Darlene graduated from University of Washington with a B.A. in Business Administration and went on to receive her J.D. degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law (now Seattle University). She holds an LL.M. degree Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Washington. Darlene works as an Adjunct Professor with Olympic College, teaching business and tax planning subjects. She serves as pro tem judge with the Kitsap County District Court and with the Port Orchard Municipal Court.

Darlene currently represents court-appointed guardians in over 300 guardianships in Kitsap, Pierce, and Mason Counties. She represents the ARC (Association For Retarded Citizens,) the Hoehnen Guardianship Foundation, and several other non-profit organizations regarding guardianships and estate planning. She serves on the Title 11 Guardian ad Litem rosters in Kitsap and Pierce Counties.