A former city attorney for Stockton has been appointed as Antioch’s new top litigator, according to city officials.
The Antioch City Council appointed Lori Asuncion as the city’s new attorney following a unanimous 5-0 vote this week.
Asuncion brings more than 18 years of public service experience to Antioch. She most recently advised Stockton city leaders on complex and high-profile legal matters.
According to Antioch officials, Asuncion began working for the city of Stockton in 2007 as a deputy city attorney. She was promoted to assistant city attorney in 2018 and appointed city attorney in 2022.
Her background includes expertise in land use law, Brown Act compliance and litigation management.
Antioch launched a recruitment process after its previous city attorney left in January 2025. The City Council hired Joe Gorton of Bob Hall & Associates to conduct a statewide search. After what city officials described as an extensive and competitive process, the council selected Asuncion based on her experience, leadership and municipal law expertise.
Mayor Ron Bernal welcomed the appointment, saying Asuncion’s nearly two decades of municipal law experience in Stockton gives her the leadership needed to navigate complex challenges.
“I am confident she will be a valuable asset as we continue moving Antioch forward,” Bernal said.
Interim City Attorney Derek Cole also praised the selection, noting he has worked with Asuncion through the League of California Cities.
“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.
Born and raised in Stockton, she earned her law degree from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in 2005 and a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Stanislaus, in 2002.
