Editor's Introduction

Mary Stearns & Tom McCallister with Guest Editor Robyn Christo

This issue of the Marin Lawyers focuses on civility and ethics. Recently our society as a whole – at least in politics and the media – has shown itself to be uncivil, divisive, and hostile. Lawyers have a special duty and role to show others how to advocate and disagree with respect.

In this issue, MCBA President Ahtossa Fullerton reflects on the past year and thanks the 2023 Board and volunteers. Marie Barnes, President of the Richard Sangster Inns of Court (Marin, Sonoma, and Napa), describes the Inns of Court’s mission and commitment to the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, ethics, and civility in the legal profession. Jim Wagstaffe, a San Francisco attorney specializing in civil litigation and lawyer ethics and a professor at UC Law SF, describes the five hot-button ethics issues that cause attorneys problems with the State Bar. Our own Robyn Christo, a local Trust, Estate, and Fiduciary litigation specialist, recounts a recent MCLE conference, where local panel of judges discussed achieving success through perseverance and respect rather than through antagonism and disorder.

We also have a profile of The Honorable Beverly K. Wood, who is retiring after almost 20 years of excellent service to the Marin Courts, which included her creation of the groundbreaking and revered Community Court, among many other achievements.

Finally, and with bittersweet gratitude, we bid farewell to our beloved Executive Director Mee Mee Wong, who says goodbye as she moves on to new opportunities in San Francisco.