Three Veteran Environmental Attorneys Join Downey Brand’s Sacramento Office
May 15, 2025
(SACRAMENTO, CA) Downey Brand LLP, a leading full-service law firm renowned for its statewide expertise in environmental, water, and natural resources law, announces the addition of accomplished attorneys Michael Vergara and Alyson Ackerman, previously with Somach, Simmons & Dunn, to its Sacramento office. Downey Brand is also pleased to announce that Clif McFarland, who worked at the firm previously, has rejoined the firm’s environmental practice. Vergara, Ackerman, and McFarland bring more than seven decades of combined experience in complex environmental regulatory and litigation matters.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mike and Aly to the firm, and to welcome Clif back to our team,” said Jan Fleener, Downey Brand’s Managing Partner. “Their deep expertise in toxics, hazardous waste, regulatory enforcement, and air and water quality further strengthens Downey Brand’s Natural Resources Department, and represents an integral part of our focused expansion in those practice areas. As trusted advisors with a passion for problem solving, these three veteran attorneys will join our other outstanding environmental and natural resources attorneys to help our clients navigate their most pressing environmental challenges.”
Mike Vergara brings over three decades of experience representing public agencies and private businesses in high-stakes environmental litigation, regulatory enforcement, and compliance matters. He advises manufacturers, transportation and logistics companies, developers, utilities, and special districts on air quality, hazardous waste, water quality, toxics, and site contamination. Vergara regularly defends clients in enforcement actions brought under CERCLA, RCRA, the Clean Water Act, and the Clean Air Act, and helps manage permitting, remediation, and cleanup efforts. His deep understanding of both the legal framework and operational realities enables him to craft practical, business-focused solutions for clients navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
“Downey Brand has a stellar reputation and a collaborative, client-focused culture,” said Vergara. “I have known Downey Brand as a premier law firm since my days in law school 36 years ago. I’m excited and eager to join this talented team of lawyers who share my commitment to practical, results-driven counsel, and to work for a firm with the depth and reach to support clients throughout California and beyond. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to expand my practice while contributing to Downey Brand’s continued growth and success.”
Aly Ackerman advises public and private clients, including water purveyors, special districts, developers, and manufacturers, on a wide range of environmental and natural resources matters. Her practice focuses on surface water rights, air quality compliance, permitting, and enforcement under state and federal environmental laws. Ackerman has significant experience securing and managing water supplies, supporting infrastructure and conveyance projects, and representing clients in administrative and judicial proceedings. She frequently works with agency staff, engineers, and consultants to navigate complex regulatory processes and develop tailored compliance strategies.
“This move creates new opportunities to serve my clients with expanded resources and tackle complex matters across the state,” said Ackerman. “I’m excited to be part of the Downey Brand team that is so deeply engaged in environmental matters for both private entities and public agencies. It’s a great fit, both personally and professionally.”
With more than 35 years of experience and a background in engineering, Clif McFarland brings a rare combination of legal and scientific insight to complex environmental matters. An MIT-trained engineer, he represents aerospace, real estate, and natural resources companies in remediation, regulatory enforcement, and transactional matters. McFarland is particularly skilled in contaminated property and groundwater contamination matters and is known for tackling complex environmental challenges that require a nuanced understanding of both legal and scientific issues. He helps clients navigate high-stakes property transactions, secure closure on contaminated sites, and works directly with regulators to minimize liability.
“Downey Brand has a strong reputation in the natural resources area and continues to be the premier legal platform in Sacramento, with a strong team of lawyers across many legal disciplines,” said McFarland. “This makes the firm a great fit for my practice and I’m happy to be rejoining the firm to help our clients navigate California’s difficult regulatory landscape.”