Meredith Nikkel
About Meredith Nikkel
Meredith Nikkel is a lawyer based in Sacramento, CA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2023. Meredith Nikkel is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Sacramento, California
- Litigation - Environmental
- Natural Resources Law
- Water Law
Current Firm: Downey Brand LLP
Education: Stanford University, J.D., graduated 2007
Location: Sacramento, CA
Nearby Lawyers
Carley Roberts is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation and Controversy - Tax and Tax Law. Carley, who practices law in Sacramento, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Carley is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
David Emilio Mastagni is a partner with the law firm of Mastagni Holstedt, APC, who focuses on representing public employee unions and their members. His labor and employment law practice includes administrative hearings, pension litigation, writs of mandamus, class actions, and appeals. He is admitted to practice in California, the U.S. District Courts of Southern, Eastern, Northern and Central Districts of California, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. David's publ...
Robert Buccola is a managing and founding partner of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP and is a native of Sacramento. He is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Robert has been recognized by San Francisco Magazine as one of Northern California's Super Lawyers, which names attorneys in each state who have received the highest point totals, through both peer review and the independent research of Law & Polit...
Anthony J. DeCristoforo is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Anthony J., who practices law in Sacramento, California, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Anthony J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Charles Trainor is the senior shareholder of Trainor Fairbrook, the AV-rated law firm that he founded in 1978. The firm includes the largest group of commercial real estate attorneys in California’s Central Valley. Mr. Trainor represents clients on matters involving sophisticated real estate transactions including purchase and sale agreements, leases, partnership agreements and loan documentation. He also counsels lenders and borrowers regarding mortgage origination and workout matters....
Before rejoining the Hicks Thomas team in 2021, Eric Grant spent the previous four years as the federal government’s top appellate lawyer for energy and environmental litigation. As a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) of the U.S. Department of Justice, he supervised the lawyers who defended a wide range of permitting decisions related to pipelines and other projects, as well as the lawyers who prosecuted Clean Water Act claims aga...
Michelle Hallsten is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Venture Capital Law. Michelle, who practices law in Sacramento, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michelle is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
George F. Vogt, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. George F., who practices law in Granite Bay, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which George F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Michael J. Christian is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Michael J., who practices law in Sacramento, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Russell Austin has extensive experience in real estate and business law. He has planned, negotiated, and documented a complete array of real property transactions and supporting documentation, including purchase and sale transactions, exchanges, syndications, partnership and LLC formations, and a wide variety of financing transactions for owners/developers, institutional and private lenders, conservation organizations and other non-profit organizations, and public agencies, including conserva...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Build Your Legal Practice with Effective Online Networking
by Jamilla Tabbara
How thoughtful online networking supports sustained legal practice growth.
Blogging for Law Firms: Turning Content into Client Connections
by Jamilla Tabbara
How law firms use blogs to earn trust and win clients.
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer