You may have recently heard of my appointment as Vermont State Court Administrator. I wanted to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to the VBA membership for all the kindnesses and courtesies you’ve shown me as VBA Executive Director and to express my hope to continue to be of service in the new role. I’m mindful that the Vermont bar and the Judiciary share many common goals rooted in a tremendous respect for the rule of law. I’ll do my best to be helpful in furthering those goals.
I first joined the Vermont Bar Association as a new lawyer in 1982, and then was privileged to serve on the Board from 2003 – 2012 and as President from 2010-2011 before being named ED in 2016. Throughout the years I’ve been in awe of how Vermont lawyers have consistently “served the public and the profession” in a multitude of ways: through pro bono representation to those less fortunate; through countless continuing legal education programs; through mentorship and training for new lawyers and law students, paralegals and legal assistants; through volunteer service on local hospital, library, school and town boards and commissions; through testimony to the Legislature about practice areas of expertise; through service as Section and Division Chairs and as County Bar Association officers; and by service on a variety of court rules, court oversight and court boards and committees.
Whether it’s been in public or private service roles, Vermont lawyers have historically given freely and generously of their time and expertise, and the VBA has helped facilitate that service. This has been especially true given the unique challenges we’ve faced together during the last two years. You and the VBA should be very proud of all that you’ve done to assist your clients, the public and each other in facing those challenges, and for all of your contributions to the profession.
Thanks to the hard work of the VBA Board in its leadership role and to the VBA staff’s amazing dedication and skills, I feel that the VBA is in a very solid position for a fortunate successor Executive Director. I’m happy to assist that person in whatever ways I can. A search committee has started its work and information about the application process is linked HERE. I look forward to working together in the new role, where I will continue to be at your service!