Chambers USA 2026 Recognizes Downey Brand Attorneys and Leading Energy, Water, and Environmental Practices
June 15, 2026
Downey Brand has once again been recognized by Chambers & Partners in its 2026 Chambers USA guide, with five attorneys and the firm’s Energy, Water, and Environmental practices earning honors among the nation’s leading law firms and lawyers.
Downey Brand’s Energy practice received the top Band 1 ranking and was recognized as a “market-leading firm” offering expertise across a broad range of energy matters, with extensive experience practicing before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and significant capabilities in the energy storage and transmission sectors.
Partners Brian Cragg and Michael Day each earned Band 1 rankings for their excellence in energy law. Brian was recognized for his advocacy before the CPUC on behalf of independent power producers and his “considerable knowledge of energy storage-related matters.” Mike was praised for his “expertise in CPUC ratemaking proceedings” and his work guiding clients through the transmission siting process. Partner Jed Gibson, who earned a Band 3 ranking, was recognized for his counsel on California energy regulatory policy and his representation of utilities and renewable energy developers before both the CPUC and California Energy Commission (CEC).
Downey Brand’s Water practice also earned the top Band 1 ranking and was lauded for its “deep bench of experienced water law attorneys” and its expertise in regulatory, transactional, and contentious matters involving water rights, water supply, and groundwater, as well as its representation of both public- and private-sector clients.
Reflecting the depth and continuity of a practice built over decades, retired partner Kevin O’Brien was again recognized in Band 1 for his “strong track record” representing clients before the State Water Resources Control Board and in trial on complex water issues. Partner Meredith Nikkel earned a Band 2 ranking for her work representing public- and private-sector clients in a variety of water law matters, ranging from disputes to regulatory compliance.
Additionally, Downey Brand’s Environmental practice was recognized for its “impressive environment and natural resources group” and its ability to handle a broad range of land, air, surface water, and groundwater matters for public and private corporations. The rankings also highlighted the firm’s experience in sophisticated litigation and enforcement actions under state and federal environmental statutes, as well as its longstanding representation of agricultural and municipal clients.
Chambers USA is a nationally recognized legal directory that ranks leading law firms and attorneys throughout the country. Law firms and lawyers are meticulously researched over several months by a team of specialist researchers who evaluate technical legal ability, commercial awareness, and client service. Downey Brand’s full rankings can be found here.