Winter 2001

• President's Column . . . Matthew F. Valerio, Esq.
  "My first couple months as VBA President have afforded me some great opportunities to learn why lawyers are fundamental to the preservation of a healthy democratic system..."
• From the Executive Director . . . Robert M. Paolini, Esq.
  "Vermont is a different place than it was when you opened your copy of the last Journal..."
• Lex et Ratio: Evil, Patriotism, and the Rule of Law . . . Kevin F. Ryan, Esq.
  "Since two hijacked airliners tore into the twin towers of the World Trade Center on September 11, much has changed..."
• Ruminations: The Remains of Nathaniel Niles . . . Paul S. Gillies, Esq.
  "The body of Nathaniel Niles is buried in the West Fairlee Cemetary, his grave graced with three stones..."

FEATURES

• The Impact of September 11th on America's Immigration Law, Policy, and Procedures . . . Leslie A. Holman, Esq.
  "There are probably few, if any, lives that have not been altered in some way by the tragic events of September 11, 2001..."
• Estate Tax Repealed! - Maybe . . . Mark A. Langan, Esq.
  "On June 7, 2001, President Bush signed the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 ('EGTRRA' or the 'Act')..."
• Common International Legal Issues in Vermont Will and Trust Practice . . . John C. Newman, Esq.
  "In this short piece, I would like to help Vermont lawyers spot international legal issues that signal that specialized treatment by a lawyer or accountant conversant in U.S. international taxation of gifts, trusts, and estates should be solicited..."
• Ten Questions Regarding Choice of Business Entity . . . Paul H. Ode, Jr., Esq.
  "In recent years, Vermont has revamped its corporations, partnerships, and limited partnerships statutes and added a statute permitting formation of limited liability companies (or 'LLCs')..."
• Joint Custody: The Parents' Best Interests Are in The Child's Best Interests . . . Kimberly B. Cheney, Esq.
  "Critics of joint custody argue it serves the needs of the parents but not of the child, and so should be disfavored..."
• The Case Against a Joint Custody Presumption . . . Lila Shapero, Esq.
  "When relationships fail, hard decisions must be made when there are children..."
• The Storm Over Stormwater . . . Barbara G. Ripley, Esq.
  "On June 29, 2001, the Water Resources Board issued a highly controversial decision in the matter of Lowes-Hannaford..."
• Effective Representation for Parents in Abuse and Neglect Cases: A Contract Counsel's Perspective . . . Luis C. Garcia, Esq.
  "One-third of the state's abuse and neglect petitions are filed in Chittenden County..."