An Official Publication of
The Marin County Bar Association
Elisha Yang
Emily Harrington, Lucie Hollingsworth
March 2025 Marin Lawyer
Climate Change & the Law


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Open the magazine and then Click on Download for PDF of 2025 March Marin Lawyer
Events
Wed | Mar 26 | 12-1P
General | General Membership Meeting (virtual)
Beyond Burnout: Practical Solutions for Lawyer Well-Being
The MCBA Program Committee invites you to attend the virtual presentation, Beyond Burnout: Practical Solutions for Lawyer Well-Being on Wednesday, March 27th from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.

Join the Wellness Panel as they take an in-depth look at Mental Health & Attorneys and the practical tools available to support emotional fitness and resilience.

Explore the unique challenges legal professionals face when it comes to mental health. This panel will dive into the stressors of the legal profession, how they impact well-being, and the practical tools available to support mental health and resilience. Whether you're seeking support, resources, or a better understanding of wellness in the legal field, this discussion is for you.

***For those that are not able to attend but interested in the post-meeting recording, we require that you Register for the Event. Once the presentation has concluded, if the recording is adequate, we will send it to those that were not able to attend. MCBA does not provide CLE for viewing recordings post presentation.***
1.0 CLE | Wellness Competence
Location: Zoom Webinar
Members: $25
Non-Members: $50
Thu | Apr 03 | 5-6:30P
General | General Membership Social (in person)
Thirsty Thursdays
Calling All Marin Attorneys!

Ready to expand your network, catch up with colleagues, or just make new friends? Join us for Thirsty Thursdays, with the Marin County Bar Association!

Here’s the deal:
When? The First Thursday of every month, starting at 5:00 PM (New Time!)
Where? A rotating lineup of restaurants and bars in Marin--this month we'll meet at The Burren House Irish Pub & Kitchen

No RSVP, No-Host, No Fuss—just show up, buy yourself a drink and an appetizer, and enjoy casual, face-to-face conversations with fellow attorneys who work or live in Marin County. Bring your business cards, your best stories, and let’s make Thursdays something to look forward to again!

Whether you're looking to grow your network or just unwind with a great group, Thirsty Thursdays is the perfect way to mix business and pleasure.

See you there!
1.0 CLE | Wellness Competence
Location: The Burren House Irish Pub & Kitchen
Sun | Apr 27 | 9A-12P
General | Earth Day at McInnis Park (in person)
MCBA Community Service Day
Let’s celebrate Earth Day together by joining Marin County Parks for a park beautification workday. Work will include a tree-planting and landscaping project near the tennis and pickleball courts. You won’t want to miss this fun opportunity to connect with colleagues and to make a lasting impact on a precious local resource. We hope to see you there.

Space is limited to the first 20 to sign-up. Register Today!

Safety First:
Poor weather or air quality conditions may cancel. To confirm the status, additional information will be sent out prior to Event.

What to Bring:
Bring work gloves if you have them, a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.

Location:
Meet at the tennis / pickleball courts at McInnis Park in San Rafael (310 Smith Ranch Rd). We’ll have a bright orange MCBA tent/shelter up to make our group easy to locate.

Driving Directions:
For those who prefer getting directions the old-fashioned way, from Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the Smith Ranch Rd exit east approximately 0.7 miles. Drive over the railroad tracks and immediately turn left to stay on Smith Ranch Rd. (If you go through the park entrance, you have gone too far). Look for the sign for the Skate Park, turn right, and follow the road to the parking lot.
1.0 CLE | Wellness Competence
Location: McInnis Park
Free
Thu | May 01 | 5-6:30P
General | General Membership Social (in person)
Thirsty Thursday
Calling All Marin Attorneys!

Ready to expand your network, catch up with colleagues, or just make new friends? Join us for Thirsty Thursday, with the Marin County Bar Association!

Here’s the deal:
When? The First Thursday of every month, starting at 5:00 PM
Where? A rotating lineup of restaurants and bars in Marin--this month we'll meet at The Cantina in Mill Valley

No RSVP, No-Host, No Fuss—just show up, buy yourself a drink and an appetizer, and enjoy casual, face-to-face conversations with fellow attorneys who work or live in Marin County. Bring your business cards, your best stories, and let’s make Thursdays something to look forward to again!

Whether you're looking to grow your network or just unwind with a great group, Thirsty Thursday is the perfect way to mix business and pleasure.

See you there!
1.0 CLE | Wellness Competence
Location: The Cantina
Thu | Jun 05 | 5-6:30P
General | General Membership Social (in person)
Thirsty Thursday
Calling All Marin Attorneys!

Ready to expand your network, catch up with colleagues, or just make new friends? Join us for Thirsty Thursday, with the Marin County Bar Association!

Here’s the deal:
When? The First Thursday of every month, starting at 5:00 PM
Where? A rotating lineup of restaurants and bars in Marin--this month we'll meet at the State Room Brewery*Bar*Kitchen in downtown San Rafael

No RSVP, No-Host, No Fuss—just show up, buy yourself a drink and an appetizer, and enjoy casual, face-to-face conversations with fellow attorneys who work or live in Marin County. Bring your business cards, your best stories, and let’s make Thursdays something to look forward to again!

Whether you're looking to grow your network or just unwind with a great group, Thirsty Thursday is the perfect way to mix business and pleasure.

See you there!
1.0 CLE | Wellness Competence
Location: State Room Brewery*Bar*Kitchen
Sun | Aug 24 | 11:30A-3P
General | General Membership Social (in person)
SAVE THE DATE: MCBA End-of-Summer Members Picnic
SAVE THE DATE

The Marin County Bar Association will host an In-Person End-of-Summer Members Picnic at Piper Park in Larkspur!

Please Register yourself, guest and children as we need an accurate head count for food and provided beverages.

Piper Park is a public park with a dog area, sports fields, picnic tables, a playground, and a flower garden. Mingle with old friends and meet new colleagues and their families, and enjoy the scenic Bay views. Don't miss out on our fun family games to include: tug-o-war, three legged races, egg tosses, cornhole, and volleyball.

Directions to Piper Park:
-- From Highway 101 South, take exit 450A Lucky Drive/Doherty Drive
-- From Highway 101 North, take exit
MCBA has reserved Area ?.
1.0 CLE | Wellness Competence
Location: Piper Park
Free
Sat | Sep 20 | 9A-12P
General | California Coastal Clean Up (in person)
MCBA Community Service Day
SAVE THE DATE:

California Coastal Clean Up Day is designated as Saturday September 20th. Join your fellow colleagues and friends in making an impact in our environment at a TBD Marin location.

Complete this required waiver for each participant. Volunteers are asked to bring a bucket, gloves, litter grabber, reusable water bottle and wear sturdy shoes. Our site captain will provide the tools and instructions.

3-hour commitment required. Register your family members and friends to join the MCBA spirit of community service.

Celebrating 40 Years of Cleaning California's Coastal and Inland Waterways!
1.0 CLE | Wellness Competence
Location: Venue TBA
Free
Wed | Oct 22 | 11:30-1P
General | Annual Judges' Luncheon (in person)
SAVE THE DATE--Honoring the Marin County Superior Court Judges and Commissioners
SAVE THE DATE

Join your colleagues and friends as we honor our local bench and commissioners and receive a Court Update from Presiding Judge Mark Talamantes, the Marin County Superior Court Judges and Commissioner. This is a popular Annual event, sign up early to reserve your seat. Contact the MCBA office if you wish to purchase a Firm (reserved) table.

This meeting is also the MCBA annual General Membership meeting, at which the Directors and Officers shall be elected.

Schedule:
11:30 AM Registration and Networking
12:00 PM Program and Lunch
1:15 PM Adjournment

Note: This Event will not be Recorded.
1.0 CLE | Wellness Competence
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael
News
EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION
Law, Community, and the Climate Crisis: A Collective Responsibility
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.  More >
2025 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
2025 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
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.  More >
Installation 2025
2025 Board and Officers Installation Dinner and Legal Education Scholarship Fundraiser
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.  More >
Coastal Marin County
County of Marin and California Coastal Commission Land Use Regulations are Critical for Adaptation to Sea Level Rise in Coastal Marin County
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.  More >
NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Canal Alliance
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.  More >
2025 CEQA Updates
Key 2025 CEQA Updates for Residential Developers: Extended Exemption and Streamlining Options
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.  More >
Rally Family Visitation Services
Back to In-Person Visits in Marin County
By Katharine Berg
Rally Family Visitation Services has been making big and small changes over the past year to strengthen Rally's work supporting safe and healthy kids, parents, and family systems in Marin County and across the Bay Area. They provided over 1,300 visits and exchanges last year to 339 children and adults. Rally serves kids and families navigating concerns in Family Court related to child abuse, child abduction, domestic violence, substance use, mental health and other parent behavioral issues providing Visitation Center-based professional services in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties.  More >
GET TO KNOW A JUDGE
Judge Andrew Sweet
By Lucie Hollingsworth
We’re trying something new in the MCBA newsletter. While we often spotlight a Marin judge, we thought we would start asking those questions that we really ponder as we wait for our case to be called - who is the person really behind the intimidating robe perched high above?  More >
Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Issues New Underground Injection Control Permits for Carbon Capture Projects in California
By Sean Herman Partner Hanson Bridgett LLP, Christopher Powell Partner Hanson Bridgett LLP, Alexander Ames Associate Hanson Bridgett LLP
In a significant milestone for carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) projects in California, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued four Class VI Underground Injection Control (“UIC”) permits in the Biden Administration’s final days. These permits are the first Class VI injection wells that the EPA has approved in California.  More >
GET TO KNOW A BOARD MEMBER
Shanti Eagle
By
Here is Shanti Eagle, in her own words.  More >
Calendar
Wed | Mar 26 | 12-1P
General | General Membership Meeting (virtual)
Beyond Burnout: Practical Solutions for Lawyer Well-Being
LeeAnn Bartolini, PhD | Clinical Psychologist and Professor
Robert S. Rosborough | Matt White Law PC
Daniel Lappin | Massage and Somatic Trauma Therapist
1.0 CLE | Wellness Competence
Thu | Mar 27 | 12-1P
Litigation | Litigation Section (virtual)
Earning Capacity vs Expected Earnings
Roman Garagulagian, PhD | Forensic Economic Services LLC
1.0 CLE | General
Thu | Apr 03 | 5-6:30P
General | General Membership Social (in person)
Thirsty Thursdays
Wed | Apr 16 | 5:30-7:30P
Real Property | Real Property Section (in person)
Pickleball Palooza: Order on the Court
Thu | May 15 | 12-1:30P
Alternative Dispute Resolution | ADR and Litigation Sections (virtual)
The Funny Thing About Mediation: A holistic approach to the use of humor for successful outcomes
S. Lucia Kanter St. Amour | Pactum Factum
Philip R. Diamond | Diamond Dispute Resolution
1.5 CLE | Wellness Competence
Tue | Apr 22 | 12-1P
Family Law | Family Law Section (virtual)
Avoiding Top Errors in Retirement Settlements--Tracking Market Gains and Equalization
Denisa Tova-Liebman, CFP, CDFA, CQS, MBA | TOVA QDRO & Retirement Valuators
1.0 CLE | General
Sun | Apr 27 | 9A-12P
General | Earth Day at McInnis Park (in person)
MCBA Community Service Day
Thu | May 01 | 5-6:30P
General | General Membership Social (in person)
Thirsty Thursday
Wed | May 07 | 12-1P
Estate Planning, Trust and Probate | Estate Planning, Trust and Probate & Probate Litigation Sections Meeting (in person)
Update with the Marin County Probate Department
Judge James T. Chou | Marin County Superior Court
Trudy J. Verzosa | Probate Research Attorney, Marin County Superior Court
1.0 CLE | General
Thu | Jun 05 | 5-6:30P
General | General Membership Social (in person)
Thirsty Thursday
Tue | Jun 17 | 12-1P
Family Law | Family Law Section (virtual)
Practical Aspects of Mediation (Do’s and Don'ts)
Hon. Vanessa A. Zecher (Ret.) | JAMS
1.0 CLE | General
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.