Darien Key

Darien Key is an associate attorney who works out of our Oakland office in our Land Use and Natural Resources practice group. Darien’s practice focuses on CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act), municipal law (such as Brown Act compliance, Public Records Act, Conflicts of Interest, etc.), water (SGMA compliance and groundwater adjudications), environmental, energy and natural resources matters, land use, and litigation.

Born and raised in Bakersfield, CA, Darien understands the importance of water and environmental regulations by helping clients in developing and implementing effective strategies to obtain, maintain, protect and transfer water rights and supplies. Darien enjoys helping people, businesses, and local governments solve their problems by translating “legalese” into everyday language that helps clients make the necessary decisions to push projects forward. In his role, he becomes the face of the law – forming solid relationships, and having his clients’ backs every step of the way in their legal matters.

Outside of work, Darien is a workout warrior who enjoys hiking, weight lifting, and rock climbing, as well as just relaxing with his two dogs and two cats. He’s also a great cook inspired by the creativity offered by his epicurean adventures – ask him about his go-to lasagna dish!

• Current Editor, California Land Use & Policy Reporter
• Previous Member, City of Pleasant Hill Planning Commission
• Previous Member, Contra Costa Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agency Independent Hearing Panel

• Author, “California Bill Could Transform Prime Agricultural Land Into Solar Farms, July 2024, California Water Law And Policy Reporter,” July 2024, California Water Law And Policy Reporter, https://argentco.com/ (subscription required)
• Author, “California Flood Flows – New Legislative Attempts to Capture Precipitation under New Water Code 1242 After Another Wet Water Year,” June 2024, California Water Law And Policy Reporter, https://argentco.com/ (subscription required)
• Author, “California State Board Hosts Workshop On Revised Draft Proposed Regulation For ‘Making Conservation A California Way Of Life,’” May 2024, California Water Law And Policy Reporter, https://argentco.com/ (subscription required)
• Author, “California Department Of Water Resources Releases Draft California Water Plan Update 2023,” November 2023, California Water Law And Policy Reporter, https://argentco.com/ (subscription required)
• Author, “Federal Open Access Evapotranspiration Data Act in Congress Proposes Significant Updates to Water Measurement and Management,” July 2023,  California Water Law And Policy, https://argentco.com/ (subscription required)
• Author, “California Legislature Introduces Bills Impacting The Elevated Status Of Pre-1914 And Riparian Water Rights,” March 2023, California Water Law And Policy Reporter, https://argentco.com/ (subscription required)
• American Bar Association, Water Resources Newsletter, Mexican Sewage in American Waters: Who Is Responsible for Fixing the Sewage Crisis?
• Hanson Bridgett, The Brown Act Finally Meets Social Media
• Hanson Bridgett, Governor’s Executive Order N-42-20 Restricts the Ability of Water Service Providers to Shut Off Water Service

• CALI Awards (Highest Grade) at the University of San Diego School of Law in Ocean, Coast Law and Animal Law Classes
• Donald Weckstein Scholarship, awarded annually to law students based on their contribution to the University of San Diego School of Law

• California