The Marin Lawyer recently spoke with MCBA member Michelle Christovich to learn more about her and her role as the Chair of MCBA's Barristers Section.

1. What is the Barristers Section?

The Barristers Section of MCBA is for attorneys who have been practicing for 10 years or less. Our goals include providing networking, education, and mentoring opportunities for attorneys in the earlier stages of their career.

2. Why did you get involved in MCBA and Barristers?

When I first began practicing in Marin, I quickly became involved with MCBA through all their great networking opportunities and legal education programs. When I was invited to get involved with Barristers, I jumped on the opportunity because I wanted to help create a space in Marin’s legal community to help early-stage attorneys connect and thrive.

3. What are you hoping to accomplish as Chair of the Barristers Section?

I’m hoping to create a space for attorneys who are in the earlier stages of their practice to connect with one another and find valuable tools, resources, and opportunities. And while I want to build meaningful connections among Barristers members, I also want to help connect our members with other attorneys in Marin’s legal community. But most importantly, I want to address the issues early-career attorneys care most about. So, if you are an attorney in your first 10 years of practice, please reach out to me and let me know what you want to see from Barristers!

4. What is your practice area and where do you practice?

I’m a business attorney at Keegin Harrison LLP in downtown San Rafael. My transactional practice focuses on corporate, trademark, data privacy, and business law. I advise new and established businesses on matters like entity choice and formation, securities compliance, drafting custom contracts, trademark registration and protection, compliance with state and federal privacy laws, and drafting tailored privacy policies and terms of use.

5. What made you decide to become a lawyer?

I became a business attorney because I love working with business owners. Whether you’re a tech startup, a new business, a family-owned brick-and-mortar business, or someone investing in a business, you need to have passion and drive to make a business succeed. As a business attorney, I get to work closely with people who embody that entrepreneurial spirit and help them meet their goals, while learning about new businesses and industries. Whether it’s a new privacy regulation or a new business model, there’s always something to learn.

6. What brought you to Marin?

I lived in San Francisco for about 5 years while attending UC Hastings and beginning my legal career. I loved the city but was ready for a change. After starting a new job in San Rafael, I quickly realized Marin was just the place I was looking for to make a fresh start.

7. You are very active in the legal community; what kinds of volunteer work do you do in addition to MCBA?

In addition to Barristers and MCBA, I’m also very involved with Marin County Women Lawyers. I’ve been on the board of MCWL for the past few years, and have helped to put on everything from socials, to our Annual Business & Professional Women’s Dinner (which will have just taken place on June 2nd via Zoom when this article is published!), to CLE programs. I also bake for Cake4Kids, an organization that provides custom birthday cakes for underserved and at-risk youth.

8. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy reading, being creative, and exploring the Bay Area.