So Green (with Envy)

The greens of Spring in Vermont are as varied as the fall foliage colors.  Maybe they are so beautiful because we have had to feast on browns, greys and whites exclusively for so many months.  May is special because of the greens, but perhaps it is most special because of the Smolo? Loyal Solo & Small Firm Conference attendees will agree that there’s nothing like it anywhere and that it is truly spectacular.  Those who missed it will have missed the greens of Basin Harbor and will certainly be green with envy.

One comment we often receive about our “big” meetings –the annual and mid-year meetings—is that there never seems to be enough time to network amidst all the CLE offerings. Not so much at the Smolo! The networking opportunities were plentiful.  Some brave attendees even went on the rainy cold lake cruise and learned about Lake Champlain while enjoying its beauty. 

Although the resort has stepped up its wireless strength, people seemed so focused that they were rarely on their phones.  The small seminars allowed people to be fully engaged and sharing stories rather than checking emails and the clock. With such a gorgeous and relaxing setting, people couldn’t help but learn, network, share and smile.  Even the canine attendees were relaxed. And let’s not forget the food! In just one of the lunch buffets, we had delicious seafood salad, pasta salad, tomato salad, strawberry salad, reubens, sandwich makings, eggplant parmesan AND fried chicken! And all the other meals and desserts were equally fabulous.

At the networking reception, more established lawyers were paired with newer lawyers to discuss anything from practice successes and failures, favorite apps, best law movies, outdoor activities and so much more.  People made real connections and had fun while doing it.  We’ve already gotten great feedback from our law practice management and wellness seminars.  Many thanks to our sponsors who helped make the event possible.

Don’t be green, be there for our next Smolo!

Please enjoy just some of the pictures from our special event below.

 

It’s not ALL about the CLE credits!

It’s CLE season, and half of us need to report to the judiciary our last two years’ credits by June 30.  So needless to say, there is a hustle and bustle here at the VBA in the spring.  But CLE’s are not about just checking boxes or hitting play on a DVD to hit the 20-hour mark.  There is so much more to a CLE offering, and the VBA prides itself on providing the whole package!

Take, for example, last Friday, which was Family Law Day. The full-day CLE covered representing people with disabilities, current case law, relocation issues and mediation.  But the event was so much more.  Much of the case law presentation erupted into full conversations among the attendees concerning the standards, their own similar cases and finer points of how the decisions could be applied.  In the mediation sessions, attendees broke into smaller groups to discuss whether their practices fall mainly into which of three categories: 1) taking full responsibility, 2) being open to learning or 3) having fun and what are the pulls from category to category.  Attendees shared personal stories, bonded and two even found out they were in the same law school class!

The food was plentiful and the conversations at lunch ran the gamut of current and past case law, bar exams, mentors and practice issues.  Many side-bars were had in the hall throughout the day.  While the event was recorded, the digital library will neither be as long, nor capture the comradery that wove through each segment.  We can, of course, share the pictures below, so you’ll be sure not to miss the next one!

Sure, CLEs are about learning, and we always strive to get the brightest and best of our colleagues to share their wisdom with attendees.  We can’t thank our members enough for volunteering to present at our programs throughout the year.  But CLE’s are also about having fun, networking, sharing stories, helping each other figure out complex cases, catching up, finding referrals, eating and being present in Vermont’s uniquely fabulous community of lawyers.

We know it is hard to find time out of our busy schedules to attend live CLEs.  Hearing the positive stories from our events convinces us that live CLEs are good for us, so we will just have to make the time. Just as we find time for family, meditation, wellness activities, the outdoors, exercise and all those things that are good for us, why not combine our required learning with a bit of fun?  Hope to see you all soon!