An Official Publication of
The Marin County Bar Association
Alex Vahdat
Kristine Fowler Cirby
December 2024 Marin Lawyer
Farewell 2024


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Open the magazine and then Click on Download for PDF of 2024 December Marin Lawyer
Events
Wed | Feb 12 | 6-9P
General | 2025 Installation Reception, Dinner & Legal Education Scholarship Fundraiser (in person)
MCBA WILL HONOR OUR 2025 OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Oath of Office Administered by (Ret.) Judge Verna A. Adams, Marin County Superior Court

6:00 PM Cocktail Reception
7:00 PM Buffet Dinner and Program

2025 MCBA Officers:

President: Kristine Fowler Cirby | Cirby Family Law
President-Elect: Thomas (Tom) McInerney | Ogletree Deakins
Treasurer: Neusha N. Ghaedi | DeMartini, Walker & Ghaedi LLP
Secretary: Robyn B. Christo | Epstein Holtzapple Christo LLP
Past President: Scott Buell | Buell Law and Mediation
5 Year Past President: Matt White | Matt White Law PC

MCBA Board of Directors:

(to serve through 2025)
Morgan H. Daly | Morgan Daly Law Office
Shanti Eagle | Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Lucie C. Hollingsworth | Legal Aid of Marin
Nestor R. Schnasse | Schnasse Law
Elisha J. Yang | Hanson Bridgett LLP

(to serve through 2026)
Ingrid L. Carbone | Attorney at Law
Marisa R. Chaves | Hanson Crawford Crum Family Law Group LLP
Christine O'Hanlon | Marin County Public Defender's Office
Roni D. Pomerantz | California Department of Justice
Marrianne S. Taleghani | Nixon Peabody LLP

(to serve through 2027)
Sarah B. Anker | Marin County Counsel's Office
Paul Burglin | Burglin Law Offices, P.C.
Emily B. Harrington | Maier Law Group LLP
R. Wesley Pratt | Marin County District Attorney's Office
Adrea S. Tencer | ADZ Law, LLP

We will also recognize the Recipients of the 2024/2025 MCBA Legal Education Scholarship while raising money for 2025/2026 MCBA Legal Education Scholarship Fund. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

2025 MCBA Legal Education Scholarship Recipients:

Barbara Carmona, Santa Clara University School of Law
Natalie Dybeck, University of California, San Francisco School of Law
Max Friend, University of California, Berkeley School of Law
Nicholas Saloma, University of California, San Francisco School of Law

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Suggested Attire = Business
Buffet Dinner
Location: Mill Valley Community Center
Early Bird Members:$175
Early Bird Non-Members: $175
Members:$200
Non-Members: $200
News
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Reflecting on a Remarkable 2024 for MCBA
By Scott Buell
As 2024 comes to a close, so does my time as MCBA President. I can’t help but take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly incredible year for the Marin County Bar Association. From major accomplishments to building stronger connections among our members, this year has been nothing short of inspiring.  More >
Maintaining Wellbeing in the Practice of Law
By Kristine Fowler Cirby
As the new year approaches and we consider our resolutions, it’s time to think about self-care. The legal profession is known for its demanding nature, long hours, and high levels of stress. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential not only for personal well-being but also for professional longevity and success. While finding this balance can be challenging, there are practical strategies you can implement to create a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.  More >
Interview with Kristine Fowler Cirby, 2025 President of the Marin County Bar Association
By Ingrid Carbone
Kris has been practicing law for 33 years. She received her BA in Law and Society from UC Santa Barbara and received her law degree from University of San Francisco. She is originally from Philadelphia but grew up in San Jose, California. She has resided in Marin County, where she currently practices family law, for over 30 years.  More >
Community Violence Solutions: Supporting Survivors in Marin County, California
By Kristine Fowler Cirby
Community Violence Solutions (CVS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault and abuse, empowering communities to prevent violence, and fostering a safer, more equitable society. Serving Contra Costa and Marin counties in California, CVS offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support survivors, provide education, and facilitate systemic change. For attorneys practicing in Marin County, understanding the resources CVS provides is essential to offering trauma-informed legal advocacy and connecting clients with critical support.  More >
Ten Things You Should Know... About the Marin County Discovery Facilitator Program
By Matt White
Civil discovery motions in the Marin Courts go to the “Discovery Facilitator Program” before being decided by a judge. Here are ten things you should know about the process.  More >
The 2024 Bay Area MCLE Conference
By Kristine Fowler Cirby
The 2024 Bay Area MCLE Conference, hosted by the Marin County Bar Association on November 19 and 20, brought together esteemed legal professionals to address pressing issues in law and society.  More >
Notices
Become a Sponsor for the 2025 Installation Reception and Dinner
Please join MCBA and our legal community for our annual 2025 Installation Reception, Dinner & Legal Education Scholarship Fundraiser.

We will install and celebrate our 2025 Officers and incoming Board of Directors on Wednesday, February 12th at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, in Mill Valley, beginning at 6:00 PM.

Register Here! (Early Bird Deadline is Tuesday, January 14th)

Become a Sponsor
Event Table Sponsorships Opportunities:
Counsel: $3,000
Includes: Ten (10) Event tickets, company name - acknowledgement on MCBA website and all event promotions, and ad in Spring Marin Lawyer
Barrister: $2,000
Includes: Four (4) Event tickets plus company name-acknowledgment on MCBA website and all event promotions
Advocate: $800
Includes: Two (2) Event tickets plus company name-acknowledgment at the event
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Calendar
Wed | Jan 22 | 12-1P
Estate Planning, Trust and Probate | Estate Planning, Trust and Probate & Probate Litigation Sections Meeting (virtual)
Prosecuting & Defending Trust Litigation
Carmen D. Sinigiani | Spaulding McCullough & Tansil LLP
Pamela E. Stevens | Spaulding McCullough & Tansil LLP
1.0 CLE | General
Tue | Jan 28 | 12-1P
Family Law | Family Law Section Meeting (in person)
Court Update with Family Law Judges & Commissioner
Judge Beth S. Jordan | Marin County Superior Court
Commissioner Janet L. Frankel | Superior Court of California, County of Marin
Judge Mark A. Talamantes | Marin County Superior Court
1.0 CLE | General
Wed | Feb 05 | 12-1P
Estate Planning, Trust and Probate | Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Section (in person)
Meet, Eat and Share with your Colleagues
Julia Butler | Law Office of Julia C. Butler
Shelley Clark | Epstein Holtzapple Christo LLP
Wed | Feb 12 | 6-9P
General | 2025 Installation Reception, Dinner & Legal Education Scholarship Fundraiser (in person)
MCBA WILL HONOR OUR 2025 OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Buffet Dinner
Wed | Feb 26 | 12-1:30P
Estate Planning, Trust and Probate | Estate Planning, Trust and Probate & Probate Litigation Sections Meeting (virtual)
2024: Year In Review
Patrick A. Kohlmann | Temmerman, Cilley, & Kohlmann
John W. Prokey | Ramsbacher Prokey Leonard LLP
Steven P. Braccini | Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
1.5 CLE | General
Wed | Mar 05 | 12-1P
Estate Planning, Trust and Probate | Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Section (in person)
Meet, Eat and Share with your Colleagues
Julia Butler | Law Office of Julia C. Butler
Shelley Clark | Epstein Holtzapple Christo LLP
Office Space, Employment Opportunities, Services and More...
MCBA encourages submission of articles that may interest the legal community. The editor reserves the right to publish, decline to publish, edit, or otherwise modify any submission. Editorial material should be sent to Marin County Bar Association by email.