Escondido, Calif. — The City of Escondido announced today that City Attorney Mike McGuinness will retire on September 4, 2026, concluding nearly two decades of dedicated service to the City.
McGuinness began his legal career in 1987 with the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, where he served until 2005, leaving as a Chief Deputy City Attorney. He later entered private practice with McKenna Long & Aldridge, LLP, focusing on construction litigation and transactions. In April 2008, McGuinness joined the City of Escondido as Assistant City Attorney, responsible for all trials and litigation. He was appointed Interim City Attorney in March 2017 and became the City’s permanent City Attorney in May 2017.
The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council and serves as the City’s chief legal advisor. Under McGuinness’s leadership, the City Attorney’s OƯice is comprised of eight attorneys and five staff members.
Among McGuinness’s most notable legal accomplishments is his role in the case City of Escondido v. Emmons, decided by the United States Supreme Court in 2019. The case resulted in a favorable ruling for the City and clarified the application of the doctrine of qualified immunity in federal civil rights cases.
During his tenure, McGuinness also guided the City through significant legal and policy challenges, including matters related to COVID-era moratoriums and the preparation of Measure I ballot materials. He served as President of the City Attorneys Association of San Diego from 2019 to 2020.
Originally from Connecticut, McGuinness shared that his retirement plans include spending more time with family and traveling. Reflecting on his career with the City, he said, “I have genuinely enjoyed working with the current and past mayors and city councilmembers as they care deeply about the future of the City and its residents. The City is blessed with a hard-working city staff and the City as a whole has so many opportunities for growth. I have been truly lucky to have had the opportunity to serve the City for the past 18 years and will miss the council and staff.”
“Mike has served this City with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a deep respect for the role of local government,” said City Manager Sean McGlynn. “We appreciate his dedication to Escondido and are thankful for the strong foundation he leaves behind.”
