Downey Brand LLP, the region’s largest law firm, has elected Kevin O’Brien as its new managing partner. O’Brien began his three-year term Jan. 1 and succeeds Jeff Koewler, who served as the firm’s managing partner from 2007 through 2011. Downey Brand is currently the 39th largest firm in California with offices in Sacramento, Stockton, San Francisco, Roseville and Reno.   

O’Brien is a well-known water rights attorney with clients throughout California and the western United States. His clients include cities, counties, water districts, wineries, ski areas and private developers.

O’Brien, who was raised in Vacaville, received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis and his law degree from the University of Denver. He and his wife Elizabeth Vigil O’Brien reside in Granite Bay with their three children.   

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