President's Message

Reflecting on a Remarkable 2024 for MCBA

Scott Buell

As 2024 comes to a close, so does my time as MCBA President. I can’t help but take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly incredible year for the Marin County Bar Association. From major accomplishments to building stronger connections among our members, this year has been nothing short of inspiring.

Serving as president has been one of the biggest highlights of my career, and I’m so thankful to have had this opportunity. But let’s be honest—the successes we’ve had this year weren’t because of me. They happened because of the hard work, dedication, and talent of the amazing people on our Board of Directors, our members, and our incredible staff. I feel lucky to have been along for the ride and to have seen firsthand what can be accomplished when we work together.

There were so many standout moments this year, but the one that stands out the most to me was recognizing Judge Verna Adams with the MCBA Lifetime Achievement Award. She is only the fourth recipient of this award and made history as the first woman to receive this honor. Judge Adams exemplifies intellect, dedication and integrity. Her impact on the legal profession—and beyond—cannot be overstated. Celebrating her many achievements was a proud moment for all of us, and it was a reminder of how much one person can influence our profession for the better. We can all draw inspiration by her incredible career.

Another big moment this year was welcoming two new Superior Court judges: Judge James Schurz and Judge Ahtossa Fullerton, who also happens to be our immediate past president. I had the privilege of getting to know each of them better during the appointment process, and I have to say, we are incredibly lucky to have them. They bring such wisdom, heart, and integrity to the bench, and I can say with confidence that they are remarkable additions to our already strong Marin County bench.

We also had a banner year for the MCBA Scholarship Fund. Thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters, we raised more money than ever before, which means we were able to provide critical support to law students. These scholarships are not just about helping students financially, they’re about investing in the future of our profession. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your generosity makes a real difference!

This year, we offered nearly 50 CLE programs, with standout efforts from the Family Law, and Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Sections, to name a few. Our annual MCLE Conference last month was another highlight. It offered something for attorneys at every career stage. Huge thanks to everyone who attended, as well as the Program Committee led by President Elect Kris Cirby and our hardworking staff who made it all happen.

One of the things I’m most proud of this year is how we created more opportunities for members to connect with each other. Our first-ever free summer picnic at McNears Beach was a success. It was wonderful to see so many of you—and your families—come out to enjoy the sunshine, good food, and fun activities. I hope the picnic remains free and becomes a beloved tradition for years to come.

On top of that, the Barristers Section came back to life this year, offering some great social events for newer members. It’s been awesome to see fresh energy and enthusiasm from this section, and I’m excited to watch it grow in 2025.

This year, we made an exciting change by annualizing two of our awards: the Marin County Attorney of the Year Award and the Ann Diamond Young Attorney Award. These awards have existed for years, but they were only given out sporadically. Now, they’re a yearly tradition, and I think that’s fantastic.

This year’s recipients, Marin County Public Defender David Sutton (Attorney of the Year ) and Virginia Dalton Millacci, executive director of the Family & Children’s Law Center (Ann Diamond Young Attorney) represent the best of what our association stands for. They remind us that excellence isn’t just about skill—it’s about dedication, heart, and making a difference. If you know someone who deserves to be recognized next year, nominating them is super easy; just head to the MCBA website.

We were thrilled to welcome our new Executive Director, Julie Cervetto, this year. She jumped right in, bringing fresh ideas about sponsorships and the organizational magic we needed to keep everything running smoothly. And of course, I have to give a special shout-out to Denise Belli, who continues to be a rock for this organization. Between Julie and Denise, the MCBA is in great hands.

Behind the scenes, we’ve been working to improve tools for our members, including the upcoming launch of our new Membership Directory. This new resource will make it easier to connect with colleagues, refer clients, and build professional relationships—while also helping the public find and connect with the right attorneys for their needs. It’s a small but meaningful step toward fostering a more connected and collaborative legal community.

As I look back on this year, I feel a deep sense of gratitude; not just for what we accomplished, but for the people who made it all possible. To our members, Board of Directors, and staff: thank you for your passion, generosity, and commitment. You’re the heart and soul of this association.

While 2024 was an incredible year, I know the best is yet to come. President-elect Kristine Cirby is ready to take the reins, and I have no doubt she’ll do an amazing job. I’m excited to see how she’ll build on this year’s successes and find new ways to support our members and serve our community.

Thank you all for being part of this journey with me. It’s been an honor to serve as your president, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in the years ahead. Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a fantastic start to 2025!