largest litigation department, and the means to successfully and effectively manage all aspects of complex and often discovery-intensive litigation. As Sacramento’s largest law firm, our litigation team is large enough to staff the most substantial matters, yet tight-knit enough to remain focused and efficient. Additionally, because of our reputation in Northern California, our team continues to be challenged with contentious, high-profile, “bet-the-company” litigation. Our experience and depth enable us to provide our clients with efficient, value-driven service, and to achieve favorable results.
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Trial Experience
Downey Brand’s litigation philosophy is tied to our experience trying cases to verdict and the attendant ability to prepare cases for trial. More so today than ever before, many “litigators” have never taken a case through trial. Attorneys in Downey Brand’s litigation department are true trial lawyers with a well-earned reputation of success in the courtroom. We give our clients the best chance of resolving matters against parties (and lawyers) who want to avoid the courtroom, and give those clients who find themselves before a jury peace of mind.
Specialty Litigation
Well-known for high-profile complex business litigation, Downey Brand is also home to seasoned litigators who have developed deep experience in specialized areas of the law. Our employment litigators regularly defend employers in state and federal court against all types of labor and employment litigation; represent employers [or management] during audits and investigations; and help them with proactive training and document management. Downey Brand’s intellectual property litigators have fought and won trademark and IP infringement cases in the technology, agribusiness, financial services, and manufacturing industries, among others. Our food and agriculture litigators have handled pesticide drift, crop damage, and food labeling litigation, as well as ag-related water, IP, and Prop 65 matters.
Downey Brand’s real estate litigators represent clients from lenders and investors to developers, contractors, and public entities in a wide range of real property and land use matters. The firm has a leading eminent domain and inverse condemnation practice, which defends landowners and businesses against governmental eminent domain actions and handles complex property acquisitions from planning through trial and appeal. Our construction litigation experience spans public and private works and includes the entire construction spectrum.
Our trust and estate litigators defend estate planning documents, represent fiduciaries, and handle a wide variety of family disputes. The Firm’s family law group is well-known for handling high-stakes disputes involving family businesses and interests.
Downey Brand is also home to some of California’s top environmental and natural resources litigators. The firm is currently handling dozens of active CEQA, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and related natural resources cases at various stages of trial and on appeal across the state. Our CEQA litigation experience is uniquely broad. We have defended challenges to project- and program-level environmental impact reports (EIRs) for a wide variety of activities including water supply and water rights projects, public infrastructure, energy and mining, and residential and mixed-use development projects. Our water rights litigators have decades of experience representing clients before federal and state courts as well as administrative boards.
The Firm’s already substantial appellate and writ practice expanded in 2017 when Certified Appellate Specialist Jay-Allen Eisen brought his practice to Downey Brand. Eisen has been counsel in more than 300 appeals and appellate writs, and his name appears on over 120 published decisions. Downey Brand’s appellate practitioners handle appeals in both state and federal courts in a wide range of practice areas.
Our class action defense litigators have defended and successfully resolved numerous complicated class actions for a diverse array of local and national businesses, including clients in the manufacturing, high tech, banking and financial services, retail and consumer goods/services, healthcare, and construction sectors.
We are acutely aware that clients need not only excellent legal service but also service that is cost-effective and practical. Indeed, often one of the biggest challenges in a litigation matter can be controlling fees and costs; we understand and appreciate that, and actively work with our clients to manage legal costs.
Alternative/Early Dispute Resolution
Many of our clients’ complex litigation matters resolve through settlement. Because the expense of litigation can be significant — both in terms of legal fees and out-of-pocket costs, as well as lost management/employee time and disruption in day-to-day operations — we believe that it is never too early to think about positioning a litigation matter for a negotiated resolution. Downey Brand’s litigators are strategic and skillful negotiators, and therefore we are often able to negotiate favorable settlements without the expense of a neutral.
In cases where private mediation is our client’s best option, we excel. Given the size of our litigation department and our long-standing presence in the region, we have a depth of knowledge on the various panels of neutrals. We understand the skill sets and credentials of the region’s mediators, and are effective at advising our clients during the important decision about selection of a mediator. And because we are Sacramento’s oldest and largest law firm with a reputation of successfully representing our clients at trial, Downey Brand’s litigators often get the benefit of the doubt in mediation.
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Professionals
Annie S. Amaral
Annie S. Amaral
Partner / Marketing Partner
Clients rely on Annie Amaral for her complex business litigation and advocacy skills to navigate through federal and state courts alike, both independently and where cases are filed simultaneously in both venues.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeComplex Business Litigation
Employment Litigation
Financial Institutions
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
White Collar, Investigations, and Compliance
Sacramento 916.520.5243
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5243
Farah Amjad
Farah Amjad
Associate
Farah Amjad represents clients from diverse backgrounds and industries in litigation and employment law matters.
Industry Areas:
AerospaceAgribusiness
Banking & Financial Institutions
Construction
Energy & Utilities
Healthcare
Higher Education
Municipal & Public Agency
Nonprofit/Tax-Exempt Organizations
Real Estate
Retail
Technology
Water Rights & Resources
Practice Areas:
Complex Business LitigationEmployment Counseling
Employment Litigation
White Collar, Investigations, and Compliance
Sacramento 916.520.5282
Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5282
Samuel D. Bacal-Graves
Samuel D. Bacal-Graves
Associate
Sam Bacal-Graves helps public and private clients successfully navigate complex permitting, land use, and environmental issues.
Industry Areas:
ConstructionEnergy & Utilities
Healthcare
Higher Education
Municipal & Public Agency
Nonprofit/Tax-Exempt Organizations
Real Estate
Water Rights & Resources
Practice Areas:
Air Quality & Climate ChangeAppellate & Writ Practice
CEQA / NEPA
Endangered Species
Energy
Energy Project Development
Environmental/Toxics Litigation
Flood Protection Law
Land Use
Public Utility Regulation
Real Estate
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5452
Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5452
Meghan M. Baker
Meghan M. Baker
Partner / Executive Committee Member
Individuals and companies looking to resolve complex legal disputes turn to Meghan Baker because of her client-focused approach and proven results.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeClass Action Defense
Complex Business Litigation
Employment Litigation
Environmental/Toxics Litigation
Financial Institutions
Intellectual Property Litigation
Products Liability
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Trust & Estate Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5510
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5510
Kelly M. Breen
Kelly M. Breen
Partner / Co-Chair, Diversity Committee
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.
Practice Areas:
Complex Business LitigationConstruction Litigation
Environmental/Toxics Litigation
Products Liability
Real Estate
Sacramento 916.520.5485
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5485
Bradley C. Carroll
Bradley C. Carroll
Partner
Known for his client-centric approach and effective, efficient resolution skills, Bradley Carroll is a seasoned litigator who focuses on complex business disputes in trial courts and on appeal. His combined experience as an appellate staff attorney and trial attorney allows Bradley to successfully guide clients through arduous, high-stakes business disputes and litigation.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeComplex Business Litigation
White Collar, Investigations, and Compliance
Sacramento 916.520.5299
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5299
Marc A. Centor
Marc A. Centor
Partner
Marc Centor advises clients regarding real estate, transportation, and general corporate matters.
Industry Areas:
ConstructionEnergy & Utilities
Municipal & Public Agency
Nonprofit/Tax-Exempt Organizations
Real Estate
Practice Areas:
Corporate LawEnergy
Energy Project Development
Infrastructure
Land Use
Mergers & Acquisitions
Nonprofit/Tax-Exempt Organizations
Real Estate
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
San Francisco 415.848.4838
Partner
San Francisco 415.848.4838
Nicolas D. Chapman
Nicolas D. Chapman
Associate
Nicolas Chapman's practice focuses primarily on water resources, encompassing surface and groundwater rights litigation, endangered species issues, federal reclamation law, flood protection, and public agency issues.
Practice Areas:
Endangered SpeciesFlood Protection Law
Groundwater Law
Public Trust Doctrine
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
Water Law
Water Rights Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5466
Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5466
Austin C. Cho
Austin C. Cho
Counsel
When facing complex water rights issues, clients look to Austin Cho for his shrewd analysis and creative solutions.
Practice Areas:
CEQA / NEPAEndangered Species
Flood Protection Law
Groundwater Law
Public Trust Doctrine
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
Water Law
Water Rights Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5212
Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5212
Joshua A. Dalavai
Joshua A. Dalavai
Associate
Joshua Dalavai helps clients navigate complex business and real estate litigation with a steady, zealous approach.
Practice Areas:
Complex Business LitigationConstruction Litigation
Eminent Domain & Inverse Condemnation
Real Estate
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Trust & Estate Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5326
Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5326
Jamie P. Dreher
Jamie P. Dreher
Partner / Chair, Litigation Department
Jamie Dreher helps clients navigate the maze of options in complex corporate reorganizations and Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases.
Industry Areas:
AgribusinessBanking & Financial Institutions
Construction
Municipal & Public Agency
Nonprofit/Tax-Exempt Organizations
Real Estate
Retail
Practice Areas:
Bankruptcy & InsolvencyComplex Business Litigation
Financial Institutions
Privacy & Data Integrity
Sacramento 916.520.5478
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5478
Jay-Allen Eisen
Jay-Allen Eisen
Outside Counsel
Jay-Allen Eisen is regarded as one of California's top appellate attorneys. He has been counsel in more than 300 appeals and appellate writs, over 120 of which have resulted in published, precedent decisions.
Industry Areas:
AerospaceConstruction
Healthcare
Municipal & Public Agency
Real Estate
Water Rights & Resources
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeComplex Business Litigation
Construction Litigation
Employment Litigation
Environmental/Toxics Litigation
Products Liability
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Trust & Estate Litigation
Water Rights Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5290
Outside Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5290
Bradley M. Emmerson
Bradley M. Emmerson
Associate
Bradley Emmerson is a compassionate and enthusiastic civil litigator who approaches client goals with a business-focus to efficiently navigate regulations and resolve disputes.
Practice Areas:
Complex Business LitigationConstruction Litigation
Employment Litigation
Intellectual Property Litigation
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Sacramento 916-520-5288
Associate
Sacramento 916-520-5288
Cassandra M. Ferrannini
Cassandra M. Ferrannini
Partner / Executive Committee Member
Cassandra Ferrannini draws from her broad experience to assist clients in finding their best strategic position to prevent, defend, and resolve employment disputes.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeClass Action Defense
Complex Business Litigation
Employment Counseling
Employment Litigation
Intellectual Property Litigation
Privacy & Data Integrity
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
Sacramento 916.520.5387
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5387
Sean J. Filippini
Sean J. Filippini
Partner / Executive Committee Member
Sean Filippini's practice focuses on litigation with experience in multiple practice areas, including construction, real estate, and commercial disputes.
Practice Areas:
Complex Business LitigationConstruction Litigation
Food & Agriculture
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Infrastructure
Real Estate
White Collar, Investigations, and Compliance
Sacramento 916.520.5430
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5430
Janlynn Robinson Fleener
Janlynn Robinson Fleener
Managing Partner
For almost 30 years, a variety of businesses—from financial institutions to property developers, business owners, governmental agencies, and individuals—have turned to Jan Fleener to handle their complex business litigation.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeClass Action Defense
Complex Business Litigation
Financial Institutions
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5227
Managing Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5227
Galen M. Gentry
Galen M. Gentry
Counsel
Known for his pragmatic approach to problem-solving, Galen Gentry is an accomplished litigator with extensive experience prosecuting and defending against claims asserted in state, federal, and bankruptcy court, both at trial and on appeal.
Practice Areas:
Bankruptcy & InsolvencyComplex Business Litigation
Employment Litigation
Intellectual Property Litigation
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5435
Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5435
Thomas A. Gherini
Thomas A. Gherini
Associate
Thomas Gherini, a Sacramento native and litigation associate, knows that ‘good enough’ is never enough. Fueled by an innate competitiveness, Tom found his calling in civil litigation, where he is unwaveringly committed to delivering for his clients, regardless of the complexity of the challenge.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeComplex Business Litigation
Construction Litigation
Corporate Law
Sacramento 916.520.5244
Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5244
Daria A. Gossett
Daria A. Gossett
Senior Associate
Daria Gossett's practice encompasses all aspects of general and complex civil litigation, spanning all phases of the litigation process, from pre-lawsuit demands to post-judgment appeals.
Sacramento 916.520.5383
Senior Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5383
Brian E. Hamilton
Brian E. Hamilton
Counsel
Brian Hamilton applies his litigation skills to help water clients achieve results in and out of the courtroom.
Practice Areas:
CEQA / NEPAEndangered Species
Environmental/Toxics Litigation
Groundwater Law
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
Water Law
Water Rights Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5340
Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5340
Sherry Hartel Haus
Sherry Hartel Haus
Partner / General Counsel
Sherry Haus is a partner in Downey Brand's litigation practice group and serves as the firm's General Counsel.
Practice Areas:
Class Action DefenseComplex Business Litigation
Financial Institutions
White Collar, Investigations, and Compliance
Sacramento 916.520.5490
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5490
Amy R. Higuera
Amy R. Higuera
Partner / Co-Chair, Diversity Committee
Amy Higuera has successfully represented numerous clients in achieving favorable results in environmental law and land use entitlement matters.
Industry Areas:
ConstructionEnergy & Utilities
Municipal & Public Agency
Nonprofit/Tax-Exempt Organizations
Real Estate
Water Rights & Resources
Practice Areas:
Air Quality & Climate ChangeAppellate & Writ Practice
CEQA / NEPA
Endangered Species
Energy
Energy Project Development
Infrastructure
Land Use
Real Estate
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
Water Quality Law
San Francisco 415.848.4836
Partner
San Francisco 415.848.4836
Tyler J. Horn
Tyler J. Horn
Senior Associate
Tyler Horn's philosophy of practice is to be a strong advocate for his clients and offer passionate, reasonable, and thoughtful problem-solving solutions throughout the litigation process.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeComplex Business Litigation
Eminent Domain & Inverse Condemnation
Employment Litigation
Trust & Estate Litigation
Stockton 209.472.3978
Senior Associate
Stockton 209.472.3978
Sacramento 916.444.1000
Tyson E. Hubbard
Tyson E. Hubbard
Partner / Mentoring and Professional Success Partner
An experienced trust and estate litigator, Tyson Hubbard draws on more than a decade of litigation experience across a wide range of matters, as well as from his personal experience as a trustee of a family trust, to steer an efficient and effective path for his clients in their trust and estate disputes.
Sacramento 916.520.5216
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5216
Breana M. Inoshita
Breana M. Inoshita
Associate
Breana Inoshita is committed to assisting her public agency and private clients navigate a wide variety of complex land use and environmental issues.
Industry Areas:
ConstructionEnergy & Utilities
Municipal & Public Agency
Real Estate
Water Rights & Resources
Practice Areas:
Air Quality & Climate ChangeCEQA / NEPA
Endangered Species
Energy
Energy Project Development
Land Use
Pipelines & Terminals
Public Trust Doctrine
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
San Francisco 415.848.4845
Associate
San Francisco 415.848.4845
Christopher Miles Kolkey
Christopher Miles Kolkey
Partner
Clients rely on Christopher Kolkey to navigate them through the complex channels of litigation and to be a passionate advocate for them. Christopher takes a client-tailored approach to litigation, assessing the needs and goals of each case as a key driver in litigation strategy.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeComplex Business Litigation
Construction Litigation
Trust & Estate Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5320
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5320
Alexandra K. LaFountain
Alexandra K. LaFountain
Partner
Alexandra LaFountain advises clients on a wide array of employment matters and helps them promptly resolve disputes with current and former employees.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeClass Action Defense
Complex Business Litigation
Employment Counseling
Employment Litigation
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5245
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5245
Michael J. Laino
Michael J. Laino
Senior Associate
Since joining Downey Brand in 2019, Michael Laino has represented businesses and individual clients in a wide arrange of civil litigation matters, including partnership and shareholder disputes, construction and product defect litigation, wildfire liability, adversary proceedings in bankruptcy cases, financial security matters, and general real estate and contractual litigation.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeBankruptcy & Insolvency
Complex Business Litigation
Construction Litigation
Corporate Law
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5360
Senior Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5360
Annie R. Marcroft
Annie R. Marcroft
Associate
Annie Marcroft uses her critical thinking, creativity, and sheer determination to realize the results that matter most for clients involved in all aspects of general and complex business litigation.
Practice Areas:
Class Action DefenseComplex Business Litigation
Construction Litigation
Products Liability
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5350
Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5350
Christian L. Marsh
Christian L. Marsh
Partner / Executive Committee Member
Public agencies and private companies turn to Christian Marsh for advice on regulatory and land use entitlement issues governing real estate developments, ground and surface water supply projects, renewable and non-renewable energy facilities, mining operations and processing plants, and port and waterfront developments.
Practice Areas:
Air Quality & Climate ChangeAppellate & Writ Practice
CEQA / NEPA
Endangered Species
Energy
Energy Project Development
Environmental Enforcement Defense
Environmental Remediation & Due Diligence
Environmental/Toxics Litigation
Groundwater Law
Infrastructure
Land Use
Pipelines & Terminals
Public Trust Doctrine
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
Water Law
Water Quality Law
Water Rights Litigation
San Francisco 415.848.4830
Partner
San Francisco 415.848.4830
Mary J. Martinelli
Mary J. Martinelli
Partner
As a Certified Family Law Specialist*, Mary Martinelli is uniquely qualified to resolve complex family law matters with an emphasis on business concerns — earning her clients' trust for more than thirty years.
Sacramento 916.520.5278
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5278
John C. McCarron
John C. McCarron
Partner / Co-Chair, Food & Ag Group
For more than three decades, John McCarron has focused his practice on assisting clients with complex business disputes.
Practice Areas:
Class Action DefenseComplex Business Litigation
Food & Agriculture
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Food Safety & Labeling
Products Liability
Proposition 65
Sacramento 916.520.5450
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5450
Scott D. McElhern
Scott D. McElhern
Partner
Clients turn to Scott McElhern to provide his legal insight to map out a strategy for success. He focuses his practice on litigation matters involving construction, eminent domain, real estate and commercial disputes.
Practice Areas:
Construction LitigationEminent Domain & Inverse Condemnation
Energy
Energy Project Development
Infrastructure
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
Sacramento 916.520.5367
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5367
Sean G. McKissick
Sean G. McKissick
Partner
Sean McKissick provides strong and effective legal assistance throughout all stages of trust and estate disputes. Sean has extensive experience across a wide variety of litigation areas and industries in addition to trust and estate work, including healthcare, real estate, civil rights, and white-collar criminal defense.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeComplex Business Litigation
Employment Litigation
Trust & Estate Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5262
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5262
Daniel J. McVeigh
Daniel J. McVeigh
Of Counsel
During the last 35 years, Dan McVeigh has earned the reputation as one of the preeminent employment litigators in the Sacramento region.
Industry Areas:
AgribusinessConstruction
Healthcare
Municipal & Public Agency
Nonprofit/Tax-Exempt Organizations
Retail
Practice Areas:
Complex Business LitigationDisability Access
Employment Counseling
Employment Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5438
Of Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5438
Stephen J. Meyer
Stephen J. Meyer
Of Counsel
Stephen Meyer has more than 40 years of experience in complex business litigation with a particular focus in the last several years on food and agriculture.
Practice Areas:
Complex Business LitigationEnvironmental Enforcement Defense
Environmental/Toxics Litigation
Financial Institutions
Food & Agriculture
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5437
Of Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5437
James M. Morris
James M. Morris
Of Counsel
Jim Morris represents an array of private sector clients in all areas of California agribusiness—from manufacturers to farmers—blending his vast knowledge of the industry with exceptional trial skills.
Stockton 209.472.3910
Of Counsel
Stockton 209.472.3910
Katlyn K. Nelms
Katlyn K. Nelms
Associate
Clients rely on Katlyn Nelms to deliver creative, practical, and effective solutions to an array of legal issues, with emphasis on business transactions, real estate, and food and agriculture.
Practice Areas:
Corporate LawFood & Agriculture
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Food Safety & Labeling
Nonprofit/Tax-Exempt Organizations
Real Estate
Taxation
Sacramento 916.520.5268
Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5268
Meredith E. Nikkel
Meredith E. Nikkel
Partner
Clients facing complex water right issues rely on Meredith Nikkel’s discerning eye as a litigator and her problem-solving approach as an innovator.
Practice Areas:
CEQA / NEPAEndangered Species
Groundwater Law
Public Trust Doctrine
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
Water Law
Water Rights Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5211
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5211
Kevin M. O’Brien
Kevin M. O’Brien
Partner
Kevin O’Brien assists clients throughout California in water rights, water quality, endangered species, and environmental matters. His clients include water districts, cities, counties, private landowners, real estate developers, wineries and mining companies.
Practice Areas:
InfrastructurePublic Trust Doctrine
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
Water Law
Water Rights Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5235
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5235
Kathryn L. Oehlschlager
Kathryn L. Oehlschlager
Partner / Chair, Natural Resources Department
With nearly twenty years of experience in environmental law, Kathryn Oehlschlager has built a robust practice spanning environmental and land use compliance counseling, state and federal enforcement defense, and major litigation.
Industry Areas:
AerospaceAgribusiness
Construction
Energy & Utilities
Higher Education
Municipal & Public Agency
Nonprofit/Tax-Exempt Organizations
Real Estate
Water Rights & Resources
Practice Areas:
Air Quality & Climate ChangeCEQA / NEPA
Endangered Species
Energy
Energy Project Development
Environmental Enforcement Defense
Environmental Remediation & Due Diligence
Environmental/Toxics Litigation
Flood Protection Law
Groundwater Law
Infrastructure
Land Use
Proposition 65
Public Trust Doctrine
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Water Law
Water Quality Law
San Francisco 415.848.4820
Partner
San Francisco 415.848.4820
Alexis G. Ortega
Alexis G. Ortega
Counsel
With almost 20 years of litigation experience, Alexis Ortega brings a wealth of legal expertise to her current practice representing individual beneficiaries, trustees, executors, and other fiduciaries in trust and estate litigation.
Practice Areas:
Complex Business LitigationFinancial Institutions
Trust & Estate Litigation
Wealth Transfer
Sacramento 916.520.5242
Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5242
Dustin D. Peterson
Dustin D. Peterson
Associate
Dustin Peterson is a results-oriented attorney that is focused on helping both private and public sector clients find creative and efficient solutions to navigating complex environmental and land use issues.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeCEQA / NEPA
Environmental/Toxics Litigation
Land Use
Real Estate
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Water Law
Sacramento 916.520.5298
Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5298
Kelly L. Pope
Kelly L. Pope
Partner / Pro Bono Partner
Kelly Pope is an experienced litigator whose practice focuses on representing clients in family law, bankruptcy, and eminent domain matters.
Practice Areas:
Bankruptcy & InsolvencyComplex Business Litigation
Eminent Domain & Inverse Condemnation
Family Law
Sacramento 916.520.5362
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5362
Kevin J. Rooney
Kevin J. Rooney
Partner
Kevin Rooney is a seasoned trial attorney with more than a decade of legal experience as a criminal prosecutor in New York and California.
Practice Areas:
Complex Business LitigationConstruction Litigation
Employment Litigation
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
White Collar, Investigations, and Compliance
Stockton 209.472.3924
Partner
Stockton 209.472.3924
Sacramento 916.444.1000
Stella M. Rugama
Stella M. Rugama
Associate
Stella Rugama combines her analytical critical thinking skills with a collaborative approach to assist clients in all aspects of litigation.
Practice Areas:
Complex Business LitigationEmployment Counseling
Employment Litigation
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5248
Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5248
Anthony H.J. Salaber
Anthony H.J. Salaber
Associate
Anthony Salaber is a passionate civil litigator who has extensive experience in the construction management industry.
Sacramento 916.520.5384
Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5384
Sandra L. Sava
Sandra L. Sava
Of Counsel
With more than 35 years of experience in state and federal courts, Sandra Sava ("Sandi") has represented clients in nearly every area of civil litigation with special emphasis on insurance coverage, personal injury, business torts, and trust disputes.
Sacramento 916.520.5254
Of Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5254
Andrew M. Skanchy
Andrew M. Skanchy
Partner
Andrew Skanchy helps clients get projects done. Although the permitting process can be confusing and daunting, Andrew has extensive experience navigating clients through the morass and helping them achieve their objectives.
Practice Areas:
Air Quality & Climate ChangeCEQA / NEPA
Environmental Remediation & Due Diligence
Food & Agriculture
Land Use
Public Trust Doctrine
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5412
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5412
Rebecca R. A. Smith
Rebecca R. A. Smith
Partner / Recruiting Partner
Clients facing challenging, sensitive, or complex water law issues rely on Rebecca Smith’s expertise to best map their path.
Industry Areas:
AgribusinessHigher Education
Municipal & Public Agency
Real Estate
Water Rights & Resources
Practice Areas:
CEQA / NEPAEndangered Species
Flood Protection Law
Food & Agriculture
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Groundwater Law
Land Use
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
Water Law
Water Rights Litigation
Sacramento 916.520.5281
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5281
Robert P. Soran
Robert P. Soran
Partner / Executive Committee Member
Known as a strong advocate and litigator with more than 30 years of experience, clients with interests throughout California rely on Bob Soran for his expertise in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.
Practice Areas:
Air Quality & Climate ChangeEnergy
Energy Project Development
Environmental Enforcement Defense
Environmental Remediation & Due Diligence
Environmental/Toxics Litigation
Food & Agriculture
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Pipelines & Terminals
Proposition 65
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
Sacramento 916.520.5364
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5364
Trina L. Spivack
Trina L. Spivack
Staff Attorney
Clients seeking to navigate challenging family law matters in an efficient, straightforward manner seek Trina Spivack's counsel in resolving property division, financial, and custody issues.
Sacramento 916.520.5425
Staff Attorney
Sacramento 916.520.5425
M. Max Steinheimer
M. Max Steinheimer
Of Counsel
Max Steinheimer is a highly respected trial lawyer with a deserved reputation for success in the courtroom. He has served as lead trial counsel in over 40 jury trials in state and federal courts throughout California and Nevada.
Practice Areas:
Complex Business LitigationConstruction Litigation
Eminent Domain & Inverse Condemnation
Food & Agriculture
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Insurance
Products Liability
Stockton 209.472.3926
Of Counsel
Stockton 209.472.3926
Sacramento 916.444.1000
Michael J. Thomas
Michael J. Thomas
Partner
Mike Thomas is one of a few registered patent attorneys based in Sacramento with a law practice focused on intellectual property litigation, including prosecuting and defending claims involving patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.
Practice Areas:
Complex Business LitigationEmployment Litigation
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Intellectual Property & Licensing
Intellectual Property Litigation
Privacy & Data Integrity
Products Liability
Sacramento 916.520.5310
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5310
Tina Thomas
Tina Thomas
Of Counsel
Tina Thomas practices law the same way she lives life outside the firm - with relentless drive, unshakable commitment, and intrepidity.
Industry Areas:
Energy & UtilitiesMunicipal & Public Agency
Nonprofit/Tax-Exempt Organizations
Real Estate
Water Rights & Resources
Sacramento 916.520.5380
Of Counsel
Sacramento 916.520.5380
Anthony L. Vignolo
Anthony L. Vignolo
Partner
With an insurance defense background, it is a natural fit for Anthony Vignolo to focus his legal practice in the areas of civil litigation and insurance law.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeClass Action Defense
Complex Business Litigation
Employment Litigation
Food & Agriculture
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Insurance
Products Liability
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
Trust & Estate Litigation
Stockton 209.472.3920
Partner
Stockton 209.472.3920
Crystal R. Vizina
Crystal R. Vizina
Staff Attorney
Crystal Vizina strives to provide cost-efficient and dedicated services to all clients.
Sacramento 916.520.5249
Staff Attorney
Sacramento 916.520.5249
William R. Warne
William R. Warne
Partner
Bill Warne has built a reputation as one of Sacramento's top trial lawyers. Bill is retained by individuals, companies, and corporations with complex, high-profile, "bet the company" litigation issues.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeClass Action Defense
Complex Business Litigation
Employment Litigation
Intellectual Property Litigation
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
Sacramento 916.520.5217
Partner
Sacramento 916.520.5217
Matthew J. Weber
Matthew J. Weber
Partner
Clients that find themselves entangled in intricate legal disputes turn to Matt Weber not only for his construction litigation experience, but also for his client- tailored approach when developing a litigation strategy.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeComplex Business Litigation
Construction Litigation
Financial Institutions
Food & Agriculture
Food & Agriculture Litigation
Infrastructure
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Regulatory Law & Business Permitting
Stockton 209.472.3922
Partner
Stockton 209.472.3922
Sacramento 916.444.1000
Jennifer L. Williams
Jennifer L. Williams
Counsel
Regional public entities, businesses, sole proprietorships, and individuals have benefited from Jenny Williams's legal counsel. In today's challenging economic climate, an increase in case filings have reduced the court's availability to hear oral arguments and resulted in significant delays in obtaining trial dates.
Practice Areas:
Appellate & Writ PracticeComplex Business Litigation
Construction Litigation
Eminent Domain & Inverse Condemnation
Real Property & Land Use Litigation
Stockton 209.472.3918
Counsel
Stockton 209.472.3918
Sacramento 916.444.1000
Jennie Woo
Jennie Woo
Associate
Jennie Woo is passionate and strategic when representing clients in a variety of litigation matters to achieve results.
Sacramento 916.520.5324
Associate
Sacramento 916.520.5324