Morgan Hill’s City Attorney of nine years, Donald Larkin, announced his retirement Wednesday. His service will end July 25, after serving as the city’s chief legal advisor since 2016.
The announcement comes as Larkin prepares to transition into an interim role through a contract with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP, ensuring continuity during the city’s search for a permanent replacement—a process expected to take several months.
As of 2023, Larkin’s pay package, including benefits, came to $422,202.17, according to Transparent California.
Larkin brought more than two decades of public sector legal experience to his role, having previously served in junior roles in the city attorney offices of the cities of Santa Clara and Palo Alto. He also worked as Deputy County Counsel for Santa Clara County, where he advised the Sheriff”s Office and other departments.
In a notable full-circle moment, his public service career began in Morgan Hill as an intern in environmental programs.
Larkin kept a low profile, quietly supporting city officials on legal matters, including litigation, land use issues, labor negotiations and municipal law.
Official statements
“It’s been an honor to serve our community,” Larkin said in a prepared statement. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done together. While there have been challenges along the way, I’ve been fortunate to serve the City of Morgan Hill.
“It has been truly rewarding to work with such a thoughtful and compassionate team of professionals who work hard every day to make Morgan Hill a caring, safe, and inclusive community. I look forward to continuing to support the city in this next chapter.”
City Manager Christina Turner said, “Don has been more than a trusted legal advisor; he’s been a dependable and thoughtful partner in public service. I’ve valued his clear counsel, steady leadership and collaborative approach as we worked together to serve the Morgan Hill community.”
Mayor Mark Turner provided a statement as well: “Don’s retirement is bittersweet. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of working with someone whose wisdom, integrity and dedication are unmatched. We are grateful for his service and fortunate to have him continue guiding us in this interim capacity.”
Election districts settlement
The five-member city council has not always heeded Larkin’s advice. Notably, in a 2022 city redistricting case, a majority of the council voted to approve new election district maps that Larkin had advised were likely in violation of state and federal voting laws.
A group of Morgan Hill residents sued the city under the California Fair Maps Act, resulting in a judge’s ruling that the ill-advised maps were indeed in violation of the law. The city ultimately agreed to pay $38,000 in plaintiffs’ attorney fees for attempting to implement the new districts that Larkin and other voting law experts had recommended against.
Transition details
Larkin will assume his interim role beginning July 28, working part-time until a successor is appointed. The arrangement through Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP provides the city with experienced legal counsel during the recruitment process.
