2025 Judicial Retention Schedule Announced

Vermont’s superior court judges serve six-year terms and are then subject to a judicial retention process. The Joint Committee on Judicial Retention oversees the process. After various hearings and meetings, the Committee provides its recommendations on retention to both chambers in a joint assembly where the vote is taken by secret ballot. There are eight…

New Vermont Superior Court Judges Head for the Bench

In November of last year, Gov. Phil Scott announced the appointment of four new Vermont Superior Court Judges.  The new judges are Bonnie Badgewick of Woodstock, Dana DiSano of South Burlington, Timothy Doherty of Burlington, and Laura Rowntree of South Burlington. Rowntree and DiSano, both formerly Assistant Attorneys General, were sworn in by Vermont Supreme…

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…

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…

Are You a Future Bar Leader?

We hope so! The VBA thrives with member participation, and one of the most important ways you can serve is as a member of the Board of Managers.  There are three two-year seats coming open this winter. Additionally, the executive committee positions of Treasurer, Secretary, and President Elect are open every year. The VBA Nominating…