City mourning the loss of longtime City Attorney

Date: September 10, 2025

Bill Curley

The City of Mission Viejo is mourning the loss of longtime City Attorney William “Bill” Curley who passed away over the weekend.

The City flag was lowered to half-staff in honor of Bill, a partner in Harper & Burns LLP., who spent more than two decades serving the City of Mission Viejo as an essential contract employee. 

Bill’s expertise and proactive and essential work helped guide the City in several practice areas: housing, economic development/redevelopment opportunities and responses; special district representation, ethics and official conduct, land use advice, code enforcement, the negotiation and drafting of development agreements for large-scale residential, commercial and industrial developments, the review and preparation of all types of California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act documents activity and much more. 

During the City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Council Members and staff at the dais expressed their sadness and honored Bill’s vast contributions on behalf of this community.

Comments

Submitted by Tom DeSantis on Thu, 02/19/2026 - 2:52 pm

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I had the immense good fortune to work with Bill in his important role for the "other MV"...the City of Moreno Valley. His expertise, and inimitable style, were invaluable in guiding us through very complex projects. I was saddened to learn of his passing, and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues.

Submitted by Tom Towey on Sat, 09/13/2025 - 1:28 pm

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I attended 1 of the MV city council meetings regarding the new park and development of the OSO Creek area. Bill was there and spoke of some of the legal details. I came away really impressed with his knowledge & friendly demeanor as he explained a technical detail in a very collegial manner. He will be hard to replace.

Sincerely
Tom Towey

Submitted by Brenda Cooper on Fri, 09/12/2025 - 4:46 pm

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Whenever Bill Curley spoke at a Mission Viejo City Meeting - you knew he was telling the true story with facts......I always admired his service to Mission Viejo over the years and sorry to hear about his passing.
Brenda Cooper, homeowner in Mission Viejo for 45 years.

Submitted by Jim Leach on Thu, 09/11/2025 - 8:31 pm

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I had the privilege of knowing and working with Bill for many years. He was cordial, collegial, and a consummate professional. I know he’ll be missed by his family and the Mission Viejo community. May he rest in peace.

Submitted by Steve Bell on Thu, 09/11/2025 - 7:02 pm

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Bill was great guy to work with. Professional and easy to work with. And that great sense of humor! I'm so sad to hear this. My prayers are with his family.

Submitted by Janet Alexander on Thu, 09/11/2025 - 6:10 pm

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We ran into Bill when visiting our family in Riverside County. He was so happy to meet us and chatted for a long time. He was truly a wonderful representative of Mission Viejo

Submitted by Steven Guess on Thu, 09/11/2025 - 5:44 pm

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Bill Curley was an outstanding attorney and I know how integral a City Attorney is to a public agency. He will be missed by all. Rest in peace and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Submitted by Louise Sobieski on Wed, 09/10/2025 - 6:12 pm

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Mr. William “Bill” Curley served Our city well!
He will be remembered fondly for his service!
May his family be comforted with the Council’s acknowledgement!

Submitted by William Curley IV on Wed, 09/10/2025 - 4:29 pm

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Thanks so much for honoring my dad. I know he'd have loved hearing all of your stories about his quirky behavior and glad to hear he was so supportive of the city he lived and worked in.

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