On September 3, 2025, the Judges of the Marin County Superior Court delivered an important message to the Marin County Bar Association: The Court needs help.
Judges Andrew Sweet and Stephen Freccero spoke directly to the Bar about the rising demands placed on the judiciary and the increasingly vital role of attorney volunteers in helping to maintain access to justice throughout the county.

Their message was clear—volunteer participation from the Bar is essential to the successful resolution of cases and the overall health of the Court’s calendars. From assisting self-represented litigants to serving as temporary judges, opportunities to contribute are plentiful, impactful, and rewarding.

Civil Harassment Calendar Volunteers Help Neighbors Resolve Disputes

Volunteers are also needed for the Court’s Civil Harassment Order (CHO) calendar, held every Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. These matters typically involve neighbors, coworkers, or acquaintances in conflict, and while not every case can be mediated, many are well-suited for early resolution with the help of a neutral attorney.

Volunteer attorneys meet with the parties on the morning of the hearing in an effort to facilitate a mutual agreement that avoids trial. A sign-up form for these calendars will be circulated shortly by the Bar Association.

Court Seeks Volunteers for Civil Settlement Conferences

One of the most pressing areas of need is the Court’s civil Mandatory Settlement Conferences (MSCs). These conferences, which typically occur as cases approach trial, resolve approximately 50 percent of the matters they touch. With each civil judge managing a staggering caseload of 780 to 800 active cases, the early resolution of even a small portion significantly lightens the Court’s burden and allows judicial officers to devote their time to more complex matters.

Volunteer attorneys who serve as MSC facilitators help parties find resolution while also keeping their names in circulation as available mediators. For many, it is a fulfilling way to give back to the community while also strengthening visibility and connections within the local legal field.

Help Resolve Housing Disputes in Unlawful Detainer Conferences

The Court is also continuing its partnership with Legal Aid of Marin to address housing issues through Unlawful Detainer (UD) settlement conferences. These conferences are held on selected Thursday afternoons via Zoom, and volunteers play a crucial role in helping litigants resolve eviction disputes outside of the courtroom.

The vast majority of UD defendants are self-represented, and having an attorney volunteer present to assist—whether on behalf of a landlord or tenant—can make the difference between conflict and consensus. Attorneys interested in volunteering for this calendar are encouraged to contact Legal Aid of Marin at (415) 492-0230
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Temporary Judges Needed for Small Claims Calendar

The Small Claims Court also remains in need of volunteers to serve as Temporary Judges (Judge Pro Tem). The calendar is held every Tuesday and Friday at 9:00 a.m., and while the matters may appear minor, the service they provide is major.

Attorney Brian Kram, who has volunteered as a small claims judge, told the Bar Association, “I am a better lawyer because of [serving as a Small Claims Court temporary judge.]” His comment was echoed by the judges, who noted that when pro tem judges aren’t available, one of them must rearrange their own calendar to hear small claims matters—pulling them away from other vital court functions and potentially creating scheduling backlogs.

Attorneys who wish to serve in this capacity must complete the education and training required by the California Rules of Court (Rules 2.812 and 2.815) and Code of Civil Procedure section 116.240. They must also submit an application to the Court and certify that they’ve met the necessary qualifications. Additional information are available on the Court’s Volunteer Opportunities webpage.

Discovery Facilitators Play a Behind-the-Scenes Role in Justice

Another unique and valuable volunteer opportunity is available through the Court’s Discovery Facilitator Program. After a motion to compel is filed but before a hearing is held, volunteer attorneys are asked to work with the parties in an effort to resolve the dispute informally.

Facilitators will work with both civil and family law judges, and if a resolution is reached—or if it’s not—they submit a brief report to the Court outlining the outcome. According to judges who regularly oversee these matters, attorneys who serve as facilitators often return to their own practices with a fresh perspective on how to approach discovery disputes more constructively. It’s a meaningful way to support judicial economy while improving one's own litigation skills.

Family Law Practitioners Invited to Contribute Their Expertise

Attorneys who practice family law have additional opportunities to support the Court through participation in Interdisciplinary Settlement Conferences and Bench Bar Settlement Conferences. These sessions provide space for experienced practitioners to help litigants resolve highly sensitive and complex family matters with the guidance of judicial officers and mental health professionals.

Participation in these conferences allows attorneys to make a significant impact while working collaboratively within the family law community.

A Call to Serve

From housing disputes to neighbor conflicts to discovery battles, the Court is asking for support. These volunteer roles provide attorneys with the opportunity to deepen their skills, strengthen their professional relationships, and serve the broader community in a direct and impactful way.

Whether you're a seasoned litigator or newer to practice, there’s a place for you to contribute. And when we support the Court, we support the integrity and efficiency of the entire justice system.

Learn More

Attorneys interested in volunteering are encouraged to visit the Marin County Superior Court Volunteer Opportunities webpage for more information.

Volunteering isn’t just about filling a need—it’s about building a better court for everyone.