Christopher Allen Darden

Christopher Allen Darden, Esq. is a respected criminal defense and personal injury lawyer with long experience in criminal law, civil litigation, and trial strategy. He is a special counsel at Metcalf & Metcalf, P.C. His practice focuses on high-profile litigation, criminal defense and investigations, defamation and media disputes, and civil tort claims. He served for about 15 years as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County, where he handled serious criminal matters. His work included assignments in the Hardcore Gang Unit, Central Trials Unit, and Special Investigation Division. Through careful preparation and strong courtroom judgment, he built a career focused on protecting rights, presenting evidence clearly, and guiding clients through high-pressure legal disputes.

Darden earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from San José State University and a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. This education gave him a strong base in criminal justice, legal research, advocacy, and courtroom practice. His academic path also supported his later work as a professor at Southwestern Law School, where he taught criminal procedure and trial advocacy. By teaching future lawyers, he helped strengthen professional skills that serve clients, courts, and local communities.

Darden gained international recognition as a lead prosecutor in the 1995 O.J. Simpson murder trial. In that case, he served as case manager, lead spokesperson, and co-trial counsel with Marcia Clark. After public service, he entered private practice and handled criminal defense, investigations, complex civil litigation, defamation matters, media disputes, and civil tort claims. His career shows experience on both sides of criminal cases, which helps him review facts, test arguments, and plan effective courtroom strategies for clients in need.

Christopher Allen Darden continues to help people by offering legal consulting, litigation support, trial strategy, commentary, and speaking services. He assists clients and legal teams with complex cases where judgment, preparation, and clear communication are essential. His background as a prosecutor, defense lawyer, educator, and author allows him to explain legal issues practically. Darden brings steady guidance to high-stakes matters involving criminal defense, civil litigation, courtroom advocacy, appeals, investigations, and careful, focused case planning work.

Law Office Affiliations

• Special Counsel, Metcalf & Metcalf, P.C.
• Former Attorney, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
• Founder, Darden & Associates, Inc.
• Member, State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of California, Hastings College of the Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• San José State University
  BS in Criminal Justice

Awards & Badges