Introducing Downey Brand’s 2025 Fall Associate Class
December 12, 2024
Downey Brand is delighted to welcome eight new associate attorneys—Sabina Bagdasarova, Elyse Carpenter, Marino Dominguez, Joseph Gregory, Ann Kalisuch, Katrin McDonell, Ryan Rodriguez, and Bailie Sirhall—and congratulates each of them on passing the California State Bar.
“We are thrilled to welcome this talented new group of attorneys to the Downey Brand family,” said Recruiting Partner Rebecca Smith. “Each brings their own strengths and enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have on our clients, our teams, and our community.”
Meet our 2025 Fall Associates
Some of our new associates are returning to the firm after participating in our summer associate program, while others are joining Downey Brand for the first time.
- Sabina Bagdasarova – Sabina earned her law degree with great distinction from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and joins the firm’s litigation team, bringing a strong foundation in complex legal analysis.
- Elyse Carpenter – A former summer associate, Elyse graduated from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, and joins the firm’s litigation practice ready to build on her prior experience with Downey Brand.
- Marino Dominguez – Also a former summer associate, Marino earned his degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He now joins the litigation team, where he will apply his expertise to a wide range of client matters.
- Joseph Gregory – Joseph graduated from UCLA School of Law and returns to the firm’s environmental law practice following his summer associate experience, bringing insight and dedication to complex environmental matters.
- Ann Kalisuch – Ann earned her law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and joins the employment litigation team, contributing her skills to help clients navigate workplace disputes.
- Katrin McDonell – Having participated in the firm’s summer program, Katrin graduated from UC Davis School of Law and joins the Trust and Estate Litigation team, where she will focus on protecting client interests in complex estate matters.
- Ryan Rodriguez – Ryan, another former summer associate, earned his degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and is now part of the litigation team, bringing enthusiasm and a keen analytical mind to each case.
- Bailie Sirhall – Bailie graduated from Notre Dame Law School and joins the firm’s natural resources department, focusing on water law and helping clients navigate California’s complex regulatory landscape.