Darren picture

Darren Ziegler

Partner

Inland Empire

t: (951) 241-7338

e: dziegler@awattorneys.com

VCard

Bio

Darren specializes in representing public agencies. He has previously served as Deputy County Counsel for the Riverside County Office of County Counsel. In this role, he acted as general counsel to the Department of Animal Services and the Office of Economic Development, advising on the formation and administration of special tax districts and handling civil litigation, including code enforcement cases.

Previously, as Deputy City Attorney for the Moreno Valley Office of the City Attorney, Darren managed general litigation, advised city advisory boards, commissions, and committees, oversaw compliance with the California Public Records Act, and served as the city’s risk manager.

Most recently, Darren has acquired specialized experience with the California Public Records Act, representing public agencies and assisting cities, special districts, school districts, community college districts, and counties in responding to Public Records Act (PRA) requests and subpoenas.

Darren provides comprehensive legal counsel, from policy development to litigation defense. Clients value Darren’s responsiveness, practical expertise, and deep understanding of public institutions. His approach blends strong legal knowledge with firsthand experience working in-house at government agencies, enabling him to anticipate obstacles and provide solutions that align with requirements and political realities.

 

  • Deputy County Counsel, County of Riverside
  • Deputy City Attorney, City of Moreno Valley

  • State Bar of California

  • “Challenges of Handling Requests for Police Personnel Records in an Evolving Landscape,” Daily Journal, May 3, 2024

  • “Government Transparency Act Is A Shameful Abuse of the Initiative Process,” Daily Journal, Sept. 12, 2023

  • Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists, Certified E-Discovery Specialist 
  • League of California Cities, Public Records Act Committee, Member
  • California Lawyers Association, Public Law Section Executive Committee, Vice Chair
  • League of California Cities, Municipal Law Institute, Former Committee Member
  • California Lawyers Association, Education Committee, Chair

  • “Game Plan for Transparency: Understanding the California Public Records Act,” California Special Districts Association Annual Conference, Aug. 27, 2025
  • “Interplay Between E-Discovery and the California Public Records Act,” City Clerks Association of California Annual Conference, May 1, 2025
  • “Overview of California Public Records Act,” Continuing Education of the Bar Webinar, March 18, 2025
  • “California Public Records Act Update 2025,” California Special Districts Association Webinar, March 4, 2025
  • “Transparency under the Public Records Act,” League of California Cities and the California Constitution Center Municipal Law Institute Symposium, Feb. 21, 2025
  • “How to Collect Evidence From Smartphones, Smartwatches, and Other Smart Devices: Becoming a Digital Sleuth and Examining Electronic Evidence,” National Business Institute Webinar, Jan. 28, 2025
  • “CPRA Compliance & Best Practices During an Election,” League of California Cities City Clerks New Law and Elections Seminar, Dec. 11, 2024
  • “Public Records Act Legal Updates,” California Lawyers Association's Open Meetings and Open Records Conference, Sept. 27, 2024
  • “General Overview of Common Exceptions & Access to Police Records through the California Public Records Act,” City Clerks Association of California Education Workshop, Jun. 27, 2024
  • “Advanced Training in the California Public Records Act,” California Special Districts Association Annual Conference, Sept. 10, 2024
  • "California Public Records Act 2024,” California Special Districts Association Webinar, March 5, 2024
  • "Ethics & Technology" The Next Frontier," League of California Cities' 2023 Municipal Law Insititute Symposium, Center for Social Justice and Public Service, Santa Clara University School of Law, Feb. 3, 2023

  • Virginia Tech, BS, 2010
  • William & Mary, JD, 2016