The annual Pro Bono Appreciation Luncheon on March 28, jointly presented by MCBA and Legal Aid of Marin (LAM), filled the Four Points Sheraton conference room with a warm recognition for the important community work done by many volunteers from both organizations. The Louderback Law Group generously sponsored the event, which was attended by almost all members of the Marin County bench.

Laurie Joyce of LAM, and Tom Brown of MCBA, both emphasized the nexus between the two organizations and expressed their mutual desire to publicly acknowledge and thank those tireless volunteers who have given so generously of their time and skills to help the underserved in our community.

Over 40,000 people in Marin try to survive on a subsistence income, and more than seventy percent of low-income families have at least one civil legal problem a year, so the need is great for pro bono legal help in Marin. Several thriving programs of both organizations satisfy part of that need including: Lawyers in the Library, Marin Community Court, Unlawful Detainer Settlement Conferences and free legal consultations for seniors through Whistlestop and the Mill Valley Community Center.

Presiding Judge Paul Haakenson related a moving personal story of a young man he knew when he was just a law student. When Judge Haakenson investigated one day after the young man had not shown up for street law class, he discovered that the young man's mother had just died at home and that he was alone not knowing what to do. Judge Haakenson mobilized law students and lawyers with no connection to the man, all of whom freely and gladly took on the many tasks that needed to be done to keep the young man’s life in order and on track. The Judge commented that the many times he has witnessed pro bono acts like these over the course of his career belie the negative stereotypes society often attributes to lawyers.

Judge Haakenson then presented the Wiley W. Manuel Attorney and Community Volunteer Awards to those individuals who have donated an extraordinary amount of time to benefit those in need of legal services. The attorney awardees were: the firm of Morrison & Foerster (Dina Roumiantseva), Douglas Roberts, Kristina Maalouf, Jacquelyne Gorton, James Poindexter and J. Timothy Nardell. The community volunteer awardees were: Luke Phillips, Beth Brandes, Susan Brennan, Kiara Canales, Christine Mullen, Jeremy Castro, Nancy Frease, Robert Harris and Karen Karlow.

Keynote speaker, awardee, and MCBA Board Member J. Timothy Nardell, of Nardell, Chitsaz & Associates, spoke passionately of his experiences with pro bono and public service and highlighted the difference between what he termed “Big Firm Pro Bono” and “Small Firm Pro Bono.” While large law firms take on significant “impact” issues and litigate cases of import to society, small firm pro bono has the power to more directly impact the quality of life of a single individual or family. Tim stressed that we, the members of the Marin legal community, can make a big difference in the lives of others with even a relatively modest commitment of our time. We truly have the knowledge and the skills to make a difference! He encouraged audience members not only to give of their own time, but also to implore their colleagues to do the same. The community, and the world, can be a better place because of it.

Jonathan Gertler of Chavez & Gertler, President of the Board of Directors of LAM, concluded the luncheon by thanking everyone who supports pro bono work, whether by volunteering directly or by contributing to the cause. He highlighted the importance of maintaining equal access to justice and commended the Bench for their contributions as well. Jon remarked that the landscape of Marin county, as well as our nation, has changed dramatically over the years and that the quest for justice and equality is ongoing. While congratulating participants for the significant strides we have helped to make in the past, Jon urged audience members to ask themselves what they could do to make a greater difference in the weeks and months ahead. Finally, Jon encouraged everyone to attend the LAM “Jam for Justice” event on May 4 where Judge Roy Chernus and Renee Chernus will be honored.

The annual luncheon was a great success, providing not only delicious food for the body but inspirational food for the soul. Link to photos of event.