Upcoming Fastcase Training Opportunities

The VBA’s legal research partner, Fastcase, upgraded its platform this winter. In 2023, Fastcase merged with vLex, a global leader in legal intelligence and with the merger a new suite of services has arrived.  The new platform went live in Vermont on Dec. 5.  It has a new appearance and new functionality.  With change comes…

Raise Your Hand to Serve Deaf Clients

Like the rest of the population, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind clients need legal representation. As all attorneys are aware, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.  This includes potential clients with hearing challenges.  That said, the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL) maintains a roster…

How to Vote for Attorney Members of the Judicial Nominating Board

This just in from the judiciary.     TO:            Members of the Bar   FROM:      Teri Corsones, Esq., State Court Administrator   RE:            Ballot Instructions – Election of Attorney Members of the Judicial Nominating Board Pursuant to Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 1   DATE:      December 12, 2024   This Memo provides ballot instructions regarding the…

Gov. Scott Appoints Four Superior Court Judges

Gov. Phil Scott announced his appointment of four Vermont Superior Court Judges on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 27). They are : Bonnie Badgewick of Woodstock, Dana DiSano of South Burlington, Timothy Doherty of Burlington, and Laura Rowntree of South Burlington. With these appointments, half of all the superior court judges Governor Scott has appointed…

VBA Hosts New England Bar Association

The VBA played host to the annual gathering of the New England Bar Association (NEBA) from Oct. 24 to the 26th at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe.  NEBA was founded in 1971, initially, as per its Maine Certificate of Organization, as the “Northern New England Bar Association,” to promote the general welfare of the…

Lanthier Investiture Held Nov. 8

  Vermont’s new U.S. District Court Judge, Mary Kay Lanthier, had her formal investiture on Nov. 8 in Rutland.  Although Lanthier took her oath of office from Chief Federal Judge Christina Reiss in Burlington on Sept. 17, and began exercising her official duties immediately thereafter, the investiture ceremony provided a formal marker for Lanthier’s new position.…

VBA Establishes Public Utilities Law Section

The Board of Managers of the Vermont Bar Association approved the creation of a section for Public Utilities Law at its meeting on Oct. 23.  The first chair of the section is Joslyn L. Wilschek of the Wilschek, Iarrapino Law Office in Montpelier, and Will Dodge, of Downs Rachlin Martin, will serve as co-chair. This…