ANTIOCH — The Antioch City Council appointed Lori Asuncion as its permanent city attorney after the city had been represented by an interim legal counsel for more than a year.
After a unanimous vote by the City Council on Tuesday, Asuncion will take over from Interim City Attorney Derek Cole, who managed Antioch’s legal affairs following the resignation of Thomas Lloyd Smith, the city’s first African-American city attorney, in January 2025.
Following Smith’s departure, the council hired Joe Gorton of Bob Hall and Associates to initiate a statewide search to fill the position.
After an “extensive and competitive” recruitment process, the City Council chose Asuncion for the role based on her leadership background, experience, and expertise in municipal law, the city said.
“I am honored that the mayor and council chose me to serve the city of Antioch and contribute to the success, stability, and resilience of the community,” Asuncion said.
According to city officials, Asuncion joined Stockton in 2007 as a deputy city attorney. She was promoted to assistant city attorney in 2018, before taking over as city attorney in 2022.
During her tenure in Stockton, Asuncion played “a critical role” in shaping city policies and ordinances, overseeing “sensitive investigations” and handling complex litigation, said city officials.
“She brings deep expertise in land use law, Brown Act compliance, and litigation management,” the city said in a statement.
Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal said with over 18 years of municipal law experience under her belt, Asuncion will be a “valuable asset” for the city.
“City Attorney Asuncion brings proven leadership and the ability to navigate complex challenges,” said Bernal. “I am confident she will be a valuable asset as we continue moving Antioch forward.”
Asuncion’s appointment also received Cole’s support, who said he had previously worked with her through the League of California Cities.
“Lori is widely respected in the City Attorney Community,” said Cole. “She has nearly two decades of legal experience in a large city attorney’s office. She is well prepared to work with the City Council, City Administration, and Executive Team to move Antioch forward.”
The Stockton native earned her law degree from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in 2005 and holds a bachelor’s degree from the California State University, Stanislaus.
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