Gov. Schwarzenegger Names City Attorney’s Public Integrity Chief to Fill Vacancy Created by Retirement of Judge Paul Alvarado
SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 29, 2006) — City Attorney Dennis Herrera today offered high praise for the appointment by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of Deputy City Attorney Loretta M. Giorgi to the San Francisco County Superior Court, where she will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Paul Alvarado. Giorgi has served in the City Attorney’s Office since 1985, when she was hired by then-City Attorney George Agnost. Among the first appointments to the City Attorney’s Executive Team by Dennis Herrera when he took office in January 2002, Giorgi pioneered the role of Chief of Public Integrity under Herrera, successfully directing investigations and civil prosecutions of several of the office’s most complex and sensitive cases involving misconduct by City officials and contractors.
“The unfortunate risk of employing outstanding lawyers is that eventually others recognize just how outstanding they are-and in Lori Giorgi, Gov. Schwarzenegger has elevated to the bench an extraordinarily capable, highly-qualified lawyer with a remarkable commitment to public service,” Herrera said. “Disappointed though we are at the departure of such a talented friend and colleague, we recognize, too, what an asset she will be to a judiciary that serves us all. This is a wise choice by the governor, and a well-deserved honor for Lori Giorgi. And I know I speak for all of her friends in the entire City Attorney’s Office in congratulating her on her appointment.”
“I am honored and humbled by this appointment, but mostly I’m enthusiastic to continue my public service career in San Francisco as a Superior Court Judge,” said Giorgi. “I am very grateful to Gov. Schwarzenegger for entrusting this vitally important role to me, to City Attorney Dennis Herrera and former City Attorney Louise Renne for enabling me to play a leadership role in this office, and to all of my colleagues in the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office for their friendship throughout the years.”
Giorgi, 46, earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Golden Gate University School of Law and Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Davis.