Dennis E. Wagner

Dennis E. Wagner, managing partner at Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP, has been practicing law since 1981 and brings more than four decades of trial and appellate experience. He has represented public entities throughout his career, including counties, cities, state agencies, and judicial bodies, earning a reputation for skilled advocacy and trusted counsel.

Dennis earned his B.A. in Criminal Justice from Western Michigan University before pursuing his Juris Doctor at California Western School of Law in San Diego. After law school, Dennis began his legal career representing Clark County and other agencies in Nevada. He later served as Deputy County Counsel for San Bernardino County, advising officials and representing employees, departments, and members of the Superior Court.

Dennis has tried approximately 50 jury trials in both state and federal courts, with regular appearances before the California Courts of Appeal, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the California Supreme Court. His leadership roles include serving as Interim County Counsel for San Bernardino County, President of the Federal Bar Association (local chapter), and membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest standards of ethics and skill.

In private practice, Dennis E. Wagner co-founded Wagner & Pelayes, LLP in 2004, which later became Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP in 2019. His practice covers employment and civil rights claims, including FEHA and POBAR matters, often representing both public entities and employees. With a distinguished career advising boards, litigating complex cases, and securing strong verdicts, Dennis continues to be a leading advocate in Southern California’s legal community.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Partner, Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP
• Member, State Bar of California
• Member, State Bar of Nevada
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Member, Riverside County Bar Association (1987-1994)
• Member, San Bernardino County Bar Association (1994-Present)
• Member, Clark County Bar Association, Nevada (1982-1987)
• Barrister, Leo A. Deegan Inns of Court (1993-1995)
• Member, Inland Empire Federal Bar Association (1998-Present)
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates (2002-Present)
• Member, California Council of School Attorneys (2009-2016)
• Member, California School Boards Association (2009-2016)
• Board of Directors, Inland Empire Chapter, Federal Bar Association (2002-2015)

Licensed State

• California
• Nevada
• Texas

Education

• California Western School of Law San Diego
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Western Michigan University Kalamazoo
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges