Damon Brown Appointed as San Diego County Counsel

Modern office building representing San Diego County Counsel

San Diego, January 14, 2026

Damon M. Brown has been appointed as the new County Counsel for San Diego County, bringing over two decades of extensive legal experience. His role is vital in ensuring that local regulations support economic growth and a business-friendly environment. With a background in high-stakes litigation and public and private sector legal strategies, Brown aims to enhance community engagement and streamline regulatory processes for local businesses, fostering an adaptable legal framework that supports San Diego’s diverse economy.

San Diego County Appoints Damon Brown as New County Counsel

San Diego, California – Damon M. Brown has been appointed as the new County Counsel for San Diego County, following a national search initiated after the abrupt retirement of former County Counsel Claudia Silva in July 2025.

Appointment Details

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved Brown’s appointment after a comprehensive recruitment process. Brown, who currently serves as a Special Assistant Attorney General to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, brings over two decades of experience in leading high-stakes litigation, regulatory enforcement, and legal strategies across government and private sectors.

Background and Experience

Prior to his role with the California Department of Justice, Brown served as the City Attorney for Compton, where he led the city’s legal operations. His private sector experience includes senior and partnership roles at law firms, representing public agencies and multinational corporations in complex employment litigation and labor compliance.

The Importance of County Counsel for San Diego’s Economy

With his extensive legal background, Brown steps into a role that is crucial in aligning the county’s legal framework with the needs of its businesses and residents. County Counsel serves as a critical advisor to the Board of Supervisors, ensuring that local regulations promote rather than hinder economic growth. San Diego County’s vibrant business ecosystem thrives when legal frameworks are supportive and not overly burdensome.

Fostering a Business-Friendly Environment

The appointment of an experienced County Counsel like Brown is expected to resonate positively throughout San Diego’s business community. As local entrepreneurs and small business owners face regulatory challenges, Brown’s expertise in both public and private sectors may encourage efforts to streamline processes and reduce red tape. A leaner regulatory landscape could result in an accelerated pace of business development, essential for job creation and economic resilience.

Potential Impact on Community Involvement

Under Brown’s guidance, the County Counsel’s office is poised to enhance its role in community engagement, particularly in soliciting input from local businesses and stakeholders. Collaboration between government and the private sector is vital for understanding the real-world implications of legal decisions and policies. By fostering open lines of communication, the office can better position itself to respond to the evolving needs of the local economy.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Growth

As his tenure begins, Brown will have the chance to implement legal strategies that align with entrepreneurial innovation in San Diego. The burgeoning sectors such as technology, healthcare, and tourism will benefit from and require an adaptable legal framework. By prioritizing a business-friendly legal environment, Brown’s leadership may help cement San Diego’s status as a hub for investment and development, continuing to attract California entrepreneurs and businesses looking to expand.

Conclusion

The appointment of Damon Brown as County Counsel marks a significant moment for San Diego County, with potential positive ramifications for its economy. His extensive experience in legal operations reflects a commitment to enhancing the business climate in the region. As San Diego continues to evolve, supporting local businesses and fostering innovative solutions will be essential in driving future growth and prosperity.

Readers are encouraged to stay informed about changes in local governance and to actively support San Diego’s small businesses, ensuring a vibrant economic future for the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who has been appointed as the new County Counsel for San Diego County?
    Damon M. Brown has been appointed as the new County Counsel for San Diego County.
  • What significant experience does Damon Brown bring to the County Counsel position?
    Brown brings over two decades of experience in leading high-stakes litigation, regulatory enforcement, and legal strategies across government and private sectors.
  • What previous roles did Damon Brown hold prior to this appointment?
    Prior to his role with the California Department of Justice, Brown served as the City Attorney for Compton, leading the city’s legal operations.
  • How is the County Counsel important for the local economy?
    County Counsel serves as a critical advisor to the Board of Supervisors, ensuring that local regulations promote rather than hinder economic growth.
  • What potential impact could Brown’s appointment have on community involvement?
    Brown’s guidance may enhance the County Counsel’s office’s role in community engagement, soliciting input from local businesses and stakeholders.

Feature Details
New County Counsel Damon M. Brown
Experience Over two decades in litigation and regulatory enforcement
Previous Roles City Attorney for Compton, Special Assistant Attorney General
Impact on Economy Supportive legal framework for local businesses
Community Involvement Enhancement of engagement and collaboration

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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER

The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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