Congratulations to Judge Warren!

From VBA Board of Managers member Amy Davis, please see highlights and pictures from the swearing-in ceremony for Judge Lisa Warren:

Judge Grearson introduced five speakers on behalf of Lisa Warren who all spoke to a crowded courtroom in Caledonia County. The speakers included former judges, prosecutors, police officers, and defense attorneys. Lisa's appointment comes with the support of the entire community, including one of her victim’s advocates who made the incredible cake. Judge Warren's husband, two daughters, and new granddaughter were in attendance. Before the ceremony, she told Deb Bucknam, who mentored her as she read for the law, that she remembered the day telling Deb that she never wanted to go to court! US Attorney Christina Nolan commented about how Lisa not only took on the hard cases, but she won them, too. The US Attorney's office offered to take a human trafficking case off her hands, and Lisa responded, "No I've got it." Judge Warren's work ethic and integrity will follow her to the bench, and local practitioners and community members cannot wait for her to be back in the Kingdom.

Welcome New Lawyers!

The VBA welcomes new admittees to the Vermont bar!  Yesterday’s swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court was topped off with a reception hosted by the VBA.  At the ceremony, Josh Lobe made the motion to admit on behalf of the Board of Bar Examiners. Justice Robinson gave a heart-felt talk about the profession generally and about the importance of being willing to listen to both sides of a controversy and of giving back. VBA Executive Director Teri Corsones welcomed the new admittees on behalf of the VBA and encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities to make a difference with their legal skills. And, of course, there was Teri’s famous cake! 
VBA President Beth Novotny was in attendance along with other VBA board members, who visited with the new lawyers as they enjoyed the reception.

Who wants to Be a Lawyer?

Maybe these kids! Annika Green and Jennifer Emens-Butler went to U-32 this week to speak with Sophomores and Juniors for career day.  On Your Own: Your Legal Rights at 18 booklets and pocket constitutions in hand, Annika and Jennifer told the two groups of kids all about the education prerequisites and the practice of law in Vermont.  Substantive areas such as criminal law and bankruptcy were discussed, but much time was also spent on the general skillset required to become a lawyer and how those skills can be used in a multitude of fields, within and outside the practice of law. 

Students asked pointed questions about how lawyers in tough fields take care of their own personal wellness--an astute and timely observation-- and also how they handle their own biases in difficult cases. There was also talk about international policy work, the environment and so much more. Even the teacher had his own questions. The second session was an all-girl group, so we made sure to let them know that women are needed in equity positions in law firms and encouraged them all to dream big!

Please join us as we strive to improve the public perception of lawyers, even if it’s for one kid at a time!  The VBA has pocket constitutions for all ages and On Your Own booklets for seniors as well as references for discussions on constitutional law for lawyers to go into schools to discuss legal rights.  Going to career day at your school? Please let us know and we can highlight your story on our social media and news pages.  We know lawyers work tirelessly to help others, yet still struggle with a poor public perception.  Why not take the time to inspire our youth about the fascinating, rewarding, noble, challenging and fun (yes fun!) practice of law? The VBA will see you there.

A Comedy Tonight and More!

There really was something for everyone at the VBA Annual Meeting and Basic Skills events last week. We extended a warm welcome to new admittees and lawyers relocating to Vermont at our semi-annual Basic Skills event. The full day CLE on Thursday was packed with courses on professionalism, Vermont procedures, family law, admin law and real estate, along with full, hot and delicious meals at the Hilton waterfront.  The day was topped off with A Night at the Improv, as we brought the Vermont Comedy Club to our meeting for some skits and reflections on mediation techniques and quick-thinking.  While the selfie table was a bit lonely, some did make use of it…watch for an encore appearance at an upcoming meeting!

Friday was packed with Vermont practice and procedure CLE’s, ethics CLE’s, wellness CLE’s, implicit bias CLE and essential substantive updates in criminal, municipal, family, collaborative, environmental, non-profit, employment, immigration law along with some law practice management and cybersecurity programs to round out the offerings. President Gary Franklin awarded VBA service awards to Bob Paolini and Mike Kennedy for their decades of service to the bar.  He also awarded Justice Marilyn Skoglund with the President’s award upon her retirement, complete with a personalized gavel and a Spanish bartending book! Incoming President Beth Novotny then took the gavel and inspired attendees as she lauded attorneys for all the good work they do on a regular basis.

Smiles were shared, prizes were won, bellies were stuffed, cases were analyzed and collective wisdom grew as attendees enjoyed our 141^st VBA Annual Meeting. Special thanks to all of our exhibitors and sponsors who made the meeting possible as well as to our esteemed presenters who donated their time to share their knowledge with us all. As always, if you have any ideas for programs you’d like to see or present, please contact me at jeb at vtbar dot org. See you next time!