“Strong legal systems and thoughtful risk management protect public resources and allow the city to function smoothly,” says City Attorney Nathalie Adourian.  “My priorities are to focus on systems, training, clear procedures and proactive risk management to support  reducing liabilities.”

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Nathalie Adourian, Orange City Attorney

For City Attorney Nathalie Adourian, protecting Orange isn’t just her work—it’s the community she calls home.  After nine years with the City of Orange and an appointment to city attorney last fall, Adourian leads with a philosophy rooted in preparation, collaboration and a deep belief in public service.

“Our philosophy is more proactive,” she says.  “I try to stay ahead of the changing regulations and laws.”

Her office—currently a team of six—advises the City Council, and every city department, board and commission.  That support includes public works contracts and employment matters to public meetings and ethics training.  Her office provides legal advice to decision-makers, ensuring neutrality while supporting informed and lawful outcomes.  It’s work that often happens quietly, she notes, but impacts every resident.

“What I value about my role is being behind the scenes making sure ordinances, disciplinary decisions or agreements are legally sound and defensible,” Adourian says.

Adourian’s path to municipal law was unique.  Born in France and raised on the island of Martinique, she immigrated to the U.S. at age 13.  She earned her undergraduate degree from UC Irvine and completed both a Master’s and Juris Doctor at Pepperdine.  Working in the public sector was always her passion.

A role with the City of El Monte opened the door.  Then in 2016, Adourian joined Orange, rising from risk manager to senior assistant city attorney, and ultimately to the city’s top legal role.  Today, she supports major development projects and internal investigations, while also updating provisions of the Orange Municipal Code and strengthening the city’s risk management systems.

“Having Nathalie has allowed us to perform our duties effectively and with confidence,” says Code Compliance Manager Rafael Perez, who has worked with Adourian for the past three years from the Community Development Office collaborating on drafting new ordinances or enhancing existing laws, as well as on the enforcement side, such as prosecuting code violations or other administrative actions.

“We’ve written more than five public safety laws in the last three years that have reduced societal effects on the community, such as on graffiti, nitrous oxide and the sale of tobacco to minors,” says Perez.  “These are city codes that Nathalie was instrumental in creating.”

For Adourian, Orange isn’t just where she works—it’s where she has planted roots.  She and her husband, Avo, were engaged here, and now raise two children in the community they’ve called home for 15 years.

“I love that I get to positively impact where I live,” she says.  “I care deeply about helping ensure the city is well-governed.”

Adourian hopes every resident feels that dedication.  “I want every individual who comes in contact with my office to feel like they matter,” she says.  “We’re here to help, and we’re all on the same team.”

Nathalie Adourian, City Attorney, City of Orange
300 East Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92866  /  714-744-5580