Vanessa Villarruel

Associate

Through hard work and dedication, Vanessa Villarruel uses her critical thinking and litigation skills to advocate for clients in a range of family law matters.

Vanessa recognizes that many of her clients are experiencing a stressful and emotionally charged time in their lives. She is passionate about assisting her clients through the complexities of their legal issues while displaying empathy. Vanessa uses a collaborative and cost-efficient approach to deliver results for her clients.

Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement

  • Sacramento County Bar Association, Family Law Section, 2024
  • Child Welfare Practicum at UC College of the Law, 2023
  • UC College of the Law, Senior Notes Editor, 2022-2023

Honors & Rankings

  • Order of the Coif
  • UC Law Honors Society
  • Thurston Society
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Award for Highest Grade in Multiple Classes, Including Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Criminal Procedure, and Legal Research & Writing I & II

Downey Brand’s family law practice is particularly sensitive to the privacy of its clients, thus the family law group does not discuss specific case results.

Announcements

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Vanessa is new to the Sacramento area and comes from the Bay Area. She is the first lawyer in her family.  During her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping, live music, and spending time with her family, friends, and cat.

Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement

  • Sacramento County Bar Association, Family Law Section, 2024
  • Child Welfare Practicum at UC College of the Law, 2023
  • UC College of the Law, Senior Notes Editor, 2022-2023

Honors & Rankings

  • Order of the Coif
  • UC Law Honors Society
  • Thurston Society
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Award for Highest Grade in Multiple Classes, Including Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Criminal Procedure, and Legal Research & Writing I & II