Clayton Names First New City Attorney in 47 Years

There have been nine U.S. presidents since the last time the City of Clayton named a new city attorney, but on Monday the city officially got a new attorney for the first time in 47 years.

Malathy Subramanian was named the new city attorney at a special council meeting Monday. The new assistant city attorney is Melanie Donnelly, who is, with Subramanian, part of the law firm Best, Best & Krieger.

Subramanian is already the city attorney for Lafayette and was recently the general council for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. She beat out 20 other applicants for the job.

"I'm thrilled to representing the City of Clayton," Subramanian said. "I look forward to working with the city council and city staff and getting to better know the community."

Subramanian takes over for the departing Maury Huguet, . Huguet got the position in 1961.

"Mala and her firm bring a tremendous knowledge, experience and depth to the table and the city will be well served," Mayor David Shuey said. "We thank Maury and Dan for their long service and congratulate Mala and her firm for their representation in the future."