Morgan Hill this week announced the retirement of City Attorney Donald Larkin, who closes out nine years working in the position.

“This has been for sure the most rewarding nine years of my career: being a part of a really fantastic community with co-workers who really care deeply about their work,” said Larkin.

Morgan Hill City Attorney Donald Larkin is retiring after nearly a decade with the city. (Sergio Covarrubias) 

Larkin, 57, began working for the city in 2016 as its legal adviser, where he said his most significant challenge was helping manage the city’s need to grow while preserving “the character of Morgan Hill.”

Prior to his time at Morgan Hill, he spent 15 years in legal roles with the cities of Palo Alto and Santa Clara as well as Santa Clara County. Larkin will join the legal firm Burke, Williams & Sorensen, which serves public and nonprofit clients.

“I’m not ready to stop working, it’s just a good time to move on to the next chapter,” said Larkin.

Through a contract with the firm, Larkin will continue providing legal services to the city part time until they find his replacement. Larkin’s retirement from the city will be effective July 25.

Mayor Mark Turner called the retirement “bittersweet” in a news release. “For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of working with someone whose wisdom, integrity, and dedication are unmatched,” he said. “We are grateful for his service and fortunate to have him continue guiding us in this interim capacity.”