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.

For 20 years, I served at the Family & Children’s Law Center, providing affordable legal representation to Marin’s most vulnerable residents, including victims of domestic violence, immigrants, and low-income families. In October 2019, I opened my own family law practice in Larkspur, continuing my unwavering commitment to serving the community and advocating for those in need.

That commitment has never been more urgent. As fundamental rights face increasing scrutiny and access to justice remains precarious for many, our role as legal professionals is more critical than ever. We must be voices of reason, advocates for fairness, and staunch defenders of due process. Now is the time to reaffirm our duty to uphold justice, safeguard democratic institutions, and ensure that the law remains a tool for protection, not division.

Our democracy and the rule of law—foundations of our legal system—are under unprecedented attack. The Constitution, the framework that upholds our rights and freedoms, is being tested in ways that demand our vigilance, advocacy, and courage. As attorneys, we bear the responsibility to stand firm in defense of justice, ensuring that legal principles remain steadfast and accessible to all.

Giving back has always been central to my work, and we have the power to effect meaningful change through pro bono efforts, volunteer projects, and community service. Marin County is home to many exceptional nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to support those directly impacted by these challenges. If you are seeking opportunities to contribute, I encourage you to get involved with the Lawyers in the Library program or support organizations such as the Family & Children’s Law Center, Legal Aid of Marin, Canal Alliance, New Beginnings Law Center and Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California.

Another key goal this year is to strengthen our connections within MCBA. While large events are valuable, smaller, more intimate gatherings foster deeper relationships. I am excited to introduce initiatives such as Thirsty Thursdays, family picnics, a member hike, a book talk, and even pickleball games—offering new ways for members to engage beyond the courtroom. If you know an attorney who is not yet an MCBA member, I encourage you to invite them to join. A strong, engaged legal community is more vital than ever.

As we embark on this new chapter, I invite each of you to take part in shaping MCBA’s future. Let us honor our traditions while embracing fresh ideas that will allow us to grow and better serve our profession and community. Together, we can reaffirm our commitment to justice and use our collective knowledge, experience, and dedication to make a lasting impact.

I warmly invite every MCBA member to connect with me—whether to share your thoughts on what you’d like to see from the MCBA, offer suggestions on how we can better support our members and the broader legal community, or simply to introduce yourself. Your insights and involvement are invaluable to me.

I look forward to seeing you at Burren House Irish Pub in San Rafael on Thursday, April 3, 2025, for our next Thirsty Thursday event. Let’s raise a glass to MCBA’s future, the relationships we will build, and the meaningful work we will accomplish together.