Scenes from VBA's 138th Annual Meeting

If a picture is indeed worth a thousand words, then this photo-packed Blawg installment rivals an Act of Congress! The 138th Annual Meeting was a smashing success, and how better to describe it than with thousands upon thousands of words, albeit in picture form. Captions are included, however, since it would be impossible for trained legal professionals to remain entirely speechless!


Taking in the setting before the meeting begins.

Judge Robert Mello fields a question from Paul Gillies about Judge Mello’s book “Moses Robinson and the Founding of Vermont”.

Judge Stephen Martin discusses his book “Orville’s Revenge: The Anatomy of a Suicide” with a photo of the late Orville Gibson and his wife in the foreground.

Nancy Martin exhibits how one can tie one’s self up in order to hurl one’s self from a bridge!

Former Agency of Transportation Secretary Sue Minter speaks first in the Gubernatorial Dialogue followed by Lt. Governor Phil Scott addressing the membership. Last up was Liberty Union Candidate Bill Lee who shared his enthusiasm (and drew some laughs) during the Gubernatorial Dialogue.  The event was moderated by Daniel Richardson.

Friday morning's Wake Up and Run/Walk participants got to view the sunrise.

Peaceful morning mindfulness through curtain sheers...John Newman presents to very engaged members in a beautiful setting.

Greg Weimer engrosses the crowd during the E-Discovery for Small Civil Cases seminar.

        

Anna Saxman  and Marshall Pahl describe the latest rulings in the criminal law update seminar next to a bank of lake-view windows.

The panelists in the Alimony Reform presentation include Judges Brian Grearson, Thomas Devine and Kevin Griffin, along with Attorneys Susan Murray and Emily Davis.

Tom Valente explains the use of parody as a defense in trademark cases.

Also in IP, In case you want to know how to take over the world, Gordon Troy can explain!

Nancy Livak addresses potential infringement with this lively cheerleader costume case.

Penny Benelli and Amber Barber present to a packed lakeside room with the Family Law year in review.

Steve Ellis addressing a question at the Employment Law review.

Tom Moody engaging his audience at the Business Law review as Tristram Coffin awaits his portion of the presentation.

Mike Kennedy and Drew Palcsik keeping members calm with their cloud computing seminar.

Members are assembled for the lunch meeting  - a packed house with this view out the window:

.

Mike Kennedy presents President’s Awards to Access to Justice Campaign Co-Chairs Jeff Johnson and Jean Giddings for their fantastic work as last year’s co-chairs.

Mike Kennedy presents President’s Awards to lawyer/legislators Shap Smith and Willem Jewett for their many contributions while serving in the Vermont Legislature.

This year’s Access to Justice Campaign Co-Chairs Rob McClallen and Gary Karnedy thank the audience for their past support and urge continued support for the Poverty Law Fellow Program this year.

   

Mairead O’Reilly, the current Poverty Law Fellow, describes the work she will be undertaking with a focus on issues surrounding the opiate epidemic.

Immediate Past President Dan Richardson passes the gavel to new President Mike Kennedy.

President Mike Kennedy addresses the membership during his very moving acceptance speech!  


Post-lunch socializing with the service award winners and President Kennedy.


The afternoon continues with Appellate Law cast of presenters including Justices Skoglund and Eaton, Judge Crawford and David Boyd.


Real Property Year in Review with Andy Mikell, Benjamin Deppman and Jim Knapp.


Thanks for having us, Lake Morey!