San Bernardino Appoints New City Attorney
The San Bernardino City Council unanimously selected Albert J. Maldonado for the position on July 15, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in People
On July 15, 2026, the San Bernardino City Council voted unanimously to appoint Albert J. Maldonado as the city attorney. Maldonado previously served as deputy city attorney starting in 2018 and has worked closely with city leadership for 18 months prior to this appointment.
Why it matters
Maldonado brings years of local legal experience to the role, having served as deputy city attorney and as a partner at the firm Best Best & Krieger LLP. His track record includes facilitating land acquisitions and regional legal counsel for various districts.
Maldonado co-founded the Hispanic Bar Association of the Inland Empire, which successfully raised over $60,000 for the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. The group also manages the Promise Scholars Program, providing more than $100,000 in annual scholarships.
The players
Albert J. Maldonado
He is the newly appointed city attorney for San Bernardino and a partner at the law firm Best Best & Krieger LLP.
San Bernardino City Council
This is the local governing body responsible for legislative decisions and the appointment of city officials.
The details
Maldonado is a partner at Best Best & Krieger LLP and has navigated complex municipal projects, including the facilitation of a 123-acre land donation for the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Recreation and Park District. He has also been involved in regional civic issues such as the 200-bed SB Hope Campus navigation center.
Timeline
Maldonado began his tenure as deputy city attorney in 2018.
The Hispanic Bar Association of the Inland Empire was established in 2019.
The City Council appointed Maldonado as city attorney on July 15, 2026.
Market Landscape
Maldonado's appointment reflects a broader trend of local governments prioritizing legal leadership with deep roots in regional civic institutions. This approach positions the city to leverage established partnerships within the Inland Empire to manage municipal growth and public policy.
The transition to a new city attorney impacts how residents interact with municipal legal processes and local governance. Citizens may notice changes in how the city manages land use and regional project oversight under the new legal leadership.
The takeaway
Maldonado's appointment highlights the city's strategy of selecting leaders with proven experience in regional law and community mentorship. Residents can expect continued focus on large-scale civic projects and regional partnerships under his legal guidance.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership changes, visit San Bernardino People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inland Empire Community News.
