The theme for this issue is LOOKING AFTER OUR NEIGHBORS. Advocacy takes on a deeper meaning when the people we’re advocating for are marginalized in one way or another – foster children, the developmentally disabled, pro per litigants, immigrants, the children of undocumented immigrants, criminal defendants, and others whose lives have been marked by poverty, trauma, and hardship. Our neighbors need our help, and this issue addresses the question: What are the ways in which we, as lawyers, are uniquely poised to look after others in our community?

Retired Judge Verna Adams answers this question by recalling when she was a new attorney and seized the opportunity to stick her neck out to help a pro per litigant.
Melissa Harms, an immigration attorney and Archer Greenlee, a high school senior, co-author an article calling attention to the fear and heartbreaking trauma suffered by the children of undocumented immigrants.

Laura McMahon (they/them), Executive Director of Legal Aid Marin, writes about how LAM is meeting the moment with an exciting announcement: LAM is adding an immigration unit to their practice.

Rodrigo D. Dias talks about his personal journey of becoming a foster parent and how it led him to the Marin Foster Care Association, a non-profit, of which he now sits on the board, that supports foster families and youth transitioning out of foster care.

Rachael Keast, an immigration attorney and deputy public defender writes about the community outreach efforts of the Public Defender’s Office aimed at preventing crime.
Big Law can make a difference too. Tom McInerney highlights how Hanson Bridgett is answering the call to provide more pro bono legal services.

Looking after our neighbors can also be an opportunity for professional development. At the general membership meeting on September 3, Judge Andrew Sweet and Judge Stephen Freccero offered an MCLE training, “Step up for Justice: Volunteer with the Marin Courts” which MCBA president Kris Cirby summarizes for those who missed it.

In our non-profit spotlight, Tom McInerney profiles Cedars of Marin, a local organization supporting adults with developmental disabilities.

Finally, this issue also includes a Q&A with me, your editor for this issue. Tom’s thoughtful questions allowed me to share how meaningful my work in criminal defense is: it’s really all about helping people.

There are so many ways that MCBA members can answer the call to serve – from stepping up to assist a pro-per litigant, as Judge Adams did, to building a robust pro bono practice, as Hanson Bridgett has done. So how can you help? Start with where you are. If you want to help a pro per litigant, volunteer for Lawyers in the Library. If you want to help foster children but aren’t ready to become a foster parent like Rodrigo, you can donate time and money to MCFA.

If you’re troubled by the federal immigration practices, but not sure how to help – you can donate to LAM to support their new immigration practice or register to be a trained legal observer through the Marin Rapid Response Network.

Even though the need is dire, the response can be joyful: Attend a fundraising gala (helping people by going to a party? I’m in!), shop for gifts at The Artist Within -A Cedars Gallery, bond with friends and family through a community resource drive at MFCA, or connect with colleagues at MCBA’s coastal cleanup on Saturday, September 27.