Donald Larkin currently serves as deputy county counsel for the County of Santa Clara
Published in the May 11-25, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
City Attorney Donald Larkin
The Morgan Hill City Council appointed Donald Larkin as the next city attorney for Morgan Hill at its May 4 meeting.
After City Attorney Renee Garza announced she would take early retirement starting Dec. 1, 2015, the city retained Heather Renschler and the firm of Ralph Andersen and Associates in November to conduct an extensive recruitment process for the position of city attorney for the city of Morgan Hill. Gary Baum has served as interim city attorney during the last several months.
Following city council interviews, the leading candidates were interviewed by members of the city’s leadership team and city attorney office teammates. After the background and reference checks were successfully completed, the council made a decision to hire Donald Larkin as the city’s next city attorney.
“Mr. Larkin demonstrated through his interviews and work experience that he will be a valuable member of our team and work collaboratively with the city council to advance our community priorities,” said Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate.
Larkin has a strong background in municipal law and substantial experience, said Maureen Tobin, communications and engagement manager for the city.
He practiced law for 18 years and currently serves as deputy county counsel for the County of Santa Clara, with his primary assignment being attorney for office of the sheriff.
Prior to his work at the county, Larkin was acting city attorney and assistant city attorney in Palo Alto.
He previously served as deputy city attorney for the city of Santa Clara and as the city of Morgan Hill’s acting deputy city attorney. He has expertise in municipal law, including writ litigation, land use, environmental law, employee relations, housing, police, fire, the Public Records Act, and the Brown Act, Tobin said.
Larkin has agreed to the terms of the employment agreement which the city council approved this month.
Under the terms of the agreement, Larkin will start on or before July 11, 2016, with an annual salary of $215,000.
