The San Diego Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved California Special Assistant Attorney General Damon Brown as the new County Counsel, who comes to San Diego with two decades of experience, including public safety, civil rights, consumer protection, immigration, education, and voting rights. 

The former advisor to California Attorney General Rob Bonta will begin his job as San Diego County Counsel on Monday, January 26.

“I am honored by the Board of Supervisors’ vote confirming me as San Diego County Counsel and grateful for their confidence. 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,” said Damon Brown, San Diego County’s new County Counsel. 

Brown currently serves as Special Assistant Attorney General in the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, where he acts as a senior legal and policy advisor. He brings more than two decades of experience across public service and private sector practice, representing public agencies and private businesses in a range of civil matters, including labor and employment, class action, and constitutional and civil rights cases. Brown previously served as City Attorney for Compton, where he advised elected officials and guided the city through complex legal, housing, and economic development matters.

During today’s Board meeting, Chair Lawson-Remer said Damon Brown’s deep experience can take the County Counsel’s office to new heights.  

“With Damon Brown at the helm, the County Counsel’s Office will be a force for accountability, fairness, and effective government,” said Lawson-Remer. “As San Diegans face growing affordability pressures, attacks from Washington and the Federal government and complex public safety and environmental challenges, we need legal leadership that is both principled and practical. Damon brings exactly that.”

Brown earned his Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and African American studies from the University of California, Berkeley. In addition to his legal practice, he has contributed to legal education as an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School. His professional service includes leadership roles with several legal organizations, including the State Bar Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation and multiple bar associations focused on advancing equity and excellence in the legal profession.

 Vice Chair Monica Montgomery Steppe added, “I’m excited to welcome Damon Brown as County Counsel. His experience and ability to meet the moment speak for themselves, and I truly believe there’s no one more qualified for this role. I’m proud to be part of this new chapter of transparency and accountability for the County.”

County Counsel serves as the County’s chief legal officer, advising the Board and County departments on matters ranging from public integrity and accountability to complex litigation and the lawful delivery of essential services. Brown’s appointment is subject to approval by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.