President’s Message

July 2026

REMARKS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

By: Dean McVay, Esq.

As we enter the heart of summer and celebrate Independence Day, I find myself reflecting on a remarkable milestone in our nation’s history. This year, America will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—a semi-quincentennial celebration that invites all of us to reflect on the ideals and institutions that have sustained our republic for two and a half centuries.

For those of us in the legal profession, this anniversary carries special significance. Lawyers, judges, court personnel, and legal professionals serve as stewards of the rule of law—the very foundation upon which our nation was built. Here in the Inland Empire, we witness every day the importance of equal justice, due process, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The principles articulated in 1776 continue to guide our work, reminding us that our profession is about more than advocacy; it is about preserving confidence in the institutions that protect liberty and opportunity for all.

As I think about the approaching 250th celebration, I cannot help but remember the Bicentennial in 1976, 50 years ago. I was just a kid then, and like so many Americans, I vividly recall the sense of pride and excitement that seemed to sweep across the country. Communities came together, flags flew everywhere, and there was a palpable appreciation for what it meant to be an American. While no era is without its challenges, my memory of that time is one of unity and shared purpose.

Today, we live in a period that often feels more divided. Differences of opinion can sometimes overshadow the values and aspirations we have in common. As legal professionals, we are uniquely positioned to model something better. Whether in our personal lives, our workplaces, our courtrooms, or our communities, we should strive to be people who unite rather than divide. The legal profession is strongest when it embraces civility, respect, and a commitment to finding common ground. We do not have to agree on every issue to recognize one another’s dignity and humanity.

I would also like to extend my gratitude for the many Pride Month celebrations and educational events that took place throughout June. This year, our Association is pleased to continue that recognition with a belated Pride Month MCLE program on Thursday, July 9 at noon on zoom, co-sponsored by the Pride Bar of the Inland Empire. We will have the privilege of hearing from two extraordinary individuals whose lives exemplify courage, advocacy, and service to others.  We will have the privilege of hearing from two extraordinary individuals whose lives exemplify courage, advocacy, and service to others.

Abby Rubenfeld is one of the nation’s most respected civil rights attorneys and a pioneering advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. As co-counsel in Tanco v. Haslam—the Tennessee case that became a companion case to Obergefell v. Hodges before the United States Supreme Court—she helped secure one of the most significant civil rights victories of our generation. Her efforts, together with those of the plaintiffs and legal teams across the country, culminated in the Supreme Court’s landmark 2015 decision recognizing that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry nationwide. Rubenfeld not only litigated the Tennessee case but was instrumental in initiating the challenge that ultimately became part of the historic marriage equality ruling. For more than four decades, she has dedicated her career to advancing civil rights, challenging discrimination, and ensuring that the promise of equal justice under law extends to all Americans. Her work stands as a powerful reminder of how lawyers can use the law not merely to resolve disputes, but to expand liberty, dignity, and opportunity for future generations.

We will also hear from actress and activist Beth Broderick, whose selfless dedication to the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s helped establish only the second AIDS service organization in the nation. At a time when fear and misunderstanding were widespread, she chose compassion, leadership, and action.

On behalf of the Western San Bernardino County Bar Association, I want to express our sincere appreciation to both of these fearless advocates. Their stories remind us that the law, at its best, is a vehicle for justice, and that meaningful change often begins with individuals who are willing to stand up for those whose voices might otherwise go unheard. Their examples embody the very ideals of service, courage, and commitment to others that our profession seeks to uphold.

I also want to extend a special invitation to all members of the bench and bar to join us for our annual Bench-Bar Gathering on July 30 at the beautiful Kimberly Crest House & Gardens in Redlands. One of the great strengths of our legal community is the collegiality and professionalism that exist among judges, attorneys, and legal professionals throughout the Inland Empire. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to step away from the courtroom and office, reconnect with colleagues and friends, and enjoy an evening of fellowship in one of Southern California’s most historic and picturesque settings.

Guests will enjoy special docent-led tours of the historic Kimberly Crest Mansion, with delicious food, wine, and an evening of exceptional musical entertainment from acclaimed vocalist Cassandra Murphy. Cassandra is a remarkably versatile and award-nominated vocalist and actress whose distinguished career has spanned major Los Angeles theater companies, national tours, international productions, film, television, and voiceover work. She is widely recognized for her powerful voice, expressive performances, and extraordinary ability to bring characters and music to life on stage and screen.  Her acclaimed performances include leading roles in Man of La Mancha, Evita, Les Misérables, and A Chorus Line, as well as appearances in productions such as The Secret Garden and Sweeney Todd. Disney fans may also recognize her work from Mulan, Mickey and the Magical Map, Frozen: Live at the Hyperion, and Aladdin: A Musical Celebration.

The Bench-Bar Gathering promises to be a memorable evening of friendship, conversation, music, and community. In keeping with the theme of unity that is so important to our profession and our country, it is an opportunity for all of us to strengthen the relationships that make our legal community so special. I hope you will join us as we celebrate the enduring partnership between the bench and bar in a setting that reflects both the history and beauty of our Inland region.

As we celebrate our nation’s past and look toward its future, let us recommit ourselves to the values that bring us together: service, integrity, respect, and equal justice under law.

I wish each of you and your families a safe, happy, and enjoyable summer. I hope you have an opportunity to step away—if only briefly—from the demands and rigor of legal practice, spend time with loved ones, recharge, and perhaps enjoy a well-deserved vacation. We all return stronger when we take time to renew ourselves.  And I look forward to seeing you all in person on July 30 at Kimberly Crest!

Happy Independence Day, and thank you for all that you do in service to our profession, our community, and the rule of law.