SAN DIEGO — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 today to appoint Damon Brown, a California special assistant attorney general, to lead the County Counsel’s Office.
Supervisor Jim Desmond was absent during Tuesday’s meeting due to illness.
Board Vice Chair Monica Montgomery Steppe said Brown “brings more than two decades of legal experience in both public service and private sector practice, and embodies the county’s principles of transparency, experience and integrity.”
Brown will begin his new role on Jan. 26 and will officially resign from the state position on Jan. 23.
His annual salary will be $380,000.
“I look forward to serving the county, the board and our residents with ethical, sound, and practical legal counsel, and to supporting transparent and effective county government,” Brown said.
Claudia Silva stepped down from the county counsel position in July. Citing anonymous sources, the local news outlet La Prensa reported that Silva’s exit, which was publicly described as a retirement, was actually a forced departure related to conflicts over a lawsuit filed against the county, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, and former Supervisor Nora Vargas.
Silva’s exit came shortly after a closed-session meeting regarding her job performance. David Smith was appointed acting county counsel.
In August, Desmond asked federal prosecutors to investigate the circumstances behind Silva’s departure and whether it was tied to allegations of an “illegal backroom deal” or other improper acts.
Brown serves in the California Attorney General’s Office, acting as a senior legal and policy advisor. He has practiced law in both the public and private sectors for more than two decades, including serving as city attorney for Compton.
“My career in public service has been rooted in civic engagement and a belief that effective leadership at the national, state, and local levels can advance justice, equity and the public good,” he said.
Brown earned his law degree from Vanderbilt University and holds a bachelor of arts in political science and African American studies from UC Berkeley. He has also worked as an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School.
“The county counsel’s office plays a critical role in protecting the public trust and upholding the rule of law — standing up for consumers, safeguarding public dollars and advancing a modern county government that works for working families,” Lawson-Remer said in an earlier statement. “Damon Brown brings deep experience in public law, and we look forward to working with him in this role.”
Supervisor Paloma Aguirre said that, at a time when families “are feeling fear and frustration” about their safety, the position matters more than ever, and she was confident that Brown has the necessary background and expertise.
Brown’s professional service includes leadership roles with legal organizations, including the State Bar Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation and multiple bar associations.
The county counsel serves as the county’s chief legal officer, advising both the board and county departments.
UPDATE: This article has been updated to reflect the Supervisors’ 4-0 approval of Damon Brown as county counsel.
