San Rafael, CA – Brian Washington, who has worked 20 years with the Alameda County Counsel’s Office in several roles, will be recommended as the next County Counsel for the County of Marin during the December 6 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Brian Washington has spent 20 of his 28 years as an attorney with the County of Alameda.
Washington was selected after a nationwide search and extensive recruitment process including interviews with a professional panel and the Board of Supervisors. Washington would start his new job January 9, 2017, and serve a four-year term as consistent with Government Code. He would replace Steven Woodside, who is retiring after four years with the County of Marin.
In his most recent role as Alameda County’s Chief Assistant County Counsel, Washington supervised up to eight attorneys on public works contracts, purchasing, public health, finance, taxation and other government matters. He advised the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Department on land-use matters while helping to lead the County Counsel’s Office with all other legal issues.
“I was looking for a new career challenge, and a chance to lead the Marin office seemed like a great step,” Washington said. “It was also a chance to lead an office in the region where I currently live. I’m really looking forward to working with the County Counsel team.”
Washington, a native of Davis, Calif., served as Chief Assistant County Counsel for Alameda County since October 2011 and was Assistant County Counsel for 13 years over two separate stints. He started his career with Alameda County in 1994 as a Deputy County Counsel.
Washington worked as a private-sector attorney for five years after earning a degree from Yale University Law School in 1989. His law firm experience includes time with Latham & Watkins of Los Angeles, Keker & Van Nest of San Francisco, and Miller Brown & Dannis of San Francisco.
The Berkeley resident has a bachelor’s degree in history, with honors, from Stanford University.
“Brian stood above a very talented field of applicants,” County Administrator Matthew Hymel said. “He has both the intelligence and experience to provide legal advice to the Board of Supervisors and our County departments.”
The Marin County Counsel’s Office has an annual budget of just less than $5 million and is staffed by 24 full-time employees based at the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael. Its primary role is to provide responsive and timely legal advice to the Board of Supervisors, County departments, assorted boards and commissions, special districts and other local government agencies.
Washington’s base salary will be $233,293 and benefits will be commensurate with other County department heads.