What's the Buzz? Take Two

It’s the holiday season, snow is all around and we are bombarded with the “bests” “worsts” “most” “biggest” what-have-yous of 2017.  So why not join the reflection party?! 

2017 was chock full at the VBA.  For CLEs, we had:  

Not only were the CLE’s plentiful and educational, they were the subject of tweets and ‘likes’ and were regularly followed.  The VBA also kept busy making sure our members had a seat at the table in the Statehouse, tracking all legislation through our government relations guru, Bob Paolini.  We co-hosted legislative days in each county and had our legislators’ reception and breakfast.  The VBA actively handed out ‘pocket constitutions’ and assisted with any Constitution Day presentations in schools, as well as convening our own Constitution Day presentation. 

The VBA Journal chugged along quarterly with fascinating reads from our Ruminations author, Paul Gillies, and many Pursuits of Happiness interviews on singing, mushrooms and karate, among others.  Try entering our caption contest next year, or submit a work of fiction! Don’t forget our Lawyer Referral Service, too, which handles approximately 600 calls per month from Vermonters needing representation.  The VBA also assists with actively engaging members to participate in commissions and committees that help to preserve the rule of law, to improve access to justice and to make the practice law better. 

And let’s not forget VBA Connect. The old listserve service was replaced by VBA Connect online communities making discussions available online and making them archiveable and searchable.  Documents can be posted to the libraries.  Many members are finding the online communities a breeze to navigate.  Don’t be afraid to join the discussion—try it, you’ll like it!  What discussion?  Here’s what folks have been talking about this year on VBA Connect:Of course, as with our old listserve service, the property law section wins again for the highest use…485 distinct discussion threads so far.  Find the answer you need through the collective wisdom of your colleagues.  We are all in this together!

Happy New Year from all of us at the VBA.  We hope to see you at our events in the future.  Speaking of the future … please save the date for our May 16, 2018 Tech Show.  Be efficient. Be inspired. Be ready!

Treadwell Sworn In

John R. Treadwell of Burlington was sworn in as Vermont’s newest Superior Court Judge before a standing-room-only crowd at the Washington County Courthouse on Friday, November 17. Judge Mary Morrissey provided opening remarks, commenting on the many experiences she shared with Judge Treadwell over the course of 20 years, working together first at the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office and then at the Attorney General’s Office. She complimented Judge Treadwell on his vast legal knowledge, strong work ethic, willingness to always help others with any case, and consistent good humor.

After administering the judicial oath, Governor Scott likewise praised the numerous qualities that led to Judge Treadwell’s appointment. Judge Treadwell thanked many in the audience with whom he had worked over the years, including Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan; Executive Director of the State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs, John Campbell; numerous state’s attorneys and many of the judicial officers present including Justices Karen Carroll and Marilyn Skoglund and Judges Brian Grearson, Mary Miles Teachout, Mary Morrissey, John Pacht and Thomas Durkin. He also thanked his wife Tracy and their six children, his mother (who had traveled from New Zealand for the occasion!), his mother-in-law, sister-in-law and the many colleages and friends who were in attendance. Judge Treadwell’s first assignment will be in the Windham Civil Division in Newfane, starting in January.

Enjoy pictures from the event, below.

Congratulations to Judges Glover and Treadwell

Yesterday, Fred Glover was sworn in by Judge Robert Gerety at the Woodstock Superior Court as the newest probate judge.  Judge Glover was surrounded by friends, family and court staff and was treated to the traditional ringing of the steeple bell as he exited the courthouse. Please enjoy pictures of the ceremony below. 

Gov. Phil Scott announced the appointment of two Vermont judges in early October.  Frederick “Fred” M. Glover of Ludlow was appointed as the Windsor County Probate Judge. Glover, a general practice attorney with nearly three decades of legal experience, will now serve as a probate judge for Windsor County. He replaces Judge Joanne Ertel, who is retiring and was selected from a group of nominees put forward by the Windsor County Democratic Committee, according to statute. “I’m honored by this appointment, and the opportunity to bring my years of experience to bear in service to the Windsor County courts,” said Glover, according to a press release.

On the same date, John R. Treadwell of Burlington was appointed as a Vermont Superior Court Judge.  He was selected by Governor Scott from a pool of candidates put forward by the Judicial Nominating Board. Treadwell will sit on Vermont’s Superior Court.  He has served in the Vermont Attorney General’s Office for more than a decade, currently as the chief of the criminal division, serving as Vermont’s top criminal prosecutor since 2014.

“I thank John and Fred for their commitment to serving Vermont in these important judicial positions,” said Governor Scott. “Both are legal professionals of the utmost integrity, with the skills, knowledge and temperament that will benefit our judiciary.”

The VBA Welcomes New Admittees!

 

Chief Justice Reiber swore in 52 new admittees (admitted within the last year) before the Vermont Supreme Court, the Board of Bar Examiners and guests in the House Chamber at the Statehouse yesterday.  The Chief gave an inspiring speech encouraging the new lawyers to use their gifts and talents to not only uphold the Constitution and the Rule of Law but to contribute to the public good as public citizens.  He encouraged local community involvement as well as a focus on individual wellness.  As a parting note, the Chief recommended that the new admittees save a bottom drawer in their desks for thank you notes from clients which will serve as future inspiration and a reminder of the reason they chose law in the first place -- to help people. 

The ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by the Vermont Bar Association.  The VBA executive director and staff were on hand to congratulate the new admittees and talk about Vermont practice over cookies and cider.  Flyers demonstrating the benefits of VBA membership, of belonging to the Lawyer Referral Service panel, of joining low bono and pro bono panels and projects and of attending upcoming VBA CLE’s were also on hand.  Other goodies included pocket constitutions, courtesy copies of the most recent Vermont Bar Journal and VBA logo trinkets such as notepads, tissues and lip balm.

As the below pictures demonstrate, a good time was had by all the attendees.  Welcome to all Vermont’s new lawyers!  We hope to see you soon.

The Court enters

The Oath

The Chief also specifically recognized the admitee-baby.

Members of the Supreme Court met with the admittees at the reception

Thanks for coming!