Vanessa Villarruel Joins Downey Brand’s Family Law Practice

January 13, 2025

Downey Brand is pleased to announce attorney Vanessa Villarruel has joined the firm’s family law practice as an associate in its Sacramento office. Prior to joining Downey Brand, Vanessa worked at a San Francisco law firm, gaining experience in a variety of litigation and pro bono matters.

Vanessa is dedicated to helping clients navigate complex and emotionally challenging family law issues. With empathy and a collaborative approach, she strives to deliver the best possible results tailored to each client’s needs.

Vanessa earned her J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of California Law San Francisco (formerly U.C. Hastings) in 2023, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Davis in 2018. While in law school, she worked as a law clerk for Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers and as a legal extern for the San Francisco Dependency Panel.

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