Mission Statement

To involve, encourage and support Bar Association members, to serve as a liaison to the Marin County courts, and to educate the community and enhance access to legal services.

Marin County Bar Association Statement in Support of the Rule of Law and the Legal Profession

The Marin County Bar Association (MCBA) joins the American Bar Association and bar associations across the nation in reaffirming our steadfast commitment to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the critical role attorneys play in upholding justice and safeguarding democratic institutions.

Recent efforts by government officials to publicly criticize and seek punitive measures against members of the judiciary for their rulings, as well as to target lawyers and law firms for the clients they represent, pose a serious threat to the integrity of our legal system. These actions jeopardize judicial independence, compromise the right to legal representation, and risk eroding public confidence in our courts.

As stated in the March 2025 joint statement issued by the American Bar Association and more than 140 bar organizations nationwide, the legal profession must remain united in defending the principle that courts must be able to operate free from political interference, and that lawyers must be able to represent clients without fear of reprisal. To do otherwise would be to endanger the constitutional guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law.

We echo the words of Chief Justice John Roberts in his 2024 Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary: “Attempts to intimidate judges for their rulings in cases are inappropriate and should be vigorously opposed.” Judicial independence is not a political issue—it is a foundational tenet of our democracy.

Attorneys, likewise, have a professional and constitutional duty to represent clients—regardless of how contentious or unpopular the matter may be. Legal advocacy is not an endorsement of a client’s position; rather, it is an affirmation of the core legal principle that every person is entitled to counsel and a fair hearing. Targeting lawyers for fulfilling this duty undermines the adversarial system and weakens access to justice.

The legal profession must not remain silent. We have a responsibility—not just to our clients, but to our courts, our communities, and the Constitution—to speak out when the rule of law is under attack.

The Marin County Bar Association stands in solidarity with the American Bar Association and our fellow bar associations in rejecting these dangerous attempts to erode public trust in our legal institutions. We call on lawyers, judges, and legal leaders at every level to defend the independence of our courts and the integrity of our profession.

We stand for our colleagues.

We stand for our courts.

We stand for the Constitution.

We stand for the Rule of Law.

News
EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION
Mar 20, 2025
By Elisha J. Yang, Senior Counsel - Hanson Bridgett LLP

Climate change is no longer a distant threat – it is a reality affecting our communities today. From rising sea levels and extreme weather to environmental injustices disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations, the legal system plays a critical role in shaping how we respond. But the law is not just for policymakers and corporations; it is a tool for communities, advocates, and individuals working to protect our shared future.

2025 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Mar 20, 2025
By Kristine Fowler Cirby

It is an honor to step into the role of President of the Marin County Bar Association, and I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I have received along the way.

Installation 2025
Mar 20, 2025
By Emily Harrington

On February 12th, 2025, MCBA was proud to host its annual Board and Officers Installation Dinner and Legal Education Scholarship Fundraiser at the Mill Valley Community Center. Despite a rainy and cold evening, 149 guests, elected officials, and judges gathered to witness the induction of MCBA’s 2025 officers and directors, and to celebrate the 2025 Legal Education Scholarship recipients.

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Mar 20, 2025
By Carly Finkle, Senior Policy Manager & Diana Benitez, Senior Community Development Planner

Canal Alliance has been the leading advocate for low-income immigrants in Marin County since 1982. Focusing on education and immigration status to improve economic outcomes, we serve 4850 clients annually providing Immigration Legal Services, Youth and Adult Education, Workforce Development, and wraparound Social Services, including case management, healt information, and a food pantry. Our mission is to break the generational cycle of poverty for low-income Latino immigrants and their families by lifting barriers to their success. To extend our impact and address systemic barriers, our advocacy and community engagement efforts support Latino community members to lift their voices and advance safety, opportunity and wellness in their community.

Coastal Marin County
Mar 20, 2025
By Terence Carroll

In the coming years, sea level rise will have profound consequences for coastal West Marin. These consequences include threats to shoreline development, natural resources such as wetlands and other habitat areas, and public beaches, all of which support the economic, ecological, and social well-being of our coastal communities. Even now we see the beginnings of these impacts in the form of increasing incidence of flooding, shoreline erosion, and damage from storm surge.

2025 CEQA Updates
Mar 20, 2025
By Niran Somasundaram - Senior Counsel Hanson Bridgett LLP

The California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") has long been a cornerstone of environmental oversight in the state, but its rigorous environmental review process often poses an obstacle to housing projects leading to potentially lengthy delays, increased project costs, and potential legal challenges.


Membership

Members who make time to meet with their colleagues at MCBA events gain value from local connections and stay current with updates in the courts. Marin Superior Court Judges often comment that the most skilled lawyers are usually active MCBA members.

Sections

MCBA offers Sections in 12 legal practice areas. Each Section provides continuing legal education (CLE) and offers networking opportunities tailored to its members.

Community

MCBA provides resource listings for community services including low cost legal services, attorney referral services, partnerships with community legal organizations, and mediation services.

Directory

Browse our member directory for member listings in numerous legal practice areas.

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