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Please click the heading for our new COVID-19 Resource Page for the latest resources regarding the Governor’s orders, Judiciary orders, emergency legislation, wellness, technology and employer resources and more, all in one place!
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If you've been following our Wellness Webinars, you'll see that every other webinar is a free 30 minute session, and the alternate ones are 1.0 MCLE credit hour sessions for $35, focused on being well for your practices. Our wellness guru, Samara Anderson, strongly believes in attending the series to maintain mindfulness as a practice, and we agree! If you register for one of the CLE hour mindful sessions for $35, you can attend the whole series for free. We intend to continue the series into July, so it is never to late to join! Check out our CLE calender for more info.
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The Vermont Supreme Court has declared a Judicial Emergency and has adopted changes to court procedures due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID 19. Effective March 17, notwithstanding any rule or timeline inconsistent with the Emergency Order, all nonemergency Superior Court hearings, whether evidentiary or non-evidentiary, will be postponed. The Order cites specific exceptions for high-priority cases that must be heard. All Judicial Bureau hearings are postponed. The Emergency will go into effect immediately and will extend until April 15, 2020, unless extended by order of the Court. Please read the Emergency Order HERE, as it covers many topics in detail that are not identified in this summary. his Order supercedes all prior related orders. 3/18/20: The Order also has been AMENDED with respect to non-emergency hearing procedures. Click HERE for the amendment. 3/23: Please also click the heading for all new updates, including the temporary suspension of the Newfane Court, Chittenden, Franklin/GI, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor specific 3/31 Orders and a summary from the Court. 3/25 UPDATE: the Order has been further amended with respect to building access, committee meetings and modification to MCLE rules for the 2018-2020 licensing period, including removing the cap on non-live, self-study courses. This amendment is HERE. 3/26 UPDATE: Amendment #4: Further revisions to building access and legal considerations regarding balancing open courts with need for social distancing HERE.
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On March 24, 2020, Governor Scott issued a ‘stay at home’ order which at present does not list law firms as essential businesses. The order encourages the continuance of remote work and social distancing practices, but many questions arise in terms of handling closings, domestic cases, wills, and other legal matters. The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) issued general guidance regarding the ability to leave home for work, if work cannot be done remotely and also recently issued a guidance more specific to legal services. It provides that businesses in the financial, legal and professional services sectors can conduct in-person activities if suspending the activities “would do harm to their client.” The guidance then gives examples such as helping first responders or those in need of urgent assistance who have no internet access. After discussion at a weekly conference call with section chairs and county bar presidents, the VBA will not seek additional guidance from the ACCD. Lawyers should use their best judgment for what in-person activities are allowable under the various guidelines. Click HERE for the Governor's Order, and click the heading for guidance from the Governor's Office and from the ACCD.
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Please click the heading for regularly updated messages from VBA President Elizabeth Novotny regarding COVID-19 and VBA's efforts to serve our membership and the public during this crisis--updated 3/24/20. Please also note that while the VBA moves toward working remotely, we do not anticipate any interruption in our service. Phone calls and emails will contiue to be answered, with emails to info@vtbar.org or specific staff members preferred. Live events have been postponed or moved to webinar format through May, with details made available as we constantly monitor the situation and update accordingly. We appreciate your patience and please take care of yourselves!
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The Judiciary has received a number of inquiries about accessing the public portal for e-filing, and asked that we post information in response. Please click the heading for a message to portal users from the Judiciary. Any questions can be addressed to Jud.Helpdesk@vermont.gov.
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Vermont's Bar Counsel had an outstanding blog today with plenty of wellness resources (from the ABA) and thoughts about managing depression and keeping healthy during these trying times. It's definitely worthwhile to check out the blog HERE.
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The Secretary of State has adopted emergency rules for remote notarization of documents to be utilized during the current pandemic. The final rules are HERE. Guidance has also been issued to help with some common questions raised in interpreting the rules. The Guidance is now live on the OPR COVID page and on the Notary page. The direct link to the guidance pdf is here. Legislation pertaining to these rules and Will execution is still pending and we will inform you of any updates here and on VBA Connect.
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We have heard that many clerks' offices are closing due to COVID-19. Most have put something in place to access records, either electronically or via phone/email. All town clerks strongly recommend those trying to do land records research to call ahead to find out if a particular office is open before making a trip. The offices are trying to maintain essential services while looking to protect staff and the public. For a list of current Municipal Clerk office closures or hours changes click here. Also, the Secretary of State's Office has issued guidance on open meetings, elections and public records access for all municipal government officials, linked HERE.