Chelsea Downes

Chelsea Downes is an associate in the Public Law Department at Richards, Watson & Gershon. She advises local governments and other public agencies on a wide range of municipal law issues, including governance, regulatory compliance, and public policy.

Professional Experience

Chelsea first joined Richards, Watson & Gershon in 2023 as a Summer Associate. Prior to joining Richards, Watson & Gershon full time, Chelsea worked as a legal intern for the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in Arusha, Tanzania where she assisted in litigation efforts to prosecute war criminals and crimes against humanity.

During law school, Chelsea had the pleasure to extern for the Honorable Otis D. Wright II at the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. She also served as a certified law clerk with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s office.

Chelsea represented Loyola Law School as an oralist on the National Moot Court Competition team and worked as a legal writing teaching assistant throughout law school.

Chelsea brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit fundraising and development to her legal career.

Professional and Community Affiliations

Member, California State Bar