In the Grand Prairie City Council meeting held on January 9, Maleshia McGinnis was officially appointed as the new City Attorney for the City of Grand Prairie. With over 22 years of experience in municipal law, McGinnis previously served as the City Attorney for North Richland Hills since 2016, where she acted as the primary legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager’s Office, City Secretary’s Office, city staff, and all City Boards and Commissions.
Before her tenure in North Richland Hills, McGinnis spent nearly 15 years in the Fort Worth City Attorney’s office, progressing from Prosecutor to Sr. Assistant City Attorney/Section Chief. During her time in Fort Worth, she held the position of head of the General Services Section for five years and served as the legal advisor to the city’s Economic Development Department and the Fort Worth Sports Authority.
Originally from Louisiana, McGinnis is a graduate of Louisiana State University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and law degree. She holds merit certification in municipal law and is licensed to practice by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
In addition to her professional achievements, McGinnis actively contributes to legal associations and community organizations. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas City Attorney’s Association, the International Municipal Lawyers Association, and the Tarrant County Bar Association. McGinnis has received the Governmental Excellence Award from the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.
Beyond her legal roles, McGinnis serves the community through her memberships in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Links, Incorporated. Her diverse experiences and commitment to public service position her to contribute effectively in her new role as the City Attorney for Grand Prairie.