Heidi von Tongeln appointed as next city attorney
March 12, 2026 7:36 AM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 11, 2026) — The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday appointed Heidi von Tongeln as the next city attorney, following a nationwide recruitment.
Von Tongeln has served as the interim city attorney since September 2025, replacing outgoing City Attorney Doug Sloan. She has nearly 20 years of municipal law experience. She joined the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office in 2012 and served as chief deputy city attorney since 2022.
During her time in Santa Monica, she has represented the city’s legal interests in both litigation and transactional matters and has also provided advisory support to the city’s boards and commissions. She has served in the acting city attorney role since mid-August.
“Heidi von Tongeln is an incredible leader and a proven advisor,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said. “Her experience, professionalism and deep commitment to public service will be a tremendous asset to our community. This role is essential to ensuring the city operates with transparency, integrity and sound legal guidance. I’m confident her leadership will strengthen our ability to serve residents and support the city’s continued progress.”
Before coming to Santa Monica, von Tongeln served as deputy city attorney to three municipalities and assistant legal counsel to several redevelopment agencies, joint powers authorities, and special districts with Green, de Bortnowsky & Quintanilla, LLP. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and French from Pepperdine University and a law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law.
“I’m honored by the opportunity to serve as city attorney and grateful for the trust placed in me by the city’s leadership,” von Tongeln said. “I look forward to working alongside the mayor, councilmembers, city staff and the community to provide thoughtful legal guidance and support the city’s work on behalf of its residents.”
Von Tongeln assumes the position effective upon formal council approval of her contract on March 24 with an annual salary of $395,352.
Media Contact
Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
Tati.Simonian@santamonica.gov
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