Marin County's Legal Counsel To Retire After Nine Years

SAN RAFAEL, CA — The Marin County Counsel will retire in June after more than nine years of service as the county's chief legal advisor, officials announced Monday.

Brian Washington, who has held the position since January 2017, will remain on staff through mid-year to ensure a smooth transition as the County searches for his successor.

The County launched a national recruitment effort earlier this spring, with the application period closing on March 8. Officials plan to begin interviews in April, with a Board of Supervisors appointment targeted for May.

“Brian has been a trusted counselor, steady hand, and invaluable partner to the Board of Supervisors, County leadership, and our community,” said Board President Eric Lucan. “His integrity, judgment, and deep understanding of public law have guided Marin through some of its most complex policy and legal challenges. We are profoundly grateful for his service and leadership.”

Washington dedicated most of his 37-year professional legal career to public service with county governments. A native of Davis, he came to Marin after two decades with Alameda County’s Office of the County Counsel, where he served as Chief Assistant County Counsel for just over five years. In 2024, Washington served as the President of the County Counsels’ Association, a statewide organization representing California’s 58 County Counsels Offices.

"It’s been an incredible honor to serve the people of Marin alongside such dedicated public servants,” Washington stated.

County Executive Derek Johnson praised Washington's tenure, noting it has been marked by a commitment to fairness, collaboration, and the rule of law.

“He has earned deep respect across the state’s legal and public policy communities,” Johnson said. “It will be a mighty challenge for us to find a lawyer of his caliber to lead this office. Brian has incredible integrity and experience, and his shrewd intellect and steady hand will be missed.”

The Office of the County Counsel, based at the Marin County Civic Center, provides legal representation and advice to the Board of Supervisors, County departments, numerous boards and commissions, special districts, and other local government agencies. The office has a staff of 24 and an annual budget of $6.7 million.