San Bernardino City Attorney: Albert Maldonado's New Role

The San Bernardino City Council and mayor unanimously appointed Albert J. Maldonado as city attorney on July 15, 2026. The decision marks the formalization of a role he has effectively held for the past year and a half. Maldonado, a partner at Best Best & Krieger LLP, has advised the city government since 2018. He previously served as deputy city attorney during that period.

His legal work in the city has focused on specific infrastructure and housing projects. He assisted with the adoption of a certified housing element. He also helped develop the SB Hope Campus. This facility is a 200-bed navigation center designed for people experiencing homelessness. Beyond San Bernardino, Maldonado serves as assistant town attorney for Apple Valley and assistant city attorney for Upland. He is also the general counsel for the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Recreation and Park District.

In his capacity with the recreation district, Maldonado facilitated the acceptance of a 123-acre land donation. His team completed the legal process for this donation within six weeks. This action expands the district's ability to build future recreational amenities. As part of the Municipal Law and Special Districts practice group at his firm, he advises various public agencies on governance, land use, and public contracts.

Maldonado has deep roots in the region, having grown up in Rancho Cucamonga and now living in San Bernardino. He is a co-founder of the Hispanic Bar Association of the Inland Empire, which launched in 2019. He previously served as its president. The association raised more than $60,000 for the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. His law firm provided pro bono legal services to support the center's opening.

Education and mentorship remain central to his professional activities. Maldonado helped create BBK’s Law 101 Day. This program introduces high school students to legal careers through practical exercises. The 2026 event took place in San Bernardino in partnership with Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes’ Young Senators Program. He also serves on the board of the Ontario-Montclair School District Foundation. The foundation's Promise Scholars Program has expanded from a single $10,000 scholarship to awarding over $100,000 annually to more than a dozen students.

He mentors dozens of prelaw students from local institutions, including California State University, San Bernardino, and UC Riverside. He recently encouraged a student to apply to the Harvard Divinity School prospective student program. The student had initially hesitated due to travel costs while studying abroad. With Maldonado's support, she applied and was accepted with all expenses paid. He has also spoken at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Hispanic National Bar Association.

Maldonado continues his board service with West End Family Counseling, the San Bernardino Symphony, and the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation. His legal practice and community leadership roles keep him active in local governance and student development.