Downey Brand Welcomes 2025 Summer Associates
May 19, 2025
Downey Brand is delighted to officially welcome our 2025 Summer Associates to the firm. This year’s dream team of eight law students come from seven different law schools and will be based in both our Sacramento and San Francisco offices. During the ten-week program, the Summer Associates will work on a variety of challenging and interesting projects for firm clients, all while getting to know our amazing staff and attorneys both inside and outside of the firm. Here’s to a fun and rewarding summer ahead with this group!
The 2025 Summer Associate Lineup
Imani Barnes has just completed her first year at the University of California, Davis School of Law, where she serves on the board of Students Against Mass Incarceration and is an active member of the Black Law Students Association. She earned her B.A. in Sociology with a minor in African American Studies from UCLA, where she mentored students through First Gentorship and WAZO Connect. Imani also previously interned with the First District Appellate Project in Oakland. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, baking, gaming, and all things Sanrio. Imani will be based in our Sacramento office.
Shanna Borek-Klempfner is currently a student at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (f.k.a. U.C. Hastings), where she serves as Vice President of Internal Affairs for OUTLaw and is a member of the Jewish Law Student Association, the Women’s Law Society, and the Moot Court Team and Board. She spent her 1L summer as a Summer Associate at Lvovich & Szucsko P.C. in San Francisco. Shanna holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from U.C. Santa Barbara, where she earned Dean’s Honors and served as an Assistant Coach for the UCSB Women’s Club Water Polo team. She enjoys hiking with her dog, swimming, and discovering local coffee spots. Shanna will be based in our San Francisco office.
Laryssa Coushman is entering her third year at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where she holds several leadership roles, including Vice President of Engagement for the West Coast Law Students Association and Director of Admissions of Academics for the First Generation Professionals program. She earned her B.A. in Political Science, cum laude, from UCLA. Her legal experience includes a summer internship with Philadelphia Legal Assistance, a legal assistant position at the Senior Advocacy Network, and a JusticeCorps Graduate Fellowship with the Los Angeles Superior Court. Outside of school, Laryssa enjoys cooking, running, and playing basketball. She will be based in our Sacramento office.
Jillian Gronnerud is a rising 3L at the University of California, Davis School of Law, where she serves as a Senior Article Editor for Environs, the Environmental Law Journal, and as Symposium Co-Chair for the Environmental Law Society. She is the recipient of the Reynoso Academic Achievement Award in Legal Research and Writing, and the Dean’s Merit Scholarship. Jillian also interns with the California Coastal Commission and works as a research assistant for Professor Karrigan Bork. She earned her undergraduate degree, cum laude, in American Studies and Journalism from California State University, Long Beach. In her spare time, Jillian volunteers with the Long Beach Historical Society and Surfrider Foundation and enjoys cooking, baking, and hiking. She will be based in our Sacramento office.
Alexandria Moorehead will soon be a 3L at the University of San Francisco School of Law, where she serves as Co-President of the Environmental Law Student and Alumni Society, and as Case Counsel for the Moot Court Team. She is a recipient of the 2024 IMPACT Award, CALI Award, and both the Law Dean’s and Animal Law Scholarships. Her legal experience includes internships with the California Public Utilities Commission and the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office. Prior to law school, she worked as a Government Operations Consultant and Engineering Specialist with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, is a past captain of USF’s Intramural Volleyball Team, and founded USF’s Law Run Club. She will be based in our San Francisco office.
Mary Pat Peterson is currently attending the University of Notre Dame Law School, where she serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Legislation, participates on the Moot Court Team, and is a 2L Representative for the Notre Dame Exoneration Project. She is also a recipient of the International Law Faculty Award and was named to the Fall 2024 Honor Roll. Mary Pat earned her B.S. in Political Science from Santa Clara University, where she was President of the Mock Trial Team and a member of several honor societies, including Pi Sigma Alpha and Alpha Sigma Nu. Her experience includes internships with McCarthy & Rubright, Minasian Meith Soares Sexton & Cooper LLP, and the offices of U.S. Representatives Doug LaMalfa and Mike Thompson. Mary Pat also has substantial experience as an Owner and Farm Manager of a pumpkin patch in Chico, California. Outside of work, she enjoys coaching mock trial, supporting 4H and FFA students, skiing, and restoring classic cars. Mary Pat will be based in our Sacramento office.
Sevanna Reitter is a rising 3L at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law, where she serves as a Managing Editor on the Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal and as the Communications Chair of the Dispute Resolution Society. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French at U.C. Davis. Sevanna gained experience as a law clerk and paralegal at Wright Kim Douglas, ALC, and has interned with the California State Assembly and internationally at MB & Associates in Paris. Born and raised in France until about age 14, Sevanna is fluent in French and proficient in German. She has a strong passion for history, hiking, and travel. Sevanna will be based in our Sacramento office.
Kyle Stickels is a rising 3L at McGeorge School of Law, where he ranks in the top 10% of his class and has earned multiple honors, including finalist recognition in the 1L Moot Court Competition and “Ben Franz” Mock Trial Competitions, as well as a “Best Brief” semi-finalist award. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Sonoma State University, where he served as President of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and participated in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club. His legal experience includes roles at the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, Brown & Delzell, LLP, and Tyson & Mendes, LLP, supporting trial preparation, legal research, and client services. Outside of law, Kyle is fluent in Spanish and enjoys archery, reading, and playing pickup basketball. Kyle will be based in our Sacramento office.