De Mayo Gets County Counsel Job

A veteran legal advisor to the Orange County Board of Supervisors was named Tuesday to replace longtime County Counsel Laurence M. Watson, who is retiring.

Benjamin de Mayo, who has worked in the county counsel’s office 24 years and headed its litigation team, was the unanimous choice of the five-member board, which made the selection in a closed session.

De Mayo, 51, will take over the staff of 98, including 61 attorneys, on Aug. 24.

Besides his litigation expertise, De Mayo has been the county’s lead attorney for land use and has an extensive background in public law including construction, elections, conflicts of interest, public records, taxation, housing, and environmental law.

Watson is leaving the county after 34 years. He became county counsel after then-Counsel Terry C. Andrus resigned amid criticism over his handling of events leading up to the 1994 bankruptcy.

“Ben was the ideal candidate for this position,” said board Chairwoman Cynthia P. Coad, who cited his extensive background in county affairs and the law.

“His leadership has been strong, and his keen analytical sense has benefited this board on many occasions.”

De Mayo received both bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Southern California. Board members set his salary at $162,406 a year.