Serving the Public and the Profession
Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Farzana Leyva, of Westfield, as Orleans County state’s attorney. Farzana has served as acting state’s attorney since Governor Scott appointed former state’s attorney Jennifer Barrett to the superior court. Judge Barrett was the only candidate on the ballot for state’s attorney and cannot assume the role, leaving…
DetailsRetired Vermont Supreme Court Justice James L. Morse passed away at his home in Charlotte on January 13. He served as a Vermont trial court judge from 1981 – 1988 and as an Associate Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court from 1988 – 2003. A memorial service will be held in the Spring. Following…
DetailsThe Vermont Judiciary conducted an election for new attorney members to the Judicial Nominating Board between Dec. 12 and Jan. 13. The votes have been counted and the Court announced on Jan. 18 that the attorney members of the Judicial Nominating Board will be Eleanor Spottswood, Esq. of Chittenden County, representing the State At-Large…
DetailsThe Vermont Bar Association has a long-term focus on developing a diverse, knowledgeable, and vibrant bar. In furtherance of this goal, the VBA announces a new program of CLE courses focused on the basics of law: “The Brown Bag Law Study Program” (BBLS). Vermont is famous for being one of the few states where people…
DetailsNominations are now open for candidates for VBA’s Annual Pro Bono Service Award. The Award is given each year to one or more attorneys who have devoted themselves in a noteworthy way to provide pro bono legal services to the poor and disadvantaged. Standards for the award reflect Rule 6.1 of the Vermont Rules…
DetailsFor those who may need a quick refresher, Vermont’s Supreme Court Justices, Superior judges, magistrates, and the chair and members of the Public Utility Commission are appointed by the Governor from a list of candidates provided to him by the Judicial Nominating Board. Vermont attorneys are given three seats at the JNB table –…
DetailsThe Nominating Committee of the VBA Board Of Managers met via zoom on December 9, 2022 to consider nominations for the seats that will become open in the next election cycle. The Committee recommended the following nominations for seats on the Board of Managers: President-Elect: Joshua Diamond Secretary: Ted Tyler Treasurer: Matt Valerio At-Large: …
DetailsThe VBA is again holding the popular MLK poster-essay contest for Vermont middle schoolers (grades 6-8). This year, the Dr. King quotation that students should consider in their essays and illustrate in their posters is, “LIFE’S MOST PERSISTENT AND URGENT QUESTION IS, WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR OTHERS?” The deadline is Dec. 21. The contest…
DetailsWho says bankruptcy can’t be festive? OK. Probably there are some who feel that way – but those people haven’t been to the VBA’s Bankruptcy CLE and Luncheon. The popular event is back, live and in-person, on Dec. 2 at the Delta Marriott, 1117 Williston Road, South Burlington. (FKA Trader Dukes). Registration details are…
DetailsThe Young Lawyers Division of the Vermont Bar Association (“YLD”) are seeking nominations for the recipient of the second annual Judge Peter W. Hall Integrity Award. This award is presented annually by the YLD to a Vermont attorney or judge who exhibits the exceptional characteristics for which Judge Hall was best known: integrity, humility, empathy,…
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