Vermont Bar Association Member Benefits
As VBA member you are entitled to many low-cost personal and professional benefits.
Member benefit information is subject to change. For more information, please contact Lisa Maxfield, Director of Finance and Member benefits at 802-223-2020 or lmaxfield@vtbar.org.
(site updated on May 3, 2010)
VBA members have exclusive access to Casemaker®, a comprehensive on-line research library featuring Vermont state and federal court decisions, statutes, codes, rules of procedure, state agency decisions, advisory ethic opinions, and much more.
VBA members have access to a huge library of materials from twenty-eight other states, including every New England jurisdiction. Also included in the library are United States Supreme Court and Circuit Court of Appeals opinions, and a complete collection of state supreme court decisions.
Members access Casemaker through the VBA's web site, using their password to enter the Casemaker web library. Research using Casemaker is remarkably easy. The search engine is as fast or faster than commercial on-line legal research engines and permits natural language and Boolean searching. An on-line user's manual is available, as well as in-house technical support.
ABA Publications Discount Program: Your Vermont Bar Association membership entitles you to a 15% discount off the list price of any of the American Bar Association's more than 300 titles, whether or not you're a member of the ABA. It's easy to do. Shop at the ABA bookstore www.ababooks.org. Use the VBA purchase Promo Code PAB9EVTB when making your purchase and the 15% discount will be applied to your total.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Group health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont. Plan and rate information available from Pinnacle Financial Corporation 1-800-200-5434.
Northeast Delta Dental
Dental Insurance offered through Northeast Delta Dental. Plan and rate information available from the VBA office and through Pinnacle Financial Corporation 1-800-200-5434.
Vision
Vision Insurance offered through Vision Service Plan. Plan and rate information available through the VBA office and through Pinnacle Financial Corporation 1-800-200-5434.
Disability/Life
Group Insurance, Disability Income Insurance, Business Overhead Expense Insurance, Level Premium Term Life Insurance, Retirement Planning and Long Term Care Insurance. Products offered through Continental Casualty Company, MassMutual Life Insurance Company and UNUM. Programs are administered through Pinnacle Financial Corporation 1-800-200-5434 or e-mail at pfc@pfcbenefits.com
The ABA Retirement Funds program (the "Program") is designed to provide unique, full service 401(k) plans to the legal community. It was created over 45 years ago by the American Bar Association. By leveraging the size of the ABA Retirement Funds Program which brings together nearly 4,000 firms, the Program offers a fund lineup and services traditionally only available to the largest corporate plans. These services are offered at no out-of-pocket expense to law firms of all sizes with institutionally priced funds for their participants. Couple these benefits with the oversight that the ABA Retirement Funds Board provides over the entire Program and you have a retirement solution that may enable firms to hire and retain quality employees, control expenses and assist them with their fiduciary responsibilities. Contact a Program representative at 800-826-8901 for a Program prospectus or visit www.abaretirement.com for more information.
Professional Liability Insurance
ALPS is your Vermont Bar Association endorsed professional liability insurance provider as well as the endorsed carrier for 17 bar associations nationwide. Building on our 20 year history of stability and commitment to lawyers, we deliver services and resources that support the legal profession as a whole and work to promote the honor, dignity, and professionalism of lawyers. For a quote on professional liability insurance from your State Bar-endorsed affiliate call 1-800-367-2577. www.alpsnet.com.
As a member of the Vermont Bar Association you qualify for a special group discount* on your auto, home, and renters insurance through Group Savings Plus ® from Liberty Mutual. Liberty Mutual is a Fortune 500 company that has been in business over 90 years. With Group Savings Plus, you can enjoy the ease and convenience of paying your premiums through checking account deductions or by direct bill at home. You’ll also enjoy fast, easy, round-the-clock claims service and a variety of discounts including multi-car, safe-driver, passive restraints, multi policy discounts, and group savings through the Vermont Bar Association*.
See for yourself how much money you could save with Liberty Mutual compared to your current insurance provider.
To learn more about Liberty Mutual, visit the web site: www.libertymutual.com/lm/vtbar
Data Backup and Recovery Solution
The Vermont Bar Association understands the importance of data protection services. Through our new partnership with AmeriVault, we can now offer our members a secure way to protect their mission critical information. For more information, please contact Seth Goodling at 1-800-774-0235, or visit the web site at www.amerivault.com
Live Seminars and Video Replays
The VBA offers live seminars, interactive television programs, and video replays on the latest developments as well as standard core curricula in many areas of substantive law, economics of practice, law office management, technology, ethics and other areas.
Click here for a complete list of upcoming programs
Our large collection of continuing legal education videotapes are available for viewing at a member's convenience. There is a fee to view or rent videotapes which fee constitutes a donation for the upkeep of the video library. Contact the VBA for a current list of available videos.
Click here for a list of video rentals
The VBA has an alliance with Legalspan to deliver online continuing legal education courses. A growing catalog of courses are designed to compliment the VBA's traditional live seminars, interactive television programs, video replays, and video rentals.
Click here to access On-Line Seminars
The VBA offers a regular services of short teleseminars through its association with Webcredenza. These interactive teleseminars focus on a wide range of topics and feature nationally known presenters. Teleseminars count as a live credit for MCLE purposes.
Click here for a complete list of upcoming programs
Practice Series Manuals, written by substantive law committees, are being revised. Past topics in the series include: Workers Compensation; Real Estate; Environmental Law.
In March new admittees are specially invited to attend this program free of charge to introduce them to the general principles of the practice of law. Attendees also receive free admission to the Mid-Winter Meeting. These sessions are taught by experienced attorneys who offer basic, practical guidelines. As part of the program "Rookies" are paired with mentors who will work with them as they embark on their legal career.
Nuts & Bolts Seminars – The VBA provides a variety of educational programs to offer attorneys practical guidelines on a wide range of topics. These "get back to basics" programs are often hands-on and interactive. The topics include both transactional law and trial practice and are complimented by many valuable handouts, such as forms, model examinations, and step-by-step "how to's".Solo & Small Practice Conference – The VBA holds a biannual Solo & Small Practice Conference, providing two days of top quality CLE programming specifically aimed at the needs of small firm lawyers. The conference is held in a resort setting, providing plenty of opportunities to network, relax and learn.
A quarterly magazine containing scholarly substantive articles, reviews and columns of interest to all legal professionals. It offers practice tools, profiles, interviews and other entertaining and educational information as well as classifieds and announcements. Members are encouraged to contact the editor, Kevin Ryan, kryan@vtbar.org for possible publication of manuscripts and other material. An annual subscription is a member benefit.
Click here to view the latest issue of the Journal
The e-News
A bi-monthly newsletter e-mailed to all members, containing information and links about upcoming events and seminars, news items of interest, member news, and links to classified ads. Subscription to the e-News is a member benefit.
Directory
The Vermont Bar Association Directory is a comprehensive listing of Vermont licensed attorneys and judges, along with their mailing addresses, phone and fax numbers, and electronic addresses. It also contains a complete listing of the Vermont Court system and local, state and federal offices frequently contacted by members of the legal profession. A copy is distributed to every member free of charge. For more information on advertising CLICK HERE
Attorney Directory
You can access current membership information on Attorney Director, a member's only service. Visit our website at www.vtbar.org and sign in using your VBA userid and password.
Advisory Ethics Opinions
The Ethics Opinion Advisory service is provided by the Professional Responsibility Committee.
Click here for Advisory Ethics Opinions
VBA Web Site
Your Association resource showcases upcoming Continuing Legal Education seminars and event offerings, news articles, legislative updates, law links, member directory, Attorney Resources, Professional Resources, Practice management Library, Legal Vendor Directory, Classifieds, Advisory Ethics Opinions, Casemaker, and much more.
VBA website now allows for online registration for events and membership renewal. You can also update your contact information by using Member Update.
Click here to visit the VBA Web Site
Advertising
For more information about advertising in the VBA publications - click here
Members are invited to join standing sections and divisions that monitor new legislation and current practices in specific areas of law. Membership provides an opportunity for participation and professional contact with other practitioners with common interests.
Government & Non Profit Section
Open to attorneys who are employed by any federal, state or municipal entity, or employed with any non-profit organization.
Women’s Section
Open to women and men interested in issues affecting women and the law.
Young Lawyers Section
Open to those who either have been admitted to the Vermont Bar for five years or less, or are less than 37 years old. The Young Lawyers Section annually sponsors its "Mid-Winter Thaw" in Montreal, Quebec.
Lawyers Concerned for LAwyers (LCL) is a Vermont corporation dedicated to the assistance of lawyers in need of help of varying nature. Foundced in 1987, we have aided numerous attorneys in these past years, as well ashaving provided seminars on topical subjects.
Our newest efforts concern lawyers who may be searching for a new line of work. We have materials on this and can make suggestions or referrals to people who specialize in this field.
Hot Line 1-800-525-9109
The VBA Mentoring Program provides VBA members a way to seek and receive advice on, and to discuss, a wide range of general issues in the practice of law. These issues include, but are not limited to, substantive law questions, attorney-client communications, law office management, and professional ethics. For more information about the Mentor Program, volunteer as a mentor or request a mentor CLICK HERE
Membership in the VBA entitled lawyers to apply as panel members in a state-wide referral service administered by the VBA office where more than 10,000 calls are handled annually.
Web Site Development & Hosting
The Vermont Bar Association is pleased to announce an alliance with EsqSites123.com to provide attorneys with low cost web site development and hosting packages. As a member of the VBA, you are entitled to a 25% savings on website packages.
For more information, CLICK HERE
Data Backup & Recovery SolutionThe Vermont Bar Association understands the importance of data protection services. Through our new partnership with AmeriVault, we can now offer our members a secure way to protect their mission critical information. For more information, please contact Seth Goodling at 800-774-0235 or visit their website at www.amerivault.com
The VBA’s Arbitration of Fee Complaints Division offers a voluntary process to resolve fee disputes between attorneys and clients.
The VBA's Client Security Fund provides partial financial restitution to clients whose funds have been lost due to a defalcation of an attorney. The fund makes reparation and helps build public confidence.
VBA Center for Public Education
To Visit the Vermont Bar Association Center for Public Education CLICK HERE
Vermont Law Related Education Teacher’s Conference
The Center hosts an annual Vermont Law Related Education Teacher’s Conference which brings together lawyers, judges, and educators to share ideas on the teaching of civics, the role of law in society, and other law-related topics.
Public Forums
Aimed at the general public, VBA Public Forums address major law-related issues of the day. Past topics include: "Civil Liberties in a Time of Crisis" and "The Medical Malpractice Debate."
On Your Own
This booklet contains a general overview of the legal rights and responsibilities about which a person should know when reaching legal majority at age 18. This booklet is distributed, free of charge, to Vermont high schools.
Click Here to Download On Your Own
We the People: The Citizen
and the Constitution
A program co-sponsored by the VBA offering upper elementary, middle, and high school curricula on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. The program culminates in a statewide competition.
Taking Charge
The Center publishes this booklet describing the ways people can protect their financial resources as they get older (e.g., joint fiduciary accounts, powers of attorney, guardianships). The Center also organizes educational programs for the general public in conjunction with the distribution of the booklet.
Avis –1-800-331-1212 – Discount #A/A669
Hertz –1-800-654-2200 – Discount # 85454
Bank of America Platinum Plus – 1-800-833-6262 – The goal was simple: provide a credit card program to members of the VBA so superior to existing premiums cards it would establish a new standard of excellence. We strive to deliver the best value for our members. That's why we're pleased to offer you the Platinum Plus® MasterCard® credit card. You'll enjoy telephone service from courteous, knowledgeable representatives, secure online account access and a low Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) offer.
Credit Card Processing
Law Firm Merchant Account
Trust your transactions to the only payment solution recommended by over 50 bar associations. Correctly safeguard and separate client funds into trust and operating accounts. Fees are never commingled. Credit cards attract clients, improve cash flow and reduce collections. Plus, members will save up to 25% off their credit card processing fees. If you are considering accepting credit cards or want to confirm that you are processing credit card transactions correctly, call 866-376-0950 or visit http://www.affiniscape.com/vtbar
Financial Education and Planning
American Express Financial Advisors, Inc. – 1-800-267-5044.
Office Products, Supplies & Computer Software
Corporate Express, Inc.
New England Division
68 Pitkin Street
Burlington, VT 05401
Telephone 800-562-3684 x6758
Fax 800-270-9611
E-mail: Thomas.juiffre@cexp.com
Corporate Express
has partnered with the Vermont Bar Association, providing members with an exclusive pricing agreement on Office Products, Furniture and Janitorial Supplies. This program will save your law firm a significant amount of time and money on products you use everyday. Beyond pricing that’s the guaranteed to be the lowest, members receive 3 levels of support: Local Field Representative, Tom Juiffre, Inside Sales Support, Mario Ilagan and Customer Care for all of your service needs. Orders are shipped NEXT DAY, FREE, with NO-MINUM order! In addition to your exclusive office supply pricing, we’ve also partnered with National Office Furniture, providing a 54% discount to VBA members. This line of furniture is a perfect fit for law firms, deeply discounted just for you!
Don’t delay, start saving today! Contact Tom Juiffre at (800) 562-3684 x6758 or by E-mail at: thomas.juiffre@cexp.com
Computer Discount Warehouse
Offers members outstanding discounts on computer hardware and software. Please call: 1-800-800-4239, Ext. 77685 -reference Account # 2443938.
Have you ever wondered how to be more effective in marketing yourself or your firm? After all, not everyone can be a “natural” at marketing... or can they?
MarketYourLawPractice.com (MYLP) is a web-based interactive marketing tool developed especially for lawyers. MYLP can help you create a marketing plan that attracts new clients and develops new business. The site is designed to help you grow your practice ethically and effectively through the Four Pillars of Marketing:
Why MarketYourLawPractice.com (MYLP)?
Check out these links for more information:
Since you are a member of the Vermont Bar Association, you benefit from a discounted subscription to MarketYourLawPractice.com. The annual subscription fee is normally $1,450—but VBA members can subscribe for $1,250 when you select the Vermont Bar Association logo during the registration process.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR FIRST 150 MEMBERS TO SUBSCRIBE: The first 150 lawyers in Vermont to subscribe to MYLP can do so for just $750 - - nearly a 50% discount.
For decades, thousands of winning attorneys have chosen Corel® WordPerfect Office to make a lasting impression in the courtroom and in the office. WordPerfect Office X4 - Standard Edition is a complete office suite, with word processing, spreadsheet and multimedia presentation applications to help you quickly and effectively communicate with the most demanding client or fastidious judge. Law offices big and small benefit from the numerous features, designed with legal professionals in mind. To learn more about WordPerfect Office X4 CLICK HERE
VBA SecureSend Now Available!
We are pleased to announce a new program benefit for all members of the Vermont Bar Association called VBA SecureSend powered by LeapFILE. VBA SecureSend enables you to send large files of any type to your clients, partners, and counsels securely and instantly. There are no more delays with overnight delivery services, blocked e-mails due to large attachments, or FTP operations that are difficult to understand and manage. VBA SecureSend is the perfect solution for attorneys and legal staff who need an easy and secure way to send sensitive documents and large files. Members of VBA can sign up for a FREE Standard Account or upgraded service plans with additional features at a specially discounted price for VBA members. Please visit www.vtbarsend.com to sign up for your complimentary VBA SecureSend Standard Account today.
EXCLUSIVE benefit for Members of the Vermont Bar Association!
LexisNexis has partnered with the Vermont Bar Association to offer special packages and pricing exclusively for attorneys in solo or small law firms. These member benefits provide access to the LexisNexis Total Research System, offering the broad perspective you need to succeed in your legal career. Depending on your research needs, you'll find comprehensive news, business and public records information, authoritative analytical materials as well as annotated cases and codes. Take advantage of precision research capabilities using Lexis(r) Search Advisor, Case Summaries, LexisNexis(tm) Headnotes, and the exclusive Shepard's(r) Citations Service. Call 1-866-836-8116 to subscribe to the LexisNexis Total Research System today or visit www.lexisnexis.com/partners/barassociations
West Publishing Corporation offers members savings on several of their products 1-800-328-9352.
LOISLAW
An electronic publisher of high quality affordable electronic legal research systems on the Internet and CD-ROM, and publishes a product line for Vermont on the Internet and CD-ROM known as Loislaw Professional Library: Vermont Series. Please call 1-800-364-2512 or visit our website at: www.loislaw.com
