Sacramento’s Downey Brand opening Silicon Valley law office

Downey Brand LLP, Sacramento’s largest law firm that last year saw numerous attorneys leave to form their own boutique offices, will open a new 22-person law office on Wednesday in Silicon Valley.

Michael Ferrazano, a nationally known patent lawyer, will head the Cupertino office, bringing associates, patent agents, a paralegal and 11 administrative support members from Womble Carlyle, a North Carolina-based business law firm with more than a dozen offices.

Ferrazano and his team have experience in sectors that computer technologies, electronics/telecommunications, mechanical/medical devices, bioinformatics, biotech and semiconductor technologies.

“This was a highly sought-after group. Mike is a uniquely talented and creative patent lawyer with enviable experience with world-class technology clients. We are excited to enter Silicon Valley together as one,” Scott Shapiro, Downey Brand managing partner, said in a statement.

Since December, Downey Brand has hired a new environmental attorney, named four new partners and added six new associates. The firm also has offices in Stockton, San Francisco and Reno.

This story was originally published March 31, 2015 at 11:24 AM with the headline "Sacramento’s Downey Brand opening Silicon Valley law office."