About
Darren Larsen Patnoe is an attorney in private practice in Camarillo, California, specializing in federal and state tax controversies, estate planning, wills and trusts, and bankruptcy. At the outset of her legal career she worked as a tax attorney in the Office of Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service in three districts for many years. Her tenure included service as a trial attorney, Assistant District Counsel and the Acting District Counsel. For 8 years during her career with the IRS, she represented the IRS in Bankruptcy Court as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Alaska District and the Central District of California. Throughout her decades in private practice she has collaborated with many professionals including accountants, financial planners and other attorneys in working with clients to solve problems and improve their financial and business situations. Darren is currently adjunct faculty at The American College and California Lutheran University teaching estate planning courses. She is a Certified Professional Business Coach.
Education, Certifications, and Boards:
Darren’s undergraduate degree is from UCLA (Economics and Political Science) where she also attended the Graduate School of Education and obtained a teaching credential. She earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California. Darren later earned a LLM from New York University School of Law in Taxation.
In 2021 Darren received her certification as a Professional Business Coach.
Darren is on the National Board of Women In Insurance and Financial Services holding the office of Secretary, and she has been active in the Los Angeles Chapter of WIFS serving as Treasurer.
For twelve years Darren was on the Board of the Pleasant Valley Education Foundation which supported K-8th grade public school students in Camarillo by producing programs in arts and technology. This included many years as tournament director for FIRST Lego League robotics tournaments for youth. She continues to volunteer in the robotics program and the junior program for younger children. Other volunteer positions included many years in Girl Scouts and school-related activities. Darren was also a volunteer attorney in the Los Angeles Free Clinic Bankruptcy Clinic.
Areas of Expertise:
Estate Planning
Tax Controversies