Turlock City Attorney George Petrulakis announced Friday that he will be ending his tenure as the contract city attorney, stating that the time is right to return to private practice.
Petrulakis, the principal attorney at Petrulakis Law & Advocacy based in Modesto, was hired as the interim city attorney in February 2021, then took over on a permanent basis shortly thereafter.
“When I took on the role, I made a commitment to the mayor and city council to stabilize the city attorney’s office, and also to evaluate the future needs of the city as to its legal services needs,” Petrulakis said. “When I started this job, I was in my 50s. Well, I’m no longer in my 50s. I plan on practicing for a long time; it’s time for me to focus on my land use and real estate practice.”
A native of Modesto and a 1981 graduate of Grace Davis High School, Petrulakis graduated from Harvard with a degree in government, then obtained his law degree at UCLA. He has practiced law for more than 30 years.
“I think I would’ve been surprised back then (2021) to find I was still doing the city attorney job years later,” said Petrulakis. “I don’t know if all the citizens of Turlock know this, but they have a terrific mayor and a terrific council, and I think it’s important that this council make a determination as to the long-term prospect for city attorney services.”
Mayor Amy Bublak thanked Petrulakis for his contributions.
“George has been a trusted advisor, providing wise counsel to both the council and our city staff,” Bublak said. “His guidance has helped Turlock remain one of the best places to live in California.”
Bublak pointed out that when Petrulakis began the job, Turlock was facing the COVID-19 crisis and large homelessness encampments.
“George astutely worked us through those issues legally, and a myriad of others since,” the mayor said.
Bublak also highlighted Petrulakis’ work with the city’s public safety leaders to strengthen ordinances dealing with crime and homelessness, and with city engineers to help launch the city’s roads program.
“It has been an honor to serve Turlock and work alongside so many dedicated public servants,” said Petrulakis. “I am proud of what we accomplished together and confident the city will continue to thrive. It’s a great city with great people.”
To facilitate a smooth transition, Petrulakis said he’ll continue in his current role until a successor is found.
“I told the council I would handle the transition however they want,” said Petrulakis. “I would never leave a client in a lurch. I want to take the time to handle it the way they want to handle it. They’re the bosses.”
The council will begin choosing a successor in the coming weeks.
“I’m disappointed that Mr. Petrulakis is moving on, but I understand his commitment to family,” said Councilmember Rebecka Monez (District 2), also an attorney. “I do recall when he took over from the city’s former attorney, the process was seamless. I expect it to be seamless again, and I know Mr. Petrulakis will ensure that it is, because he cares about Turlock.”
Petrulakis said he will miss working with great people in City Hall.
“The department directors were great; I’ve worked with great city managers; and the citizens who hold us accountable are great,” said Petrulakis. “I think Turlock is a unique city with fantastic qualities. It was very enjoyable.”
