Spring 2021 Loquitur—The Alumni Magazine for Vermont Law School by Vermont Law School

SPRING 2021 THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE FOR VERMONT LAW SCHOOL

IN THE FIGHT

SPRING 2021 Volume 34

INTERIM PRESIDENT AND DEAN Beth McCormack VICE PRESIDENT FOR ALUMNI RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT Brooke Herndon EDITORS Justin Campfield Lauren Close CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Crystal Brownell Ashley Patton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sky Barsch Justin Campfield David Goodman Corin Hirsch Kate Jenkins DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Karen Henderson PRINTING Puritan Capital PUBLISHED BY VERMONT LAW SCHOOL 164 Chelsea Street, PO Box 96 South Royalton, VT 05068 vermontlaw.edu Send address changes to alumni@vermontlaw.edu or call 802-831-1312. Alumni can also update contact information on the web at connect.vermontlaw.edu. Printed with soy-based inks on recycled paper. © 2021 Vermont Law School

THIS PAGE: RON GUNZBURGER JD’87 PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIK A NIZBORSKI ON THE FRONT COVER: SHERRI WHITE-WILLIAMSON JD/MERL’18 PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS L ANG ON THE BACK COVER (FROM LEF T): SHEA TUBERTY, PHD, PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY, AQUATIC ECOTOXICOLOGY LAB, APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY; SHERRI WHITE-WILLIAMSON JD/MERL’18; DANIELLE KOONCE, DOCTORAL CANDIDATE SOCIOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND; AND REBECCA WITTER, PHD, DEPARTMENT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS L ANG

A FIGHTING CHANCE Sherri White-Williamson JD/MERL’18 and a group of VLS alumni are giving low-income and communities of color something they’ve seldom had as they confront toxic injustice: a fighting chance. BY DAVID GOODMAN

DEPARTMENTS LETTER FROM THE DEAN

VLS’ resilience and creativity............4

DISCOVERY Q&A with Interim President and Dean Beth McCormack; Interact with The Nest; Return to campus; NCRJ lands second multi-million dollar grant; A chat with Vermont Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray JD’14................6

IN THE FIGHT Snapshots of eight VLS alumni working in pursuit of justice........................ 29

CLASS NOTES News from your classmates, friends, and other Swans............................ 44

INTER ALIA

A creative revival............................ 65

VERMONT ALBUM ............................ 66

COURSE CORRECTIONS As COVID-19 swept across the U.S., it . dramatically altered the work lives of three Vermont Law School alumni, forcing them to adapt to new realities, opportunities, and life-and-death responsibilities. BY CORIN HIRSCH

THE TIME HAS ARRIVED For the Master of Arts in Restorative Justice program’s early students—many of whom are now entering the workforce with their VLS degrees—the sense that a broken system desperately needs repairing isn’t new. They have the same goals now that they did when they entered the program. And their time has arrived. BY JUSTIN CAMPFIELD

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSEPH HORAN; ERIK A NIZBORSKI; AND ROB BOSSI.

Emily Potts

BETH MCCORMACK, VERMONT L AW SCHOOL’S INTERIM PRESIDENT AND DEAN

LOQUITUR

LETTER FROM THE DEAN

OUR RESILIENT COMMUNITY As of this writing, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the COVID pandemic tunnel. More than three million Americans a day are being vaccinated and Vermont has one of the highest rates of fully vaccinated adults in the country. Here at Vermont Law School, the pandemic has certainly presented its fair share of challenges, but I think it has also given us the opportunity to learn and grow. Our early adoption of online instruction put us in a good position to make the switch to fully remote learning last March, and we continue to get better at it in ways that will certainly pay off down the road. And our efforts to promote mental health amongst our students and eliminate the stigma surrounding it were fortuitous, as we were able to quickly respond to the mental health needs of our student body. We also learned a new definition of “community” as, despite not being physically close to each other, our students, faculty, staff, and alumni were able to maintain an inspiring sense of togetherness that helped many of us get through a difficult time. But even though we were able to make the best out of a bad situation, I am happy to report that we have begun the transition back to fully re-opening our campus. We started that transition this spring with a cohort of 48 students taking a mixture of in-person and virtual classes, supported by a robust testing regimen and admirable adherence to social distancing requirements. Looking ahead, some summer session classes will be virtual, while others will be in person (but with an option to participate remotely if students choose to do so). And happily, we plan to be back to normal, or almost normal, residential operations for the fall 2021 semester, following all state health and safety guidelines. Throughout these unprecedented times, I have been inspired by the resiliency and creativity I have witnessed in our community. It has shown, once again, that Vermont Law School is a special place. Sincerely,

Beth McCormack Interim President and Dean

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Q&A DISCOVERY

WITH BETH McCORMACK

WHEN BETH MCCORMACK WAS NAMED INTERIM president and dean by the VLS Board of Trustees on January 23, she became the first woman to hold that position in the school’s history.

Loquitur recently talked with Dean McCormack about her path to becoming interim president and dean, what it means to her to be the first woman in the role, and what she hopes to accomplish.

Where did you grow up and what did you want to be when you were little? I grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, and I wanted to be either the president of the United States or a Rockette. For a while, I wanted to be a nun too because my mother was a nun before she got married. She eventually became a teacher and that was always an inspiration for me. After she died, I got a letter from the mayor of Providence, who she taught in seventh grade, saying that he still remembered her helping him when he was a student. I keep that letter in a frame in my office. I was also really into the debate team in high school, and won a state championship in it. From that experience, a lot of people told me I should be a lawyer, but I never knew any lawyers growing up. My dad was in construction, so I didn’t have a sense of what the job would be like.

When you came to VLS in 2011, you made the change from being a Boston-based litigator, to a full-time law school professor. Why? I just wanted a different lifestyle. I learned a lot at my law firm over those ten years and had a lot of great mentors, but I just didn’t feel like it was meaningful work. I was an adjunct at Boston University School of Law and as I thought more about it, I realized that it was my favorite part of my job. I would always feel so good after teaching a class. It was the best part of my week.

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Emily Potts

A VLS faculty member since 2011 and a veteran of multiple administrative roles, including serving as vice dean for students, McCormack has been tasked with leading the school through the development and early stage implementation of a strategic plan that will better prepare it for the future.

You are from Providence and went to school in Boston. What was it like to move to rural Vermont? Terrifying. In fact, I moved the week Tropical Storm Irene hit Vermont. I just couldn’t believe that I had to drive to get my mail, I didn’t know anyone, and I didn’t even know how to figure out that the school was closed. It was a massive, massive change. I do think, though, that Irene was really reaffirming because of how the community came together in a way that I had never experienced before. What do you do for fun? I’m a relatively new mountain biker, and I love to ski. I cross country, downhill, and like to skin too. I started skinning in the morning before work because it just puts me in the right position for the day. One of my weaknesses is being a workaholic, so committing to do that a couple times a week is a way to stay balanced. I’m also a huge Red Sox fan, and was a season ticket holder from 2004 until last year when I had to let the tickets go.

What motivates you, personally and professionally? I spend hours and hours getting my PowerPoints just right and thinking about ways to present certain material. I don’t feel like that is work, it’s just so much fun. I really love helping students and coaching moot court. I don’t have my own children so mentoring students and helping them is how I spend time that other adults with children spend raising their kids.

How has COVID impacted you personally? I vividly remember putting up “cover your mouth when you cough signs,” foolishly thinking that was all that it was going to take to beat this thing. And I remember that first training session on [Microsoft] Teams. It was a disaster and I thought this whole thing was going to be a disaster. It’s been a challenge to figure out how to present material and stay connected to students, but it has all worked relatively well. Personally, I live alone, so all these multi-household gathering rules have been hard for someone like me.

What does it mean to you to be the first female president and dean? It’s shocking to me that at a school like ours, it has been all white male deans. I feel like it’s about time. Hearing from students that I’m a role model for them, that’s meant everything to me. That’s what I was missing as a litigator.

What do you hope to accomplish as interim president and dean? I want to help put the school on a more sustainable path and create stability as we emerge from this global pandemic and embark on a new strategic direction. That’s why I thought I was right for this moment. It’s been a difficult past few years at the school and I know students trust me and I want to be a source of stability for them as we move on to our next, great phase.

DISCOVERY

A STEP TOWARD NORMALCY ON MARCH 6, 2020, THE VLS CAMPUS CLOSED FOR Spring Break. Within a week, much of the world shut down due to COVID-19. What was planned as a two-week shift to virtual learning lasted for the rest of the spring and summer semesters. The fall semester was also virtual, but VLS opened some spaces on campus for studying, following strict safety protocols. But in 2021, the Spring Semester Hybrid program for 1L students launched. This opt-in program allowed students to take some classes in-person. Students choosing to participate had to agree to receive COVID tests every other week, sign a health and safety contract, wear a mask, and observe social distancing guidelines on campus. On February 1, 2021, the VLS campus hosted classes for the first time in nearly a year. First-year students finally met their classmates and professors face-to-face. Later in the semester, the fitness center and gear shed reopened. As Loquitur goes to press, the Spring Semester Hybrid program is ending successfully and vaccination appointments are open to all Vermonters over 16. Summer session will be a mix of virtual and in-person classes, with fall 2021 expected to return to fully in-person classes.

VLS LAUNCHES NEW PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM

The Nest boasts many exciting features, offering instant networking and mentoring capabilities, access to the latest job postings and

referrals for alumni, and it is also a means for various social opportunities. For individuals looking to maintain a connection to the institution and to other Vermont Law School community members, The Nest will serve as a meaningful resource. Registering is easy—simply visit thenest.vermontlaw.edu to sign up via a LinkedIn account or with an email address, and answer basic questions regarding your area(s) of expertise and connections to VLS. Don’t wait, join today!

Kate Jenkins

WITH A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT between the Offices for Alumni Relations and Development, Career Services, and other campus partners, Vermont Law School launched an interactive professional development platform called The Nest in January 2021. Exclusively available to alumni, students, faculty, and staff, this new tool is designed to seamlessly connect the VLS community in real-time.

PROFESSOR PAMELA VESILIND JD’08 TEACHES THE CIVIL PROCEDURE CLASS IN OAKES HALL, SPRING 2021.

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A CONVERSATION WITH VERMONT LT. GOVERNOR MOLLY GRAY JD’14

DISCOVERY

NCRJ RECEIVES SECOND $3 MILLION GRANT IN FEBRUARY, U.S. SENATOR Patrick Leahy announced that the National Center on Restorative Justice (NCRJ) based at Vermont Law School (VLS) would receive a second $3 million grant from the Department of Justice (DOJ). “There was no doubt that when Vermont Law School and its partners like the University of Vermont were awarded the inaugural grant to establish the National Center on Restorative Justice, the Department of Justice found the right home for this initiative,” says Senator Leahy. “Prison reform cannot just mean changing how we house offenders. We need to rethink our approach to the entire justice system.” The National Center was launched in the spring of 2020 by VLS in conjunction with the DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, and institutional partners, the University of Vermont and the University of San Diego. The National Center works to improve criminal justice policy and practice through enhanced restorative justice training and education for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as incarcerated people and those under court supervision, professional development, and rigorous research into the impact of broadened restorative justice education on justice systems.

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The funding will be used to: expand access to restorative justice education; provide targeted training to public safety officials, other professionals, and communities; convene and coordinate a national conversation to identify best practice guidelines for use by justice systems and communities; and, conduct research to evaluate the efficacy of restorative justice education and the infusion of restorative justice practices in a replicable manner across the criminal justice continuum. Restorative justice, a non-punitive, relational response to harm that seeks accountability through expansive input from those who have been harmed, acceptance of responsibility, and amends, has ancient origins and broad applicability today. VLS is the first law school in the country to offer a Master of Arts in Restorative Justice in addition to the Juris Doctor degree. VLS also offers a nine-credit Professional Certificate in Restorative Justice designed to introduce restorative theories and practices to professionals from various fields. For more information about the NCRJ, visit vermontlaw.edu/ncrj.

WHEN VLS ALUMNA AND FACULTY MEMBER Molly Gray JD’14 was sworn in as Vermont’s 82nd lieutenant governor, she became the fourth female in the state’s history to hold the position, and the latest in a long line of Swans who have put their legal training to use in elected office. Shortly after her inauguration, Loquitur had the opportunity to talk with Lt. Governor Gray about how her time at VLS prepared her for statewide office, how being lieutenant governor will impact her teaching, and what she hopes to accomplish in her new role, among other topics. Loquitur: How did your time as a VLS student prepare you to run for, and win, statewide elected office? Lt. Governor Gray: Much like law school, running for statewide office requires a lot of mental and physical discipline. You are constantly digesting information, listening, and engaging constituents and working to make your case. You are often on your feet and the days are long! During debates and press interviews, I often found myself harkening back to Appellate Advocacy and Moot Court at VLS. I recalled and deployed the tools we learned to remain calm and focused while at the podium, or in delivering a persuasive argument. Loquitur: Can you think of any specific memories, lessons learned, teachers, etc., at VLS that you will lean on during your time as Lt. Governor? Lt. Governor Gray: Of all the lessons I learned, I think most of what the VLS community fostered in terms of inclusivity, compassion, and accountability. In many ways, VLS is like a large law firm operating in a small village. Not only do you see colleagues in the café, library, and bookstore, but also at the South Royalton Market, Worthy Burger, and everywhere in between. Everyone is transforming together and with that comes compassion for the human experience, accountability for one’s actions and those of your colleagues, and an inevitable desire and responsibility to be inclusive. I think those values make for good lawyers as well as good leaders and elected officials. I carry close my time at VLS.

Jay Ericson

DISCOVERY

MOLLY GRAY JD’14, OUTSIDE THE STATE HOUSE IN MONTPELIER, VT.

Loquitur: The path between law school and elected office is well worn, but do you think VLS’s strong focus on public interest will help you bring a different sensibility to the position? Lt. Governor Gray: Yes. I was attracted to VLS not only because VLS, in my mind, is Vermont’s law school, but also because of the strong focus on public interest law, specifically the robust international and comparative law program. Although I had no plans of running for public office at the time of applying, the school’s mission and motto—“Law for the Community and the World”—drew me in. The mission and motto could not be more necessary and fitting today as we work to address our greatest challenges and restore faith in the essentialness of good government and international engagement. From the climate crisis to the COVID-19 global pandemic, we need good lawyers and leaders who recognize the connectivity between local and global. We also need good lawyers and leaders committed to upholding the constitution, the rule of law, and promoting respect for human dignity. I reflect on the motto often as I approach my work as Lt. Governor. Loquitur: Do you think your experiences as Lt. Governor will find their way into some of the classes you teach?

Lt. Governor Gray: Absolutely! I look forward to returning to the classroom and teaching international human rights law once COVID-19 lifts and I have settled into my new role. Staying connected with students and the VLS community is extremely important to me. Additionally, this is such an important and exciting time to teach human rights and to support students in exploring careers in the field. With President Biden in the White House, we will continue to see a recommitment to international engagement and promoting and protecting international human rights. VLS has an important role to play in training and preparing the next generation of advocates and leaders. That being said, and as I have always told my students, universal human rights begin locally and we have so much work to do right here at home in our communities across Vermont. Loquitur: What do you hope to accomplish as Lt. Governor? Lt. Governor Gray: I was inspired to run for Lt. Governor because of what I saw and heard across Vermont—a generation struggling to make it work because of crippling student loan debt, a lack of paid family and medical leave, affordable and quality childcare, as well as housing. Vermont is one of the oldest states in

the country. Our population and workforce continue to shrink along with our rural communities and tax base. These issues were present before COVID-19 and this pandemic laid everything bare. Particularly, the critical need to make strategic investments in the economic wellbeing of our families and communities and to address deeply rooted inequities. As Lt. Governor, I look forward to working with the governor, legislature, and communities across Vermont to recover stronger from COVID-19 and do so in a way that addresses our demographic crisis and promotes respect for human dignity. Loquitur: What message do you hope your election sends to current VLS students and younger alumni? Lt. Governor Gray: I want VLS students, alumni, and the next generation of leaders across Vermont to know that there is no single or correct path to public office. Now, more than ever, we need diverse voices and backgrounds in government at all levels. A strong democracy is a diverse democracy. We also need good lawyers in government ready to uphold and defend the constitution. Our future depends on the next generation across Vermont knowing that government is accessible, participation is possible, and that it can represent all of us.

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Chris Lang

by David Goodman

SHERRI WHITE-WILLIAMSON JD/MERL’18 IN SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. LOQUITUR

Sherri White-Williamson JD/MERL’18 is on a mission. The North Carolina native is shining a bright light on how people of color and low-income communities bear the brunt of environmental pollution. A study sponsored by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) revealed that more than half of people who live less than two miles from a toxic waste facility are people of color. White-Williamson’s goal is to transform victims of environmental injustice into powerful advocates for environmental justice (EJ). This journey has taken her from the industrial hog farms of her native Deep South, to the halls of power in Washington, D.C., and to the leafy campus of Vermont Law School (VLS). At the age of 63, after retiring from a successful career in the Office of Environmental Justice at the Environmental Protection Agency, White-Williamson took her EJ mission to another level: she became a lawyer. Today, at 68, the VLS graduate has returned to where she grew up in rural North Carolina to organize among her neighbors. White-Williamson works as the environmental justice policy director with the North Carolina Conservation Network–an organization of more than sixty environmental groups across the state. One of her areas of focus is to provide resources to rural communities affected by the cumulative impacts of multiple sources of toxic exposure. Most recently, she has been taking on the impacts of industrial hog operations and the associated pollution. These days, she has additional help in the struggle: a number of VLS classmates who have joined her and launched a new nonprofit, the Environmental Justice Community Action Network (EJCAN—ejcan.org). Their goal is to give low-income and communities of color something they’ve seldom had as they confront toxic injustice: a fighting chance.

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CHANCE followed by a Master of Public Administration from American University. Years later, her childhood experience working in the tobacco fields helped land her a job with the American Cancer Society (ACS), where she led an effort to work with tobacco farmers to advance public health. Tobacco states traditionally have an adversarial relationship with ACS, but with White-Williamson “talking tobacco lingo,” she says the farmers felt like they had someone in the room who understood what they were speaking about. She describes a day in which “two hundred tobacco farmers lobbied arm-in-arm with public health people, especially for young people.” She chuckles as she recalls her improbable allies. “It was fascinating to people on Capitol Hill that we were working together.”

Duplin County, N.C., is home to the nation’s highest concentration of industrial hog farms, also known as concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs. North Carolina houses 9.7 million pigs that generate 10 billion gallons per year in manure which is collected in over 4,000 open air pits. “They call them lagoons,” says White-Williamson. “I describe them as swimming pools the size of football fields filled with hog urine and feces. It’s a different world when you see it.” The CAFOs have an enormous environmental impact on the communities where they are located, which are disproportionately African American, Latino, and Native American. The impacts include contaminated groundwater and noxious fumes comprised of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, methane, and other toxins. In 2019, hurricanes battered these areas causing the failure of 49 lagoons, which sent toxic waste gushing into nearby rivers. A year earlier, hurricanes caused 110 lagoons to overflow.

White-Williamson moved on to take a job first in the Office of Indoor Air, then in the Office of Environmental Justice at the EPA. One of her responsibilities while managing the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice was to organize “toxic tours” to communities impacted by pollution. She was shaken by what she saw. “I often left in tears and thinking, ‘Is this the US of A?’” she recalls.

White-Williamson grew up in neighboring Sampson County, the second largest hog producer in the nation, and home to nearly 800 CAFOs. She has deep roots in the community where she now crusades for environmental justice. The daughter of school teachers, she worked in tobacco from the age of 12 to 18, when she left to attend Howard University and where the small-town girl from a segregated community got a bachelor’s degree in zoology,

Her experience on the toxic tours forced White-Williamson to reassess how she could have a bigger impact. “I recognized that lawyers had a unique place and opportunity to effectuate change,” she says. “Activists in EJ communities are phenomenal, but they can only go so far before they have to bring in lawyers to sue over violations of the Clean Air Act or Civil Rights Act.” She concluded, “It made a lot of sense to me to get a law degree.”

a hunger for

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Photo courtesy of Maggie Galka

Maggie Galka JD’18 grew up in a “clean and nice suburb” of Chicago, where she could play outside without inhaling air pollutants. When she visited her grandparents on Chicago’s working-class South Side, she often returned home with a headache that she attributes to noxious odors that hung in the air from local industry such as coal-fired power plants. This sparked her interest in environmental issues, which led her to attend the University of Vermont because of its focus on environmental advocacy and its proximity to the outdoors. She later attended VLS thinking she might end up working in government. That changed when she met Sherri White-Williamson. “She walked up to me in my first class to get to know me and explained her background,” says Galka, now an attorney in Chicago doing plaintiff-side toxic tort litigation. “It was the first time I met someone who was working with communities of color in rural areas to solve local environmental problems. She said, ‘You really need to learn more about this and join me on my quest to do something about these problems.’ Her whole mission

MAGGIE GALKA JD’18

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Jo-Anne McArthur, WeAnimalsMedia.org AERIAL VIEW OF ONE OF NORTH CAROLINA’S 4,000 OPEN AIR PITS OF HOG URINE AND FECES AT A CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATION (CAFO)— IN DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C.

“A

ctivists in EJ communities are phenomenal, but they can only go so far before they have to bring in lawyers to sue over violations of the Clean Air Act or Civil Rights Act. It made a lot of sense to me to get a law degree.” - Sherri White-Williamson JD/MERL’18

at VLS was to bring people into environmental justice. That’s how my passion for environmental justice developed.” Galka and White-Williamson teamed up to sponsor a first-ever conference at VLS on environmental justice. The Solutions Conference in Spring 2017, “Bridging the Gap Between the Promise and Reality of Environmental Justice,” spurred other VLS students to get involved in EJ issues. Several VLS student organizations facilitated nine breakout sessions during the conference on myriad issues, making the connection back to environmental justice. Environmental justice now has a strong presence at VLS, including the Environmental Justice Clinic and the student-led Environmental Justice Law Society (EJLS). “Environmental justice is now kind of infused in the curriculum,” says Pat Parenteau, professor of law and senior counsel in the Environmental Advocacy Clinic at Vermont Law School. “The fact that [Sherri] is a very articulate and insistent spokesperson made a difference.”

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CHANCE activism rooted

IN COMMUNITY

When White-Williamson moved back to North Carolina in 2019, she participated in an environmental justice symposium co-sponsored by Duke, Yale, Columbia, VLS, and others. She led a group of attendees on a toxic tour to get a first-hand view of the CAFOs in North Carolina. “I think everyone on the tour was totally blown away,” says White-Williamson.

“W

e want to help communities find solutions on all sides of the problem, not just environmental solutions.”

In spring 2020, White-Williamson, Galka, and fellow VLS alumni John Brooks JD’20, Stephen Currie JD’17, Zac Halden JD’18, and Kyron Williams JD’19, teamed up to launch the Environmental Justice Community Action Network (EJCAN). They formed a 501(c)3 to undertake the work that they all felt was vital to the communities that desperately need assistance.

Joseph Horan

Galka explains that EJCAN is intended to fill a void in environmental organizing. “With the environment, you think of organizations like Sierra Club and issues like protecting endangered species. EJCAN is focused on the human aspect of it, on intersections, on your right to a clean and healthy environment and how that right might be affected by racism, sexism, and classism, because they are linked. We want to help communities find solutions on all sides of the problem, not just environmental solutions. If it’s not in our experience, we want to help communities to find this network of resources.”

- Maggie Galka JD’18

SHERRI WHITE-WILLIAMSON JD/MERL’18 (SECOND FROM LEFT) DISCUSSES STRATEGY WITH SNOW HILL COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

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Rob Bossi KYRON WILLIAMS JD’19 IN SOUTH ROYALTON, VT.

“E

JCAN is a facilitator of groups that just don’t have the resources. The idea is to be the go-to place that groups can come to when they need help.”

- Kyron Williams JD’19

For example, says Galka, in rural North Carolina, communities that are home to CAFOs “also have problems with internet access. During the COVID pandemic, kids have a hard time logging on to get access to do school work. That might impact a parent, who doesn’t have internet access either.” The lack of internet means that people can’t participate in public hearings on environmental issues that are online. Everything is connected. “To help with this problem, we are working with them to try to create a center or info hub,” Galka explains. “That will help kids in school and parents to attend public hearings.” It’s how tackling one community problem will “further empower the community economically and educationally.” Kyron Williams adds that the key role played by EJCAN is to be “a facilitator of groups that just don’t have the resources. The idea is to be the go-to place that groups can come to when they need help.” White-Williamson explains that EJCAN can train local communities in how to testify at a public hearing, or how to submit paperwork to intervene in an environmental issue. “We can help with getting testing and mapping done to figure out what’s around you or getting reporters in to bring more attention to a problem. In environmental justice, getting media attention to tell the story is part of righting the wrongs. We need to turn around the environmental injustices.”

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Chris Lang

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: SHERRI WHITE-WILLIAMSON JD/MERL’18; SHEA TUBERTY PHD, PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY, AQUATIC ECOTOXICOLOGY LAB, APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY; DANIELLE KOONCE, DOCTORAL CANDIDATE, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND; AND EVANGELINE WILLIAMS, LOCAL RESIDENT, CONDUCTING A WATER TEST.

“My vision,” she says, “is to start in Sampson County and build strong relationships locally to help make changes here. My hope is to work on these local issues and create models that can be replicated in other places. Then,” she continues, “we expand EJCAN into a national organization.” “We have a 50-state strategy,” adds EJCAN founding member Brooks, “Our goal is to educate the community, then we let them take the reins.” Brooks says EJCAN wants to avoid the pitfall of telling people, “‘We know what’s best for you.’ That’s not helping solve the problem. With EJCAN, we give them the tools and we let them advocate for themselves.” David Mears JD/MSL’91, executive director of the Audubon Society of Vermont, and a former professor and dean of environmental law programs at VLS, applauds the efforts of his former students. EJCAN “goes to the core of democracy. If you are going to have justice in a democracy, communities have to be engaged. That means engaging them in their neighborhoods. My sense is that one of the deep flaws of the national environmental movement is that they are not sufficiently connected to communities, where most environmental impacts are felt,” he says. “To solve those problems means listening to those communities. Environmental groups aren’t designed to do that. It’s a huge gap. Sherri is part of an emerging group of

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“I

t’s very rare for someone of Sherri’s status to come back home and devote the rest of their life to serving the community.

- Danielle Melvin Koonce

leaders who understand the need to make those kinds of investments and commitments.” EJCAN is already active in Sampson County helping a predominantly African American community that is dealing with water contamination from the combination of a regional landfill and surrounding CAFOs. “Most people are depending on bottled water to drink and some days they can’t wash clothes or take a bath,” says White-Williamson. “We’re talking with them about how to get water testing done to make a case to get the county to take responsibility. At this point, we are going through a collaborative problem solving process, making a list of issues and figuring out how to tackle each one.” The VLS alumni are holding phone and Zoom calls every other week with community members. “Sometimes we just help them write a letter,” White-Williamson says. By showing up in communities that are typically ignored, EJCAN is already making a difference. Danielle Melvin Koonce is a doctoral student at the University of Maryland who grew up in Sampson County and has been inspired by White-Williamson to return to join the environmental struggle. “It’s very rare for someone of Sherri’s status to come back home and devote the rest of their life to serving the community,” she says. Koonce says EJCAN is “an environmental empowerment organization that … tries to equip and empower us to have agency and push for change and push for better water access.”

LEAD. IMPACT. INSPIRE.

With her latest career turn, White-Williamson is continuing her lifelong mission to bring hope to places that desperately need it. She is in it for the long haul. “This is hard work. It’s not going to be done quickly,” she concedes. But she says that she and her fellow environmental justice champions of EJCAN “are going to be in the game for as long as it takes.”

JOIN THE LEADERS’ CIRCLE

DANIELLE MELVIN KOONCE IN SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C.

Chris Lang

The Leaders’ Circle giving society recognizes the commitment and contributions of donors who support VLS at a leadership level, year after year. By making a gift of $1000, $2500, or $5000 each year for five years, you can play an important role in the school’s financial health, while making a meaningful statement about how much you value the Vermont Law School education. To learn more about the Leaders’ Circle, or to join, please contact Brooke Herndon at bherndon@vermontlaw.edu or 802-831-1078.

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Jay Ericson

NORMALLY A NEAR-CONSTANT PRESENCE IN THE VERMONT STATE HOUSE, REBECCA RAMOS JD/MSEL’97 HAS HAD TO LIMIT HER VISITS TO VIRTUAL ONES.

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AS COVID-19 SWEPT ACROSS THE U.S., IT DRAMATICALLY ALTERED THE WORK LIVES OF THREE VERMONT LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI.

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n the mid-afternoon of Friday, March 13, 2020, lobbyist Rebecca Ramos JD/MSEL’97 was in the cafeteria of the Vermont State House, one of her usual haunts during 12-plus hour days when the legislature is in session. She was there when she learned Governor Phil Scott had declared a state of emergency, putting in place preliminary restrictions—no out-of-state travel for state employees, no nursing home visitors, and no gatherings of more than 250 people—similar to what other governors were enacting across the country. At that point, there were two confirmed cases of coronavirus in Vermont. For Ramos, whose work relied on face-to-face meetings with lawmakers, the announcement set in motion an extraordinary new chapter in her day-to-day life. “For me personally, so much of my job is oneon-one conversations at the State House. That declaration changed everything,” said Ramos, who has been a lobbyist with the Montpelier-based Necrason Group for seven years. “There was ‘before’ the declaration of state of emergency, and ‘after.’ It was that sudden. We didn’t know immediately what it meant, and it took weeks and weeks to understand how it would show up in our work.”

BY CORIN HIRSCH

Millions of people around the globe will remember those moments when COVID-19 canceled gatherings, closed schools, and forced people to work from home. For three Vermont Law School alumni—Ramos, Thomas Officer LLM’12, and Ronald Gunzburger JD’87—it would also add dramatic new dimensions to their professional lives.

A QUICK PIVOT When the Vermont General Assembly is in session from January to May each year, Ramos, 48, spends the bulk of her waking hours in and around the State House, working on issues for clients as diverse as Planned Parenthood, Ben & Jerry’s, and the Vermont Land Trust. “I work on campaigns for change-type issues,” said Ramos. Her firm, founded by fellow VLS alumnus Adam Necrason JD/MSEL’96, works to influence policy on behalf of clients for issues such as renewable energy, gun safety, childcare, and the expansion of broadband. Discussions, committee meetings, and votes that happened in person were suddenly virtual. “The state was closed. It was over. Nobody knew how the legislators would come back,” Ramos said. “Immediately that weekend, the [legislative] leadership got organized about what they were going to do, and turned things around really quickly. Our legislators are amazing.

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COURSE CORRECTIONS IT’S EXCITING THAT MORE VERMONTERS CAN SEE THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS WORK. CITIZEN ACCESS TO DEMOCRACY IS GOOD, WE WANT MORE OF ALL OF THAT. WE NEED TO FOCUS ON WHAT IS WORKING AND KNOW IT’S ONLY TEMPORARY.” - REBECCA RAMOS That’s one of the reasons I do this work.” Ramos had to rethink how she would operate, too. “That human interaction is important for growing relationships. So much about committee hearings is talking to people in the hallways. And then there are no hallways. A lot of that disappeared,” Ramos said. Still, she admitted, “I really thrive in a chaotic space.” After Ramos graduated from VLS, she worked briefly as a contracts lawyer, but after a year decided it wasn’t a path that appealed to her— so she instead gravitated toward political strategy and the shaping of policy, working with politicians such as former Governor Howard Dean and now-U.S. Representative Peter Welch when they were both heads of the Vermont Senate. Ramos’ diverse work in and around Vermont lawmaking—as a strategist, analyst, attorney, and chief of staff—lent her a sensitivity on how to guide clients in the suddenly charged legislative climate. “We were trying to figure out how to advocate for our clients in this space, but also be respectful that we were in a pandemic. All of our agendas changed that day,” she said. “We’d say, ‘We’re not bringing your stuff into a pandemic because it’s not respectful.’ Our state was grieving. It was about being tone-smart.” Also at stake was $2.3 billion in fed-

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eral funds appropriated to Vermont to handle the emergency—money to be spent and allocated within certain criteria and in a limited timeframe. “We were trying to make sure that our clients were able to help facilitate using these dollars smartly,” Ramos said. On the affordable housing front, Necrason worked on behalf of a housing advocacy group, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition, to direct $30 million to a state agency tasked with addressing homelessness. On behalf of clients, they also encouraged the state to direct COVID dollars to migrant workers, and suspend the statute of limitations. “I was so busy, but it was fun. There was a lot of following the money, and making sure clients got the right dollars,” she said. There were, however, a few positive things that emerged from the new way of doing things. Among them, she said, is greater public participation in the legislative process, as those stuck at home could remotely watch how legislators work and laws were passed. “It’s exciting that more Vermonters can see their elected officials work. Citizen access to democracy is good, we want more of all of that. We need to focus on what is working and know it’s only temporary.”

THE LONG-AWAITED RISE OF LEGAL TECH

hen COVID-19 began to trigger executive orders

across the United States, Thomas Officer LLM’12 was still living in Brooklyn and working for a legal technology startup he had helped found almost four years prior. “You hear a lot of stuff, but not all of it necessarily percolates,” he recalled. “Then you hear, ‘the National Guard is in the Bronx to enforce curfew.’” Soon after, Officer, 34, left New York and moved back to his family’s home in Hanover, N.H., where he continued to work remotely as product designer of “Community. lawyer,” a platform designed to enable legal professionals to write applications to automate legal tasks. Up until then, he and colleagues had observed that lawyers were not necessarily tech-forward. “We would bemoan how slow lawyers are to adopt technology,” said Officer. “Then COVID hit, and the law firms I’d been working with really changed the way they do business, in a way that I think will be here forever. The machine of law started moving to react to COVID.” After he graduated from VLS with a Master of Laws degree in 2012— earned on the heels of his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Edinburgh—Officer joined a legal tech startup called CrowdCheck as its research analyst and sixth employee. He loved the energy of the startup world and began dabbling in software development. In 2016, Officer applied for and was chosen as a design fellow at a social-impact tech

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN ACCESS TO JUSTICE, IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN SOCIAL IMPACT, COMMUNITY-BASED LAWYERING, IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP OF LAW, OR TECHNOLOGY, YOU SHOULD ABSOLUTELY HAVE A MINIMUM LEVEL OF SOFTWARE COMPETENCY. IT’S REALLY EASY TO GET.’’

Rob Bossi

- THOMAS OFFICER LLM’12

THOMAS OFFICER LLM’12 IN HANOVER, N.H.

incubator called Blue Ridge Labs @ Robin Hood. “I came to straddle the tech world and the legal world,” he said, with a focus on access to justice. “There’s a huge imbalance between the demand for affordable legal services and the supply, a huge middle market of people who don’t use legal services in the way they could, or should.” Community.lawyer—which was renamed Afterpattern in late January—was founded as a public-benefit company and “no-code platform” for building automations for things such as guided legal interviews or tools that helped clients navigate the travel ban imposed by the Trump administration in 2017. As COVID-19 triggered new orders and restrictions—such as the cessation of in-person court proceedings—usage of the platform grew. A Kentucky attorney, for instance, used it to build an application that enabled tens of thousands of people to opt-in to the eviction moratorium, an automation subsequently customized by lawyers in other states. “They very easily changed the Kentucky parts of it to be relevant

in California or wherever, and that’s a very intentional design on our part,” Officer said. “That’s what we’re trying to get lawyers to do with the things that they make—not just make them, but distribute them so other legal professionals can copy them, edit them a bit, and then use them for their own purposes. The tech is really simple. The innovative part about Afterpattern is what the lawyers create with it.” In recent years, Officer has traveled to a handful of law schools to expose students to legal tech, and he guest lectured at VLS last spring during Professor Jeannette Eicks’ JD’96 class on E-lawyering. “I drop in, do a class or two, and get students to peek behind the curtain of this niche industry of building legal applications,” he said. “Students have made some really cool things. [Legal tech] is so new that it’s a really easy way to distinguish yourself.” Officer still plans to work from Hanover for the foreseeable future, and seems resolute that the events of the past year have turned the page on the uses of no-code legal applications. “Afterpattern is no longer such a strange idea.

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Erika Nizborski

RON GUNZBURGER JD’87 IN ANNAPOLIS, MD.

The traditional model is, ‘everybody gets 100 percent of my time.’ Maybe manual service is the culprit, and we need to start advancing toward a more product-slash-service hybrid,” said Officer. “If you’re interested in access to justice, if you’re interested in social impact, community-based lawyering, if you’re interested in the entrepreneurship of law, or technology, you should absolutely have a minimum level of software competency. It’s really easy to get.”

REAL-TIME RESPONSE

on Gunzburger JD’87 has been walking to work for almost a year, four blocks through historic downtown Annapolis to the Maryland State House— specifically, to the building’s second floor, where he and a core group of

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about a dozen staffers for Gov. Larry Hogan have worked long weeks and months since the COVID-19 crisis descended. “[Maryland] was the second to do everything on the list,” said Gunzburger, referring to the closures and orders triggered by COVID-19, starting in March 2020. “On the whole, we were probably the most aggressive.” That was in no small measure to Gunzburger, whose title as senior advisor to the governor—his colleague of more than 30 years—was augmented in 2020 to include “director of COVID-19 response strategy.” In January 2020, after Gunzburger saw a Harvard epidemiologist’s provocative tweet regarding the spread of COVID, he approached the governor with an idea. “Why don’t we talk about it now, and put out a video on social media, saying ‘we’re

monitoring,’ and we’re staying on top of it?” Gunzburger suggested. He was relatively fresh from helping to manage two swiftly unfolding crises—the mass shootings at Fort Lauderdale Airport in 2017 and the Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., in 2018, both of which occurred when Gunzburger was general counsel in the Broward Sheriff ’s Office in South Florida, and part of the senior command staff on scene. Gov. Hogan followed that advice. On March 5, he declared a state of emergency. On March 12, he announced schools would close early the following week and he restricted large gatherings. By March 15, Gov. Hogan closed casinos and race tracks, followed by bars and restaurants the next day, and movie theaters and malls on March 19. The governor, a Republican leading a heavily blue

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I HAVE AN INCREDIBLE JOB. IN REFLECTING ON THE PAST YEAR OR SO, KEEPING AS MANY PEOPLE ALIVE AS WE DID AND KEEPING AS MANY BUSINESSES OPEN AS WE COULD, THE REALITY IS THAT PROBABLY NOTHING ELSE WE DO FOR THE REST OF OUR CAREERS WILL BE AS IMPORTANT OR AS IMPACTFUL.” - RON GUNZBURGER JD’87

state, repeatedly landed in the national media as particularly proactive and bipartisan among his gubernatorial colleagues. “Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan emerges as a leader in early action on coronavirus,” read one NBC News headline. “If we didn’t take action, we’d have 12,000 dead here by summer, and almost 300,000 cases,” recalled Gunzburger, citing projections from the Maryland Department of Health, epidemiologists at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and other experts. “We needed to be aggressive and we needed to be fast. Every day we would stall, people would get infected and die. That was just a reality.” Gunzburger calls himself a “lapsed lawyer.” Early in his career, he worked as an assistant public defender and assistant attorney general in South Florida, and as a law-firm partner working on civil cases—but also founded the political news website politics1.com in 1997, which he still runs (hence that heavy Twitter presence) and served as general counsel for the property appraiser’s office in Broward County before later joining the sheriff ’s department. His long-standing relationship with Gov. Hogan began when he worked on his unsuccessful campaign for Congress in the early 1990s. After that, Gunzburger advised the future governor for years before formally joining his office in March 2019 and moving to Annapolis. That year, Gunzburger was instrumental in the drafting

of a law that accelerated the processing of untested rape kits in Maryland. “It was pretty incredible when something you brainstorm gets signed and becomes reality 24 hours later,” he recalled. “[The governor] had given me free-ranging authority to be the troubleshooter, even before COVID. I got to play a hands-on role in every major decision we made.” He and his colleagues worked around the clock from February through the spring, showing up daily to their offices on the second floor of the State House and being tested for the virus weekly. “I didn’t have a day off until Memorial Day,” said Gunzburger, who eventually coauthored the state’s reopening plan, with special advisor Matt McDaniel. While Gunzburger lamented the loss of planned international travel, he said he has spent more time with neighbors and traveled almost exclusively by foot since March. By late December, he was still trekking to COVID response meetings at the State House, even on his days off. “I have an incredible job. In reflecting on the past year or so, keeping as many people alive as we did and keeping as many businesses open as we could, the reality is that probably nothing else we do for the rest of our careers will be as important or as impactful,” he said. “I’ll never get to do something like this for the rest of my life.”

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t f i h S e Th oward e T v i t a r o Rest stice Ju by Justin Campfield

WHEN VERMONT LAW SCHOOL LAUNCHED THE CENTER for Justice Reform and debuted the nation’s first Master of Arts in Restorative Justice (MARJ) degree in 2018, it could not have foreseen the series of tragic events, most prominent among them the death of George Floyd, that have since thrust social justice and criminal justice reform to the forefront of national dialogue. The rise in the public’s consciousness has paralleled increasing demand for the program, as the combined enrollment in the JD/master’s, master’s, and certificate programs is up nearly 50 percent since 2018. The federal government has taken notice too, as earlier this year the National Center on Restorative Justice, which is based at VLS, received a second $3 million grant from the Department of Justice (see page eight for more details). But for the program’s early students—many of whom are now entering the workforce with their VLS degrees—the sense that a broken system desperately needs repairing isn’t new. They have the same goals now that they did when they entered the program. And their time has arrived.

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Merissa Hill

EMILY SEVERSON MARJ’19

“They are in jail, baring their souls to me, and I can let them know that they matter. That I will help them get on a better path.” ~ Emily Severson MARJ’19

Emily Severson MARJ’19 was a member of the inaugural residential MARJ class. Now living in Winchester, Virginia, she is a mitigation specialist for the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, covering a five-county area.

Severson shares that she quickly learned that “big wins” are not a part of the job. She may work with 50 people over a period of a few months and only succeed in getting a handful of them into treatment programs.

As a mitigation specialist, a job she says she was “obsessed” with while at VLS, she works alongside court-appointed defense attorneys for individuals who are facing criminal charges to, as she puts it, “advocate for them as an entire human being, not just for the offense that was committed.”

“I have to find things that are less sparkly and shiny to keep me going,” she says.

When a defense attorney refers new clients to her, she meets with them, builds rapport, gets to know who they are, and helps identify any addiction, mental illness, or other underlying issues that should be taken into consideration for sentencing. “I try to paint a fuller picture so they get a more reasonable sentence based on all the factors, not just what they did,” says Severson. “Most of my clients come from drug-related cases, so I try to find treatment programming to help address the real problems. Many of them have suffered real trauma and are self-medicating.”

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She experienced one such moment while working with an articulate 24-year-old woman who shared her life story. It was a heart-wrenching tale of drugs, incarceration, and her attempt to heal herself the only way she knew how—heroin and meth. At the end of their 45-minute meeting, the client thanked Severson, stating, “it seems like you really care, and it’s hard to find someone who cares in this system.” “I believe in the work I do and I’m incredibly honored to do it and be with people in their darkest times,” says Severson, quietly recalling the encounter. “They are in jail, baring their souls to me, and I can let them know that they matter. That I will help them get on a better path.”

Originally from Ghana and a graduate of Colby-Sawyer College, Sam-Mensah was working as a legal assistant in New York when she learned about VLS’s restorative justice program. Seeing it as a way to marry justice reform with her long-held interest in human rights, she enrolled at VLS, beginning her studies with that fateful class with Professor Kidde. “I was interested in justice systems that focus on repairing the harm between offender and victim, and helping integrate the offender back into society,” says Sam-Mensah. “People perpetuate harm, but there has to be a reason why. And locking them up in prison is not the answer.” Now a freshly minted graduate of the program, Sam-Mensah is an adult court diversion case manager in Windsor County, Vermont, handling a caseload of between 50 and 70 clients.

“We help them think about and talk about what they did, and the lessons they learned from their actions, while finding ways to repair harm,” Sam-Mensah affirms. One of the innovative ways Windsor County does that is through restorative justice panels, which are facilitated by Sam-Mensah or community volunteers trained by her. The panels feature a conversation between the offender and affected parties about how harm has impacted them and how the offenders can make it right. A key component of these panels is helping offenders understand that the harm they caused didn’t only impact them, but also their families, victims, and community members. The goal is not to hold a meeting out of punishment, which drives so much of the traditional justice system, but rather to gain a deeper understanding of the harm created and develop a plan to avoid re-offending. “I think everyone deserves a chance to be heard and to speak what they feel,” says Sam-Mensah, whose main

“I was interested in justice systems that focus on repairing the harm between offender and victim, and helping integrate the offender back into society.” ~ Susan Sam-Mensah MARJ’20 responsibility on the panels is to make sure the conversations proceed in a restorative way. “Restorative justice offers that. People are not their wrong. They are not the harm they made, they just made a mistake. They shouldn’t be treated any differently just because of one mistake. If their actions were intentional, there has to be a reason why they did it.”

Rob Bossi

It only took one VLS restorative justice class led by John Kidde, and Susan Sam-Mensah MARJ’20 was hooked.

SUSAN SAM-MENSAH MARJ’20

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CUTTING OUT THE MIDDLE PART DRUG COURT IS A GREAT THING, YET WE STILL SHOULDN’T BE CRIMINALIZING ADDICTION. CUT OUT THE MIDDLE PART AND JUST GET TO THE SERVICES. YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO CRIMINALIZE [BEHAVIOR] TO GET SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE.

Beyond the benefits restorative justice practices can have on the individuals involved in cases of harm, there are larger, societal benefits as well, according to Sam-Mensah and Severson. By treating the underlying reasons offenders cause harm in the first place, future instances can be avoided. Sam-Mensah cites the hypothetical example of someone who robbed a store because they were hungry.

Photo courtesy of Delinda Passas

“If you just lock them up in prison for a year, what’s that going to do?” asks Sam-Mensah. “They are just going to come back out, be hungry again, and rob another store.” Severson says that even if some policy makers and criminal justice officials can’t come to accept the tenants of restorative justice, they should consider the compelling financial case to be made through implementing its practices.

- Delinda Passas MARJ’20

“Many of the people in my caseload have been in and out of jail, and it costs around $30,000 per year to house a person in prison,” Severson states. “That’s a big reason to operate differently than we do now, so we aren’t spending this money to incarcerate the same person over and over. My work mitigates those costs and relieves our overrun courts and overcrowded prisons.”

In 2018, Delinda Passas was among the first cohort of students in the online Master of Arts in Restorative Justice (MARJ) program, and she continues to stay an active part of the VLS community through weekly conversations held for current and former restorative justice students. Passas uses her background in restorative justice to share education on restorative practices, and foster relationships within the community to support a restorative justice program within her judicial district in Colorado.

Severson says that these benefits, coupled with society’s growing awareness of inequalities and the need for justice reform, have put restorative justice on a path toward even greater acceptance and adoption, resulting in increasing demand for practitioners educated in the field. “I think that people are starting to be more willing to think ‘what do we need to do to change things for the better?’” Severson remarks. “This is the prime time to jump in and be a leader in that.”

To learn more about how Passas puts restorative justice theories into practice, watch her video at vermontlaw.edu/delinda.

“This field is becoming more highly regarded, and they are seeking people with master’s degrees because they are realizing the impact and importance of a position like this. People who really believe in it are going to find jobs. They are out there.”

A Conversation with

Delinda Passas MARJ’20

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the figh

A GA L L E R Y O F VLS ALU M N I I N TH E R I N G FOR J

USTICE

By Sky Barsch

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That’s a lot of what VLS instills in you as a student, always trying to do things right. ”

THOMAS LEARY JD/msel’98

Based at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., Staff Judge Advocate Thomas Leary is the senior legal advisor to the commander of U.S. Central Command.

and a role that every legal advisor plays, is helping to ensure the conduct of hostilities, which can be awful, brutal, and place our blood and treasure at risk, are conducted legally, morally, and ethically.”

That means Leary is providing a full spectrum of legal advice to a four-star general and his core staff of about a dozen senior military officers and civilians as they make decisions about a range of national security issues, including conflict and war. Leary and his team of 19 are tasked with finding legal and ethical ways of carrying out military initiatives and objectives in such challenging places as Iraq and Afghanistan.

Looking back on his career so far, Leary said his life from college onward has been a “series of bizarre turns,” and he never would have guessed in 1998 that he’d be in the role he is today. He realizes Vermont Law School is not exactly known for being war-fighting headquarters, but that it is known for attracting students who want to be part of something bigger than themselves.

“The arc of my career is defined, as many people in my generation are, by 9/11,” Leary said. “It was certainly a game-changing event for the military. It kicked off essentially 19 years and counting of sustained combat operations.”

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Leary said he brings a strong moral obligation to his work and the legal counsel he offers his colleagues. “As a lawyer, as a citizen, and as a military officer, we do not take the resort to war lightly by any stretch of the imagination,” Leary said. “One of the things every commander wants to do,

“What about VLS prepared me or inspired me? It comes back to the motto of the law school, ‘Law for the community and the world,’ in the sense that I wanted to serve, that’s what drew me to the military in the first place,” Leary said. “That service aspect that VLS is so known for, and for good reason.” Leary said no other military in the world utilizes its uniformed lawyers to the extent of the United States. “That helps keep us on that moral high ground. That’s a lot of what VLS instills in you as a student, always trying to do things right and for the right reason.”

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Photo courtesy of Thomas Leary

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Photo courtesy of Renee Smith

Fighting for justice is important to me because it’s embedded in my DNA. I grew up in the South as a Black woman, so injustice is one of the things I’ve known.”

RENEE SMITH MFALP’17

Through her work as state policy manager for the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Renee Smith advocates for programs and policies that reduce maternal mortality among Black women, an outcome that affects them at three-to-four times the rate of white women. The Atlanta-based alliance serves as an umbrella organization for groups supporting pregnant and birthing Black people around the country. There is a history of experimentation on and exploitation of Black pregnant women in the United States. For example, the man considered the “father of gynecology” purportedly performed unimaginable surgical experiments on enslaved Black women without the use of anesthesia.

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equ

Smith’s work is changing the way Black mothers are treated, and it includes reviewing bills on the state and federal level, talking with doulas and midwives, analyzing data, writing letters of support, weighing in on policy, and other efforts that support holistic maternal health care.

er n al

In her role, Smith provides support in public policy, research, analysis, and engages in health systems, particularly with hospitals, midwives, and doulas, to build a shared language and perspective around maternal health equity to eliminate Black maternal mortality.

“Fighting for justice is important to me because it’s embedded in my DNA. I grew up in the South as a Black woman, so injustice is one of the things I’ve known,” said Smith, whose

family is of Haitian and Puerto Rican heritage. “To me, justice is a choice. I’ve seen a lot of injustice and it looks like people didn’t have a choice.” Smith said around half of maternal deaths in Georgia are preventable. “There are a lot of public examples just in 2020 of women who have died during childbirth,” Smith said. “The fact that so much of this is preventable is the biggest issue.” Georgia has a maternal mortality review committee, which is tasked with collecting data and reviewing all pregnancy-related and -associated deaths. Because of this, there is now more awareness that conditions such as hypertension and diabetes— which have historically more heavily impacted Black communities—are further causing devastation during pregnancy and postpartum periods. “It’s not just these nine months of gestation and then a year of postpartum, it’s really the whole lifespan of a Black woman,” Smith said. “And how during the time of pregnancy, it’s a very critical time for health, and why more attention should be put on that time.” Smith, who has also worked in agriculture and food policy in Georgia, California, and India, said her MFALP degree helped her prepare for a social justice career. “I love that they had systems for people to study policy without being an attorney,” she said. “I really like that middle space of being an advocate and having the knowledge of the law.”

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Photo courtesy of Matt Wiese

We’re seeing now, people would never say domestic violence is OK. Seeing the change in the culture has been one of the most rewarding things.”

MATT WIESE JD’87

Matt Wiese entered Vermont Law School relief with the idea that he’d practice environfor survi mental law. But after vors taking a trial practice course, he found a love for trial. He also took Professor Heather Wishik’s Women and the Law class, where he studied situations where battered women killed their accusers—and researched what their legal defense could be. This sparked an interest that led him to a career in prosecuting domestic abusers. In his role as the chief prosecuting attorney for Marquette County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Wiese helps women who are suffering domestic abuse get relief and seek legal justice. Illustrating the respect he has among his peers, in 2019 Wiese was elected presi-

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dent of the Board of Directors of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan. “In my career, I’ve seen everything from a push, shove, slap, to a homicide,” Wiese stated. He said he’s learned an incredible amount from victims who share their stories. “One thing that’s key is to listen, to be as straight and honest with them as you possibly can, so they know what the process looks like and feels like, and they know that you’ll be there with them every step of the way.”

While each case is unique, something that many abusers have in common is that they have a pattern and history of abuse. That’s why Wiese has been working on the prevention and policy pieces as well. He credits his mentor, Ellen Pence, and her Domestic Violence Blueprint for Safety for helping to improve the response to assaults. Wiese has won four Department of Justice grants focused on domestic violence, using some of the funds to pay for a dedicated advocate in the community who is based in the local women’s shelter.

Wiese measures success when a victim/survivor never experiences intimidation or violence again by the hands of their intimate partner. Sometimes this means the relationship ends and the case doesn’t go to trial, sometimes the abuser gets the help that is needed, and in some cases, the abuser serves a prison sentence. “For survivors to hear that he’s been convicted and will be in prison for a long time gives them great relief,” Wiese said.

Wiese has been encouraged by the change in cultural thinking around domestic violence. “I remember when juries wouldn’t convict because it was a marriage,” Wiese said, and the thinking was that “every marriage or relationship has problems. We’re seeing now, people would never say domestic violence is OK. Seeing the change in the culture has been one of the most rewarding things.”

Photo courtesy of Chris Adamo

CHRIS ADAMO

Adamo is Danone North America’s vice president for federal and industry affairs, where he helps strengthen the company’s role in driving social and environmental good with its “One Planet, One Health” initiative. Danone owns a number of household name brands, including Activia, Dannon, and Silk. “A big attraction for me joining the company was trying to use business as a force for good,” said Adamo, who is based in Virginia. “To push for social impact, sustainability for the planet, and for health, by providing healthy food to as many people as possible.” Adamo’s focus areas include combating climate change, fostering regenerative agriculture, and improving food standards to make them more healthful.

policies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

oo tg d

Working on sustainability for the world’s largest B Corporation, Chris Adamo helps shape environmental and health policies that have far reaching impact, from the farm all the way to the plate.

jus

JD’04

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At Danone, a lot of Adamo’s work is external; he meets with government officials, executives, and nonprofit leaders to develop policies and models for climate-friendly agriculture and more sustainable food systems. His internal duties with the company include assisting the Horizon Organic Milk brand with its goal to be carbon net-zero by 2025. Adamo says he’s inspired by the fact that Danone can use its B-Corp public benefit status in the emerging trend of businesses’ advocacy, similar to the way Patagonia has led the way in the outdoor gear industry. “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time, to maintain our quality of life, and maintain access to the things that we as a society like—stability and economic freedom,” Adamo said.

Bringing years of policy experience to his role, Adamo previously worked in the U.S. Senate for a decade, including on the Senate Agriculture Committee. He was also chief of staff for the White House Council on Environmental Quality from 2015 until 2017, where he helped design and implement

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Photo courtesy of Brian Potts

BRIAN POTTS

A G B CK

GIVI

JD’04

say no, Potts began taking the calls, sharing what he jokes is “one random guy from Madison’s recruiting advice.”

It’s a situation many law school students are familiar with—applying to firms, waiting to hear back, and dealing with rejection.

“There were some really interesting, sad, crazy stories that I heard, and I started posting those on LinkedIn,” he said. He heard from peers unable to find work, some international LLM students in New York even being deported because they were unable to take the bar because of capacity issues related to COVID. After posting the stories on LinkedIn, Potts had an idea: he could start a legal mentor network to help law students and recent grads connect with someone more experienced to talk to. In just a few months since getting the mentor network off the ground, Potts has already connected 190 mentors with 355 mentees. Nearly a dozen of the early career peers that reached out have gotten jobs. “It’s kind of a nice way to give back,” Potts said.

In 2002, when he was a second-year student, Brian Potts sent 100 applications—in print, by mail—to every single AmLaw 100 firm in the country. He kept a copy of every rejection letter he received in return. Flash forward to today, and Potts, based in Madison, Wis., is now a partner at Perkins Coie LLP. In the midst of the pandemic, he dug out the old rejection letters, and found a congenial but direct letter from Perkins Coie’s hiring partner. It included this line: “Unfortunately, in light of our projected needs, we are unable to consider your application further.”

Potts is also an entrepreneur, and he and his wife, Abigail Wuest JD’04, have started three companies together. In the entrepreneurial community, there’s a culture of sharing information and helping each other, something he didn’t see nearly as pronounced in the legal community. He wanted to bring that sharing spirit into the legal community—and he seems to be succeeding.

Potts framed the letter and brought it into his office. He recently took a photograph of it and posted it on LinkedIn, with the caption, “Law students: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” (The caption appears just under his profile which includes his title as partner.)

“Certainly the response I’ve gotten from my post shows that there are a lot of lawyers who are willing to help,” he said.

The likes and comments began to pour in, with questions, comments, similar shared experiences, and cheers. The next thing Potts knew, he was “LinkedIn famous,” as he puts it. The post has been viewed four million times and counting.

Potts shared that any VLS student interested in the mentorship program should reach out to him at BPotts@perkinscoie.com.

“I got contacted after that rejection post by at least a dozen law students and recent grads asking if I would talk to them,” Potts said. Not the kind of person to

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Photo courtesy of Christie Popp

I try to do as much activism and advocacy for them as I can. It’s been really, really important to me.”

CHRISTIE POPP JD/msel’05

As an immigration lawyer, Christie Popp had a challenging four years under the Trump administration. Changes the administration made to asylum law made it much more difficult for most asylum seekers, even those who have experienced horrific violence and trauma. “Often they’ve been tortured, imprisoned, almost killed, or their family members have been killed,” Popp said from her home in Indiana. She had a case in the summer of 2020 representing an Indigenous woman from Central America who was an environmental and Indigenous rights activist in her country. After they won the asylum case, the woman’s government kidnapped her six-year-old daughter and killed her. That’s just one of the many difficult cases Popp has worked on; the situations are especially emotionally difficult because Popp gets to know her clients so well while working with them.

Through Popp’s immigration practice, she meets clients from all over the world. She’s worked with human rights lawyers, artists, doctors, and scholars from the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, who feared torture, jail, or even death if they returned to their home countries after speaking out against their governments. Popp also works on cases involving Uyghurs, ethnic minorities in China who have been subject to terrible violence. “That has become a bit of a pet passion of mine given the ethnic cleansing,” Popp said, “So I try to do as much activism and advocacy for them as I can. It’s been really, really important to me.” Popp’s advocacy doesn’t stop at the end of her work day. She is the chair of the Indiana Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, she serves on the board of governors for the National American Immigration Lawyers Association, teaches immigration law, and does community organizing. Popp also helped create a coalition of nonprofits

and religious organizations who work for justice for immigrants in the community. Popp’s work around social justice seems nearly around the clock, though she says she has always felt compelled to stand up for people who are suffering. She became a vegan at age 13, and in college, was involved in activism around sweatshop labor through Amnesty International. “I feel like being born white and middle class … is such an accident of birth,” Popp said. “There’s nothing that is any better or more special about me than my Indigenous clients or the lawyers from the Middle East. It’s all an accident of birth. I don’t feel like I can live my life with any kind of privilege as long as there are any people in the world who are suffering.”

ac tiv ac in ism tio n

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Photo courtesy of Arturo Brandt

I am deeply committed to justice, not just my job on environmental matters, but in my daily life. Something that really moves me is that everybody has the same equal playing field.”

ARTURO BRANDT LLM’03

lev

Arturo Brandt has spent his career working on climate matters in locales all over the world, ranging from the United Kingdom and Germany, to the United States and his home country of Chile. Serving as a senior broker for Latin American Environmental Markets with Tradition Green (part of Tradition, one of the world’s largest brokerage firms). He’s a brokerage service provider within the environmental markets advisory and financial services, and he is senior counsel at Grupo Vial Serrano, a leading Chilean law firm. Through this work, he’s been steeped in pushing for climate justice, as well as for laws that benefit people living in poverty. In 2020, Brandt was lobbying in Chile in favor of a proposed law that would allow consumers to be able to choose their energy service provider (customers have historically been assigned a provider). Brandt is advising an Argentine energy trader setting up service in Chile with the aim of giving residents more choices. He points out that energy costs are regressive—the poorer you are, the more of a percentage of your income goes to your g n eli electricity bill.

“If that law goes through, at the end of the day, people will be able to have cheaper electricity bills,” Brandt said. “In a country where you have 15 percent of people under the poverty level, it’s important to promote bills that promote competition.”

t h e fi

Households can also choose services that support energy efficiency and renewable energy, he said, adding that competition can lead to better energy services, better customer service, and more flexible rates. Brandt credits VLS for introducing him to the idea of climate change, and teaching him how to quickly find resources and expert information to support his arguments, whether that’s for a court case or a conference. VLS also taught him to be more precise in his arguments, and that’s paid dividends over the course of his legal career. “Right now I cannot say I know everything about environmental law and climate change, but I know who knows, and where to find the information. That saves you a lot of time,” Brandt said. Part of what drives Brandt in his work is his passion for equal access to resources. The wealth gap is even more pronounced in some Latin American countries than it is in the U.S., he said, and it’s troubling that some people have access to fundamentals like education and health care, while others don’t. Something as seemingly simple as lower energy costs can go a long way in helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds be more prosperous. “I am deeply committed to justice, not just my job on environmental matters, but in my daily life,” he said. “Something that really moves me is that everybody has the same equal playing field.”

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if we know something is wrong, why should we wait until the state tells us to do it? at the grassroots level, let’s go ahead and make the changes we need to make.”

MADHAVI VENKATESAN MELP’16

“I really want to start making things happen,” she said. And so she did. Armed with a MELP degree from VLS, Venkatesan founded a not-for-profit organization, Sustainable Practices, which has done meaningful work reducing single-use plastic in her home community of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, making the popular Wellfleet OysterFest a plastic-free event in 2019. How does one go from working for organizations to founding their own impact-driving nonprofit? In Venkatesan’s case, methodically, with a small staff, and by finding mission-aligned volunteers.

Next up was banning the commercial sale of single-use, non-flavored, non-carbonated plastic bottled water of less than a gallon in size. This has passed in seven towns on the Cape since September 2020—and Venkatesan says there’s support for more, though some towns have put the matter on hold while dealing with COVID. She and her organization are optimistic that municipal and commercial bans will be adopted across the Cape this year. Venkatesan’s efforts show that it’s possible to make a direct difference without relying on people in power to initiate.

if ig n i c

Venkatesan got to work on a plan to incrementally reduce single-use plastic bottles on the Cape.

“At the grassroots level,” Venkatesan said, “let’s go ahead and make the changes we need to make.”

“That movie was moving to me,” Venkatesan said. “I recognized the limitations too. One town of 7,000 doesn’t make a significant enough impact.” She thought, why not do this on Cape Cod, which is comprised of 15 towns?

As she puts it: “If we know something is wrong, why should we wait pa until the state tells us to do it?” ct Venkatesan said her fellow classmates at VLS were similarly passionate and dedicated to making real change. Being surrounded by a supportive group of like-minded individuals allowed Venkatesan to thrive, and she continues to stay in touch with her classmates as they cheer one another on.

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Sustainable Practices incorporated in 2016, and Venkatesan funded the startup by showing environmental justice films and charging a small fee as a fundraiser. One of those films would have a lasting impact on her and the trajectory of Sustainable Practices. “Divide in Concord” is a documentary about an effort in Concord, Mass., to ban small, single-serve bottles of water. Sustainable Practices showed the film in 2018.

Through Sustainable Practices, she and a group of volunteer members started with the municipalities—proposing a bylaw prohibiting municipal governments from purchasing single-use plastic bottled beverages and eliminating the sale of beverages in single-use plastic containers on town property. That policy is now in place in 13 of the 15 towns on Cape Cod.

Madhavi Venkatesan is passionate about reducing our negative impact on the environment. Over the course of her career, she’s worked at large organizations, but felt there was too much bureaucracy; it was taking too long to see change.

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Photo courtesy of Madhavi Venkatesan

MADHAVI VENKATESAN MELP’16 (CENTER)

VERMONT’S “LITTLE GRAND CANYON,” QUECHEE GORGE. LOQUITUR

AN UPDATE FROM THE

VERMONT LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (VLSAA) Spring brings mud season in Vermont, and hopefully the continued decline of the coronavirus pandemic around the world. This has been a challenging year on many levels for all—alumni/ae, students, family members, staff, faculty and friends of Vermont Law School alike. I hope that you have weathered the storm in the best way possible, and that you are looking forward to post-pandemic life with its long-awaited fruits. The VLSAA is your alumni association, and its board of directors has not gone dormant during the COVID emergency. At the onset of the pandemic, we quickly pivoted to holding meetings using the latest remote technologies, including Zoom and Teams. This switch has resulted in increased participation by board members from across the country who may not have been able to make the trip to Vermont even if travel restrictions had not been imposed. While we certainly miss the benefits of in-person meetings—spending time in South Royalton, face-to-face interactions, and catching up with VLS students, faculty, and staff on campus—we have made the best of the situation and have worked to enhance opportunities for the alumni community on many fronts. Alumni engagement and outreach efforts during the past year are particularly notable. With the leadership of Margaux Valenti JD’13 and the Alumni Engagement Committee, we launched two key initiatives—the VLS Alumni Webinar Series and the VLSAA Book Club. Thus far, eight webinars have been conducted by 16 alumni presenters. With topics ranging from mindfulness to consti-

tutional law, the webinar series has already tallied nearly 600 registrants. Meanwhile, the book club has highlighted the work of three alumni authors through quarterly virtual gatherings which serve as an opportunity to bring Swans together in a social setting, while bonding over a shared read. More webinars, book club meetings, and other events are in the works, so I encourage you to stay up to date on the latest happenings by reading Swanvine, the monthly alumni e-newsletter, and by visiting the newly redesigned alumni relations and development website at connect.vermontlaw.edu. Here, you can also view alumni highlights, request transcripts, find past event recordings, and much more. The VLSAA Board has also focused efforts on its core mission of supporting the school’s fundraising efforts, mentoring students, and fostering connections between alumni. In this vein, I want to remind you that Vermont Law School has released a new professional development platform called The Nest, which offers instant networking and mentoring capabilities, access to the latest job postings and referrals for alumni, and other exciting features! Please take the time to complete your profile by visiting thenest.vermontlaw.edu. Until we can meet again on the SoRo campus, stay well!

J. Patrick Kennedy JD’93 President, VLSAA

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SHARE YOUR NEWS WITH US! Whether you were recently promoted, landed your dream job, got married, are retiring, or you have other exciting updates, we want to know! Share your news and photos with us by emailing alumni@vermontlaw.edu or by visiting connect.vermontlaw.edu/alumni-news.

1976

45 TH REUNION JUNE 2021 Mark Portnoy mhportnoy@gmail.com

award—named for Ray who dedicated his career to indigent and civil rights defense in New York and Mississippi in the 1960s—recognizes defense attorneys or organizations that exemplify the highest levels of professionalism in providing zealous representation to indigent clients.

path called “Enlightening the Law – Making Peace With Your Practice.” It’s a free download on her website at: powerofpeaceportland.com/ book. She wants to connect with other VLS grads who practice collaborative law and hopes it will be taught here soon.

1977

Thomas Donnellan tomlaw333@comcast.net

1978

Robin Bren rsbren@gmail.com

ANDY KOSSOVER JD’77

Andy Kossover JD’77 was honored as the recipient of the New York State Bar Association’s 2020 Denison Ray Criminal Defender Award. The

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Dona Cullen JD’78/MSEL’96 is living in Lake Oswego, Oregon (outside of Portland), with her husband, near her grandsons. She practices mediation and collaborative law, is a peacemaking practice trainer, a certified divorce financial analyst and a resilience coach. All of these skills are devoted to working with families outside of court. Although from the class of ’78, she came back to VLS for an MSEL, class of ’96, and had the great good fortune to study mediation with the late Professor Jack McCrory and take classes again with David Firestone, this time in environmental law. Dona has written a book about her

DONA CULLEN JD’78/MSEL’96

Thomas Murphy JD’78 was featured as a Band 1 attorney in the Chambers USA 2020 Guide, a publication ranking the leading lawyers and law firms across the U.S. Thomas is a principal in the Washington, D.C., office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His practice focuses on representing

CLASS NOTES

employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling.

THOMAS MURPHY JD’78

1979

alumni@vermontlaw.edu Please email the Alumni Office if you are interested in serving as a class secretary.

tal prosecutor with Pennsylvania’s environmental agency, DEP, is caught between the warring factions, but is ordered to “babysit” the case. All Mike wants to do is to protect the environment and neighbors from certain harm as a result of the proposed mining. Sid Feldman, the Philadelphia lawyer for the mine operator, who oozes power and privilege, offers Mike a job midway through the proceedings. Miranda Clymer, the lawyer for the neighbors, pulls out all the stops to win Mike’s affection and assistance. Mike’s nearest and dearest friend, Nicky Kane, is by his side as his paralegal. Mike must use all of his talents as a lawyer in the courtroom and rely on his discretion and courage to do what is right and not anger the political bosses for whom he works. In the cataclysmic ending, someone will die...but who?

RALPH DAWSON’S JD’80 FIRST GRANDCHILD

Susan Fowler JD’80 retired from her position as Chittenden County Probate Judge in 2016 and now works part-time at Trust Company of Vermont in Burlington. Her son, Austin, lives in Los Angeles and works cheerfully in the film industry. Michael Kessler JD’80 celebrated eight years at the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO), where he continues to be involved in activities to address the increased penetration of both renewable and distributed energy resources into the wholesale energy markets and grid. This is an exciting time to be at MISO, which is taking a proactive, leadership role to redesign its markets, and operational and

Colon Willoughby JD’79 now practices law at McGuireWoods LLP in North Carolina and was installed as President of the North Carolina State Bar in October 2019.

1980

Scott Cameron jscameron@zclpc.com

Joel Burcat JD’80 released his second novel, “AMID RAGE,” on February 2, 2021. The book is available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other outlets. The main character, Mike Jacobs, is a graduate of VLS! This is the second book in the series, the first was “DRINK TO EVERY BEAST.” In “AMID RAGE,” a psychotic coal mine operator and cynical neighbors with an anti-mining agenda fight out a strip mine permit battle. Mike Jacobs, a 29-year-old environmen-

JOEL BURCAT’S JD’80 L ATEST NOVEL

Ralph Dawson JD’80 reports that his first grandchild was born on January 8, 2019, and that his youngest daughter is in her second year at the Midwestern University School of Osteopathic Medicine. MICHAEL KESSLER JD’80

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planning processes to reliably and efficiently accommodate the grid of the future.

1981

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they have four children and five grandchildren.

1984

Charles Van Gorder chase@vglaw.com

Tim McGrath timbomcg@juno.com

1985 1982

alumni@vermontlaw.edu Please email the Alumni Office if you are interested in serving as a class secretary.

Larr Kelly photolarr@verizon.net

Dr. Robert (Bob) W. Robertson

John Shea MSEL’82, was selected as a Best Lawyer for environmental and litigation Tier 1 for the tenth year, along with his boutique environmental law firm, Mackie Shea Durning, being selected as a Best Law Firm.

MSL’85 was reappointed to a second term as president of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute in Nassau, the Bahamas. He was also awarded a graduate diploma in international development by the London School of Economics and Political Science.

35 TH REUNION JUNE 2021 M.P. Zimmerman pattyzim@comcast.net

Mark Ouellette mouellette01@gmail.com

Martha Lyons malyonsesq@hotmail.com

Stuart Hersh JD/MSL’83 reports that as of December 31, 2020, he is retired.

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1986

1987

1983

Hon. Chauncey J. Watches JD’83, Steuben County Court Judge, began additional duties as the supervising judge in the felony level Steuben County Drug Treatment Court. The team supervises participants through treatment after plea. Upon successful completion, participants are allowed to clear the felony charge from their record and avoid state prison sentencing. Chauncey and Mary reside in Bath where

Massachusetts. Frank’s solo practice is in parent and children’s probate court matters based in Branford, Connecticut. Frank was recently re-elected to his 28th year, 14th twoyear term, serving on the Branford Representative Town Meeting, where he chairs the Education Committee. Frank encourages all members of the class of 1985 to join the virtual gathering this June to celebrate the class’ 35th reunion, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

1988

Sandi Allen sandraallen1792@gmail.com ROBERT (BOB) ROBERTSON MSL’85

Steve Pisini JD’85 and Frank Twohill JD’85 vacationed together again last winter, prior to COVID, for a week on St. Lucia. They enjoyed seeing the famous Pitons, waterfalls, and the drive-in volcano. Steve continues his much in demand solo practice in estate planning in Millis,

Holly Groschner JD’88 shares that the apex of her career in telecommunications was to bring Vermont PBS and VPR to a decision to merge in September 2020, a move that ensures independent public reporting and educational media for Vermonters far into the future. She didn’t know that her VLS training would be the foundation for an

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adventure as CEO of Vermont’s public television station; but she notes that grit, logic, skillful use of precedent, an understanding of regulation, belief in democratic process, and the ability to present an argument (all honed at VLS) were key to forming the $91M enterprise. Holly found the opportunity to refocus the station on video productions about and for Vermonters to be the most rewarding aspect. And now, she is glad to be home in Cookeville, Vermont, to rake the leaves and put up the storm windows, but she hasn’t fully retired just yet. She wishes everyone all the best and sends a special shoutout to Susan Gilfillan JD’88 for her expertise in labor law and friendship, sharing that she’s a master at both.

work of these caring veterinarians, the number of unwanted cats and dogs killed annually is down to 1.7 million. Since retirement from the practice, Peggy works with the police on animal abuse cases in Vermont. She also works with other states and countries to stop the abuse of animals in rodeos, traveling to New Zealand in 2018. She participated in a documentary exposing rodeo animal abuse called “Bucking Tradition.” It won the grand prize at the Ottawa Film Festival in 2019.

1990

Mario Gallucci mfg7102@aol.com

1989 Kim Montroll kimmontroll@gmail.com Randy Abate JD/MSEL’89 published the second edition of his book, “What Can Animal Law Learn From Environmental Law?” (Environmental Law Institute Press) in July 2020. The second edition comprehensively updates the 17 chapters from the first edition, which was published in 2015, and adds 12 new chapters on a

HOLLY GROSCHNER JD’88

Peggy Larson JD’88 worked as a criminal prosecutor for two years after graduation and then left law to focus on improving the lives of animals using both her legal and veterinary training and experience. Peggy is a veterinarian/lawyer who is now mostly retired. She started the National Spay and Neuter Coalition in the 1990s because shelters were killing 18 million unwanted dogs and cats each year. Over the complacency of the AVMA, spay and neuter clinics began to tackle the problem. The clinic spayed and neutered over 78,000 animals. Thanks to the

wide range of topics at the intersection of animal law and environmental law. New topics include climate change mitigation, rights of nature, impact assessments, enforcement issues, the public trust doctrine, lab-grown meat, deceptive advertising, and “animal socioequality.” VLS graduates Paige Tomaselli JD’04, Kristen King Jaiven LLM’15, Kenzie Landa LLM’16, and Gabi Steier LLM’17 contributed chapters to the book.

RANDY ABATE’S JD/MSEL’89 BOOK COVER

Mario Gallucci JD’90 recently filmed a podcast for “Shades of Havana,” which aired at the end of March 2021. Gallucci is also creating a new podcast where he’ll be featured cooking a meal and discussing current legal topics. The first episode will be called “Meatballs and Murder,” where he’ll make meatballs and discuss the George Floyd trial. In the following episode, titled “Linguine and Larceny,” he will prepare Angry Lobster and discuss the New York attorney, Leslie Scharf, who was recently sentenced for embezzling nearly six million dollars. Pamela J. Pescosolido JD’90 worked with an architect and the best contractor in the Berkshires remodeling an old building she had purchased from August of 2019 until mid-pandemic (April 20, 2020). On April 20, while her bookstore was shut down because of pandemic regulations, she moved the store to its new location and then had plenty of time to get everything “just so” before they were allowed to reopen in a limited capacity at the beginning of June. It was a surprisingly busy summer, even with limited customer browsing in the S P R I N G 202 1

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store (10 people at a time max). Pam was sorry that the class’ 30th VLS reunion was delayed, but she looks forward to seeing friends from the classes of 1990 and 1991 at Alumni Reunion 2021. Andy de la Rocha JD’90 retired as the senior supervisory resident agent of the FBI Fayetteville, N.C., office. His federal retirement encompassed 21 years as an FBI special agent and seven years as an activeduty Marine Corps officer. He was recently rehired by the FBI’s Security Division as an annuitant and his new role is adjudicating background investigations for FBI applicants. He, his wife, and four daughters live outside of Pinehurst, N.C.

1991

30 TH REUNION JUNE 2021

CL ASSMATES MICHAEL K AINEN JD/MSL’92, DAVE CELONE JD’92, MARGARET OLNEK JD’92, WILL OSBURN JD’92, AND NANCI SMITH JD/MSL’92 GATHER AT MARGARET’S HOME IN DECEMBER 2019. also continues to support VLS and fellow alumni through the annual Alumni in Energy symposium, which was held virtually in 2020. Alan looks forward to the fall 2021 event and encourages folks to participate to keep the tradition going.

Peg Stolfa margaret.stolfa@gmail.com Michael Smrtic JD’91 began serving as Fulton County Court (New York) judge-surrogate in January 2021.

1992

Margaret Olnek mlo@olneklaw.com

1993

Elaine Schwartz geowoman3@aol.com Alan Strasser JD/MSL’93 started a new job as an environmental protection specialist with the Federal Aviation Administration in D.C. He LOQUITUR

1994

Joseph Galanes joseph.galanes@gmail.com After 20 years as an assistant city attorney for Burlington, including nine years as senior assistant, Gene Bergman JD’94 retired and has been enjoying working for independent and progressive city councilors, local grassroots groups like Rights and Democracy and Vermont Interfaith Action, and working and skiing at Mad River Glen. Gene’s wife, Wendy Coe, retired after 41 years as office manager for the Peace & Justice Center and they are looking forward to traveling, gardening, and caring for their newly born first grandson, Caleb Daniel Bergman. John Martin Gillroy MSL’94 is on

sabbatical from Lehigh University where he recently completed a term as chairman of the philosophy department. He is now a visiting scholar at the Law Faculty of Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He is completing the writing of one solo book: “The Ascent of Public Order Principles as Authority Beyond the G.W.F. Hegel & Legal Right Through Recognition” and beginning the research for another: “International Law as Practical Reason: Philosophical Method, Immanuel Kant & the Duty to Ecological Constitutionalism.” These will be volume two and three of his trilogy project for Palgrave-MacMillan Press entitled “PHILOSOPHICAL METHOD, POLICY DESIGN & THE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL SYSTEM” that began with the publication of “An Evolutionary Paradigm for International Law: Philosophical Method, David Hume & the Essence of Sovereignty” in 2013.

1995

Karen Moore kj.moore@judicial.state.co.us

CLASS NOTES

1996

25TH REUNION JUNE 2021 William Fewell williamfewell@vermontlaw.edu Kathryn Link JD’96 has been named vice president for operations and chief financial officer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)—the world’s independent leader in ocean discovery, exploration, and education.

Wall Street Journal discussing racial justice and how investors can press companies to do better. David JD/MSEL’97 and Erin JD/ MSEL’97 Meezan continue to happily reside in Atlanta. Erin is the chief sustainability officer for Interface Inc., and was recently featured in the film “Beyond Zero,” a feature-length documentary about the company’s incredible sustainability journey (beyondzerofilm.com). David is a partner in the environmental boutique law firm Kazmarek Mowrey Cloud Laseter LLP. Best Lawyers recently named him 2021 Lawyer of the Year for environmental law in Atlanta.

1997

Cheryl Deshaies Davis davis4nh@comcast.net Beth Boepple JD’97, Amy Manzelli JD’05/MSEL’07, and Jason Reimers JD’05, along with the BCM Environmental & Land Law team announced their merger with Thomas R. Hanna Law. Beth writes, “The merger of our two firms means we can better serve our clients in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont in the areas of our collective expertise: environment, planning, zoning, agricultural, conservation, and energy issues.” Beth is also excited to report the new location of BCM’s Portland, Maine office, 2 Union Street, overlooking Casco Bay. “We can almost see our fellow alumni, Ricky Binet JD’04 and Justin O’Connor’s JD’05 gastropub, The King’s Head, on the other side of Commercial Street.” A little enclave of VLS in the Pine Tree State! Jonas D. Kron JD/MSEL’97 is the chief advocacy officer for Trillium Asset Management, which is one of the oldest sustainable and responsible investment firms in the country. Jonas was recently quoted in the

1998

Thomas Leary thomas.f.leary@gmail.com

1999

Joy Kanwar-Nori joy.kanwar@gmail.com

2001

20 TH REUNION JUNE 2021 Karen Murray kmurray9515@gmail.com Liz Brown Morgan JD/MSEL’01 is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Liz helps busy lawyers and other humans access more food flow, transform the culture of food in their homes, and understand the deeper, underlying imbalances in their bodies. She supports people to find true healing by identifying hidden causes of their health problems and navigating wholesome and natural solutions. Liz teaches people to support regenerative agriculture systems while transforming their own health to live a more decadently nourished, empowered life. She loves working with VLS grads! Connect with her at lizmorgannutrition.com. David Ross JD/MSEL’01 has joined Troutman Pepper as a partner in the firm’s Environmental and Natural Resources Practice Group in Washington, D.C. He brings more than two decades of experience working on environmental issues, most recently as water chief in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

2000

Kristy Caron kristycaron@gmail.com Anna Fry adafry@aol.com Kimberly Bryant MSEL’00 was hired by the Virginia Department of Transportation as an assistant environmental manager for the Hampton Roads district.

DAVID ROSS JD/MSEL’01

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2002

Paige Bush-Scruggs paigescruggs@comcast.net Jennifer (Tomas) Van Wie JD’02/ MSEL’03 was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB). The IPCB has two major functions: implementing environmental control standards for the State of Illinois (rulemaking) and adjudicating complaints of non-criminal violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. KELLY MSEL’05 AND LUKE JD’06 MARTONE WITH THEIR FIRST CHILD, CL ARA IRENE.

JENNIFER (TOMAS) VAN WIE JD’02/MSEL’03

2003

Shannon Maher Bañaga vlsmaher@yahoo.com

2004

Spencer Hanes spencer.hanes@duke-energy.com

2005

Kelly (Guhanick) Martone MSEL’05 and Luke Martone JD’06 welcomed their first child, Clara Irene, on March 19, 2020. Kelly serves as a regulatory analyst at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, where she works on a variety of regulatory matters including renewable energy. Luke serves as senior director of advocacy and counsel for the Credit Union National Association based in Washington, D.C. The Martones live outside the Twin Cities in the small town of Dellwood.

15 TH REUNION JUNE 2021 Ashley Carson Cottingham ashleybrey@gmail.com Ebony Riggins erriggins@gmail.com

Kimberly Reid JD’05 became a principal member of Gravis Law, PLLC in Olympia, Washington, in June 2020. She first joined the firm in March 2019. Stephanie Young JD/MSEL’05 was named as the executive director of the 251 Club of Vermont. This club, with over 3,000 members, is dedicated to exploring the beautiful Green Mountain state and visiting all 251 towns. If you are interested in learning about the club, which has been in existence for over 65 years, go to: vt251.com. She also continues to teach environmental law parttime at Purdue Global University.

Meg Munsey and Kelly Singer vermontlaw2005@gmail.com LOQUITUR

2006

CL ANCY DESMET JD’06/MSEL’03 AND HIS PARTNER, WILL A

Clancy DeSmet JD’06/MSEL’03 has been promoted within the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to Climate Change Adaptation Branch Chief in District 1. At Caltrans, he’s primarily charged with drafting a comprehensive adaptation plan for the Eureka-Arcata

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Corridor adjacent to Humboldt Bay. Willa and Clancy also purchased a home in Humboldt County. The couple recently enjoyed a camping trip with Katie (Rebholz) Mathias JD’06 and Christopher Mathias JD’07. Katie Duke JD’06 continues to diversify her income and expand her professional experience. In addition to her private life coaching practice, which she started in 2017, she is now a senior director with Color Street, a network marketing company that sells patented 95% dry nail polish strips. Curious? Check her out at klassykatie.com. Keep your eye out for her memoir which will be published sometime in 2021. Finally, she enjoys coaching lawyers (especially anyone looking for more meaning and satisfaction) and offers a complimentary coaching session to any graduate of VLS. She dares you to take advantage of the opportunity. For more information, visit dukelifecoaching.com. Jessica Newhart JD’06 left the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services to open her own practice in Johnson City. She has now been practicing in the state of Tennessee for 10 years and was awarded the Above and Beyond Award by Legal Aid of East Tennessee for the work she’s done as a volunteer attorney for Legal Aid. Jessica is excited to see her fellow 2006 classmates at this year’s reunion!

JENNY MCIVOR JD’07 AND HUSBAND DAN HENNINGS AT THEIR WEDDING IN SEPTEMBER 2019 at Berkshire Hathaway Energy in September 2018 and married Dan Hennings in September 2019. She has three awesome bonus kids as well, and they’re all loving the craziness three puppies bring.

lenders in connection with workouts, loan restructures, forbearance agreements, and loan sales. Moreover, he represents property owners and mortgagees with respect to title claims and other defects.

Peter Royer JD’07 joined the Hartford office of the Connecticut law firm, Halloran Sage, as a partner and commercial litigator. He focuses on bankruptcy and real estate related litigation, and handles foreclosures, collection actions, commercial evictions, prejudgment remedy applications, business and contract disputes, and quiet title actions concerning boundary disputes, adverse possession claims, and various title defects. In addition to his litigation practice, Peter routinely represents commercial

Becky Whitley JD’07 was elected to the New Hampshire State Senate in November 2020, to represent the City of Concord and the towns of Henniker, Hopkinton, and Warner. This was the first time Becky had run for office, although she had been very active on several local campaigns in her community. Senator Whitley brings her policy expertise and on-the-ground experience as a disability rights lawyer, climate organizer, and health policy specialist to her new role. In 2019, Becky was also recognized as Citizen of the Year by the New Hampshire chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, for her work as the policy director for the N.H. Children’s Behavioral Health Collaborative.

2007

Greg Dorrington gregdorrington@gmail.com

In January 2020, Steven Whitley JD’07 joined the Manchester office of Drummond Woodsum as a shareholder, representing exclusively New Hampshire municipalities. Drummond is a regional law firm

Liz Lucente liz.lucente@gmail.com Jenny McIvor JD’07 started a new job as chief environmental counsel

PETER ROYER JD’07

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with a solid foundation in public sector representation including New Hampshire and Maine municipalities, school districts, and county governments. Steven has also served on the Hopkinton Select Board since 2017.

Torend L. Collins JD/MELP’09 recently joined the Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) newly formed St. Petersburg, Florida, Political Affairs office as program coordinator. Torend will play a critical supporting role in the development and execution of campaigns that advance priority goals outlined in EDF’s Florida strategy. She looks forward to connecting with other VLS alumni in the St. Petersburg/ Tampa area. Elise Paeffgen JD’09 was elected to the partnership at Alston & Bird LLP. She enjoys her environmental law practice in Washington, D.C., and lives in the Capitol Hill neighborhood with her husband Matthew.

STEVEN JD’07 AND BECKY JD’07 WHITLEY

Geoffrey Sewake JD/MELP’09 was selected as one of Vermont Business Magazine’s 2020 Rising Stars, which showcases 40 Vermonters under the age of 40 who have shown a dedication to the community through hard work and leadership.

2008

Samantha Santiago santiago.samantha@gmail.com

Cara Cookson caracookson@yahoo.com Laurie Wheelock lauriewheelock@gmail.com Kira Bryers JD’10 and Edward Lynes were married in an intimate ceremony on the Lunar New Year, February 12, 2021, with many VLS friends there in spirit! Kira works as an in-house attorney at Qlik, and will be honored to serve as the president of the Junior League of Philadelphia beginning in June. She and Ed, a founding partner of Woden, a messaging and positioning agency, make their home in Philadelphia with their Wheaten Terrier, Bailey. Peter Scully JD/MELP’10 joined Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt as a Litigation and Dispute Resolution Of Counsel who practices commercial litigation, corporate governance, business formation, construction contracting, real estate, and Alaska Native law. Ashley Slavik JD/M1’10 is the chief privacy officer of Veeva Systems Inc., a cloud-based software company for

Jamie Williams willjamie@gmail.com

2009

Jennifer McDonald jmcdonald@drm.com John Miller johndmillerjr@gmail.com Shelby Busó JD/MELP’09 is now the Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Atlanta, Office of the Mayor.

KIRA BRYERS JD’10 AND HUSBAND EDWARD LYNES LOQUITUR

2010

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2011

10 TH REUNION JUNE 2021 Amanda George-Wheaton amanda.georgewheaton@yahoo.com Sarah McGuire sarah.mcguire18@gmail.com

PETER SCULLY JD/MELP’10 the global life sciences industry, where she has worked as counsel since 2015. Ashley relocated to Barcelona, Spain, in March 2019 with her husband, Alan, and two boys, Arlo and Axel, after a decade living in Paris, France. Jillian Riley JD/MELP’10 and Joey Solomon JD/MELP’10 welcomed Neal Riley Solomon to their family in July 2019. While several months pregnant with baby Neal, Jillian, a Massachusetts assistant attorney general, traveled to D.C. to testify on behalf of 24 states and local governments in opposition of Trump’s EPA rollback of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards from power plants. Dan Williams JD’10 was promoted to senior international advisor in the FAA’s Office of Environment and Energy. This role plans and directs the FAA’s international bilateral and multilateral engagement and strategy related to all environmental issues affecting aviation, including noise, emissions, and climate, as well as managing agreements covering research programs carried out with international partners.

Brandon Gillin JD’11 opened his law firm Gillin Law Group, PLLC in April 2020. He practices solely U.S. immigration and citizenship law. When he’s not filing COVID-19-based motions to continue in immigration court and suing U.S. immigration agencies in federal district court on Writs of Mandamus, he is helping his twin six-year-old daughters, Audrey and Yura, learn how to use Zoom for first grade.

Molly Watson JD/MELP’11 is the new deputy section chief of the Alaska Section of NOAA’s Office of General Counsel. After clerking for the Honorable Peter W. Hall of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Honorable Christina Reiss of the United States District Court for the District of Vermont, Molly joined NOAA’s Office of General Counsel in September 2015 as an Honors Attorney. Molly completed rotations in the Enforcement and International Sections before moving to Juneau, Alaska, and she has been working for the Alaska Section since October 2016. As deputy section chief, Molly will work with the section chief and a team of attorneys to advise on a broad range of legal issues arising under marine conservation, environmental, and natural resource laws; federal administrative law; and international law and treaties. Molly is particularly pleased that, since moving to Juneau, she has caught five species of Pacific salmon on a fly rod.

NEAL RILEY SOLOMON, CHILD OF JILLIAN RILEY JD/ MELP’10 AND JOEY SOLOMON JD/MELP’10 Brian Quiros JD’11 is now an associate in the construction practice at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP in the firm’s Hartford, Connecticut, office. Prior to that, he was with Garcia & Milas in New Haven, Connecticut, practicing in construction litigation.

MOLLY WATSON JD/MELP’11

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2012

Susan Lettis susanlettis@gmail.com Lauren Miller lauren.miller.e@gmail.com Nataliya Apanovich MELP’12 reports that after earning her degree at VLS and spending a few years in Washington, D.C., working for a law firm and a nonprofit, she moved to Iowa State University (ISU) for a PhD in two distinct programs: sustainable agriculture and biorenewable resources and technology. Upon graduation in 2018, she accepted a job at Andrew College, a liberal arts school in rural Georgia, to teach in and head the new Sustainable Agriculture program. One of her first projects was the establishment of a community garden with yearround production. The garden helps bring awareness to the community on healthy and affordable food and provides practical learning to the students. With high rates of food insecurity and poverty in the area, Nataliya, with the help of the college, relies on homegrown solutions to help people live better lives.

Meredith Crafton JD/MELP’12 played a key role in the settlement of a whistleblower lawsuit exposing fraud at the Hanford nuclear reservation—the largest U.S. nuclear waste treatment facility. The settlement was announced in September 2020 and you can read more at fightfraudwhistleblowers.com.

Jeff Guevin JD’12 officially opened the doors of his solo practice, Otter Creek Law, PLLC, in downtown Rutland, Vermont, on January 1, 2020. He’s pleased to announce that the new practice survived COVID lockdown, primarily through dedication to cloud technology, and continues to offer services in elder law, real estate, nonprofits, and related areas.

newest endeavor is a women’s networking business geared toward “solopreneurs” who work from home called Crazy Sexy Magic (crazysexymagic.com). Elsie’s website development business, Solid Red Studios, is also thriving and expanding.

Marissa Knodel JD’13 is living in Washington, D.C., and adulting hard with her new husband, new house, and new puppy. She was recently appointed by the Biden-Harris administration to join the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in the Department of the Interior, and finds balance by running trail ultras, practicing Aikido, and teaching wine classes.

2013

Brian Durkin brian.o.durkin@gmail.com Rae Kinkead rmkinkead@gmail.com

Daniel Belzil JD’13 has joined Belluck & Fox, LLP as an insurance coverage associate to launch the firm’s insurance recovery practice. At Belluck & Fox, he will be working on forcing insurance companies to pay on the policies they sold to businesses and consumers.

DANIEL BELZIL JD’13

Amanda Jacquette Fisher JD/ MELP’13 announced the birth of her second child, Caleb Thomas Fisher, born on August 25, 2019. NATALIYA APANOVICH MELP’12

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Elsie Gilmore MELP’13 reports that she is now living in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla., and volunteers with Suncoast Sierra Club, an active and focused local chapter of dedicated environmental activists. Elsie’s 54

CALEB THOMAS FISHER, SON OF AMANDA JACQUETTE FISHER JD/MELP’13

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Sam Rockwell JD’13 became executive director of Move Minnesota in December 2019. The organization advocates for high quality transit as a means to achieve climate sustainability and transportation justice, and stewards U.S. DOT Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality dollars with the aim of reducing regulated emissions. Sam also continues to serve as president of the Minneapolis Planning Commission and is serving as an adjunct professor in the University of Minnesota’s Urban Studies program during the spring of 2021. Jennifer (Schaper) Sletten JD/MELP’13 and her husband, Andrew, had a baby boy, Anderson, on May 31, 2020. They now live in Kingston, Washington, next door to Jennifer’s parents.

2014

Cristina Mansfield cristinaleila@hotmail.com Whitney Standefer whitneystandefer@gmail.com Best Lawyers has featured Jessel Contreras LLM’14 in its 2021 Spain edition, where he is recognized for his work in mergers and acquisitions and corporate law, private equity law, and venture capital law. Jessel works for the Madrid-based firm Ambar Partners.

2015

Crystal N. Abbey cnabbey88@gmail.com Alona S. Tate alona626@yahoo.com

LEANNE MORROW MELP’15

Cristina Banahan JD’15 started a new job as director of citizenship and sustainability with TransUnion. At TransUnion, Cristina is developing policies and programs that take into account a corporation’s impact on society and the environment. As a prosecutor for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Lisa Franceware JD’15 is a candidate for the Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorney Initiative, which allows for the increased ability to prosecute offenders in tribal court, federal court, or both. Leanne Morrow MELP’15 had the opportunity to deploy to Afghanistan with the 273 FEST EN DET team for nine months, arriving on November 1, 2019, and leaving on July 21, 2020. FEST is “Forward Engineer Support Team” and her specialized team was made up of six U.S. Army Corps civilians of varying specialties—she was the only non-engineer, but the mission had a heavy environmental element—and two Active Army

officers. A Major acted as Commander of the team and a Sergeant First Class as second in command. They were called up by the Active Army to support the mission Freedom’s Sentinel and were stationed at Bagram Airfield, but Leanne traveled all over the country helping bases with their environmental issues, including everything from drinking water to waste water, to hazardous waste and solid waste management. The team was in Bagram for the December 11 truck bomb and attempted ground attack by the insurgents, the signed Peace Agreement, and then the global pandemic. Their tour was very eventful to say the least. Leanne shares that it was a truly amazing experience and will most likely be the highlight of her career. Alona Tate JD’15 was appointed as the second assistant clerk in the House of Representatives of the Vermont State Legislature in Montpelier in January 2020.

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2017

Catie Davis catiedavis.cd@gmail.com Breanna (Hayes) Weaver JD/ MELP’17 and her husband, Derek, welcomed their first child, Lucas Charles, on February 6, 2020.

BRIDGET WOEBBE JD/MELP’15 AND EMMA (HEMPSTEAD) WOEBBE JD’14 ENJOY THEIR PRE-WEDDING PHOTO SHOOT AT FABLE FARMS IN BARNARD, VERMONT. PHOTO CREDIT: MYRA HUDSON, SOUTH ROYALTON, VT.

Bridget Woebbe JD/MELP’15 and Emma (Hempstead) Woebbe JD’14 were married on 10.10.2020 at a small socially-distanced ceremony on Jamaica Bay in Queens, New York. The brides sabred and poured a champagne tower on the sand, streamed the event to family and friends across the globe, and said their vows beneath a driftwood arch built by Bridget in the special beach community where she spent her childhood summers, and where the married couple looks forward to spending many more.

MEG YORK JD’15

2016

5 TH REUNION JUNE 2021 James LaRock jamesmlarock@gmail.com Kelechi “Kay Kay” Uchendu JD’16/ LLM’18 published her first book, “Bully Friends.” The YA non-fiction book about bullying details her experiences growing up in Detroit and gives tips for young readers on how to identify and not become a bully friend. Learn more about Kay Kay and the book at kaykaysway.com.

LUCAS CHARLES WEAVER Dylan King JD’17 was featured on Super Lawyers’ 2020 Massachusetts “Rising Stars” list, which recognizes accomplished attorneys who are either 40 years old or younger, or who are in practice for 10 years or less. Dylan currently serves as an associate for Beveridge & Diamond in Boston.

Meg York JD’15 joined the Vermont Law School faculty in January 2020 as an assistant professor of law and staff attorney in the South Royalton Legal Clinic. In March 2020, she gave birth to her second baby girl, Georgia Gail York.

KELECHI “K AY K AY” UCHENDU JD’16/LLM’18 AND THE COVER OF HER FIRST BOOK, BULLY FRIENDS.

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2018

2019

Katherine Hope JD’18 has joined Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP as an associate after clerking for two years with the Vermont Trial Courts. Her practice focuses on the needs of families as their lives intersect with the legal system, concentrating on estate planning, parental rights and responsibilities, and residential real estate transactions. She is based out of the firm’s office in Middlebury, Vermont.

Charlotte Cohn MERL’19 now works as an energy policy analyst at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) in Washington, D.C. Her research and writing concerns utility regulation, electric vehicles, and building electrification. She was a co-author on a recent state policy report, “How Energy Efficiency Can Help Rebuild North Carolina’s Economy,” which was published on September 23, 2020.

Liz Bower lizbower88@gmail.com

Julia Muench JD’18 is now an associate attorney with Super Law Group, a New York City-based public-interest firm focused on Clean Water Act enforcement. The firm has particular expertise on storm water enforcement (“NPDES”) and power plant cooling enforcement (“Section 316b”). For more information, visit superlawgroup.com or email julia@superlawgroup.com.

Ashley Mayrianne Jones MELP’19 of Arlington, Va., has accepted a position as advocacy communications coordinator for the American Society for Microbiology. In this role, Ashley develops and disseminates press releases, op-eds, and social media for the largest life sciences society in the U.S. Ashley previously worked for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Environmental Protection Agency headquarters. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers, secretary of the Society for Conservation Biology (D.C. Chapter), and a volunteer tour guide at Smithsonian National Zoo.

Marisa Heiling marisalheiling@gmail.com Kate Klaus JD’20 has joined Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. as a new associate in Kansas City, where she is focusing her practice on environmental and toxic tort litigation.

CH! TOU

AL UM VE I@

2020

Natalia Teekah JD’18 is now an associate with the southern New Jersey firm of Hyland Levin Shapiro LLP, where she is continuing her concentration on environmental and land use matters.

Margaret Shugart marg.shug@gmail.com

Moving from Puerto Rico, Alberto Valentin LLM’19 became the community engagement and environmental justice manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation. In this role, he works to reduce and mitigate disproportionate transportation health and environmental disparities toward low income and minority communities.

RMONTL A W .E

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NATALIA TEEK AH JD’18

IN MEMORIAM 1970s Harry Otto Falls JD’78 August 1, 1950 – July 22, 2020 A graduate of Dartmouth College and Vermont Law School, Harry pursued a career in law, serving as the chief public defender of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. In his free time, he enjoyed reading, traveling, playing cards, and listening to music. Upon retiring, Harry moved to Las Vegas. Predeceased by his wife, Harry is survived by his two children, sister, and nephew.

1980s Charles “Charlie” O’Brien JD’83 May 3, 1956 – March 26, 2020 Charlie spent nearly 35 years working for the New York State Defenders Association (NYSDA), where he served as the managing attorney. He dedicated his career to improving the quality and scope of legal representation provided to low-income individuals. Family was of the utmost importance to Charlie and he was happiest when spending time with his wife, children, siblings, and friends. Prior to his passing, he became the proud grandfather to granddaughter Charlie Verdini, his namesake. Marjorie (Fisher) Power JD’84 November 20, 1941 – July 26, 2020 Marjorie studied economics and history at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and later at the University of London. After leaving England, she settled in Vermont, where she spent summers as a child, and attended Vermont Law School. For over 20 years, Marjorie served as an attorney for the State of Vermont, working for the Public Service Board and the Division of Rate Setting. She was extremely in-

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vested in her community, dedicating her time and knowledge to many organizations. Marjorie also enjoyed a number of hobbies, including contra dancing, technology of all kinds, and knitting. She is survived by her son and daughter, beloved cousins, and her grandchildren.

1990s David Abbott JD’90 July 9, 1959 – December 13, 2020 David began his career as a special education teacher before moving on to specialize in programs for rehabilitating youthful offenders. With a passion for improving the quality and effectiveness of public education, he decided to attend VLS. Upon graduating, David focused on education law, working with two different firms. Ultimately, he returned to graduate school and earned an M.Ed. in educational policy and administration in an effort to have a greater influence on public education policy. David went on to have a distinguished 15-year career with the Rhode Island Department of Education, where he rose to the position of deputy commissioner and general counsel. He is survived by his daughters, Hannah and Emily; former wife, Lynn Martineau JD’88; sister, Nancy E. Abbott; brother, John V. Abbott; sister-in-law, Nancy S. Abbott; aunt, Helga Lundberg; and many cousins. Bradford “Brad” Atwood JD/MSL’90 August 8, 1958 – November 16, 2020 A partner at Hughes Smith Hughes Atwood & Mullaly, a law firm in Lebanon, New Hampshire, Brad earned degrees from Denison University and Vermont Law School. His spirit of generosity was reflected in his commitment to community service. Brad was a trustee and director of

the Gifford Medical Center and vice president of the board at Tri-Valley Transit. He served as president of the board at The Sharon Academy for many years and also as chair of the Sharon Selectboard. Brad inherited his love for cooking from his mother and passed his passion in the kitchen down to his children. As a family, they loved to camp, ski, hike, and fish, and Brad was proud of his kids’ ability to navigate a place in nature by being both respectful and resourceful. His early and sudden death leaves a hole in the hearts of so many people, including his wife, his four children and their mother, as well as his siblings, stepdaughters, nieces, and many close cousins. Craig Cwick JD’90 March 29, 1951 – May 25, 2020 After graduating from John Carroll University in 1973, Craig had a short and checkered career, first as a commercial diver, like his late father, then as a millwright, pile driver and iron worker, on projects throughout the Northeast. Next came for what ended up being a very unique and, again, short part of his lifetime at the Belle Starr Lodge in Colden, New York, where he met and formed lifelong friendships with several blues legends, southern rock notables, and the Nighthawks. Then, in his late 30s, he was accepted to and attended Vermont Law School, where he excelled academically and initiated the Last Day of Classes Regatta on the White River. Craig graduated cum laude in 1990, gaining many wonderful friends. He passed the New York State Bar Exam later that year, and in January 1991, he had his swearing in ceremony in Rochester, New York, with Roberta Heim at his side. Craig practiced law as a solo practitioner for over 25 years

until suffering the unwelcomed, and in his mind, career-ending, spinal cord trauma. Despite all the hardships in the last three years of his life, he never lost his unique sense of humor. Paul Cantilina JD’91 October 17, 1961 – June 18, 2020 A New Jersey native, Paul graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a degree in business prior to earning his Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School in 1991. After graduating, he returned to the Garden State. For the past 29 years, Paul practiced law in Franklin Lakes and, most recently, in Wyckoff. He was a faithful parishioner of The Church of the Nativity in Midland Park, and he was passionate about his family, friends, traveling, cooking, entertaining, and learning. Paul is survived by his wife, sons, parents, nephews, and niece. Michael Berube JD’97 June 7, 1966 – January 4, 2021 After fighting a courageous battle with brain cancer, Michael passed away in January 2021. He is survived by his daughter, his two sisters and their partners, several nieces and nephews, as well as his extended family throughout the United States and Canada. Prior to attending Vermont Law School, Michael graduated from Keene State College. He practiced as an attorney for a labor union in Boston, Massachusetts, worked as a prosecutor for the Massachusetts Department of Probation and Parole, and served as a prosecutor for the District Attorney’s Office in Greenfield, Massachusetts. For the last 10 years, Michael served as a hearings examiner for the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles. He loved his work family, as well as his friends from VLS, who

gave him great strength during his battle with cancer. Michael will be remembered for his easy laugh, his love for his family and friends, and his ability to always tell a good joke. Margot Stone JD’97 December 5, 1945 – January 9, 2021 Margot passed away at her home in Newfane, Vermont, after a 31-year battle with cancer. In her early education, she attended the Actors Studio with Lee Strasberg in New York City, and other private schools in New York and Pennsylvania. Margot made the pilot for the series “That Girl” in her role as a double for Marlo Thomas, was in several commercials, and appeared as a regular character on “Days of Our Lives” until tragically killed off. She never lost her flair for drama. Margot’s homes were always filled with a great diversity of humans and rescued animals. As she would say, she loved to be with a full cast of characters. She especially loved helping to empower people and was proud to graduate from Vermont Law School to become an attorney in her 50s. Her practice ranged from criminal defense to bankruptcy; always with a focus on how she could ease her clients’ distress. She is survived by her daughter, Heather Dieringer; brother, Roger Stone; devoted dog, Luna; and her companion of 43 years, Jimmy Sinon.

art, music, and sports, expanded his collection of memorabilia, and lifted up all around him with his infectious enthusiasm. Kenny is survived by his loving parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece, and many other family members and friends.

2010s Paul Kohan JD’14 May 25, 1988 – March 23, 2021 Paul’s bright spirit, sense of humor, and zest for life were recognized by all those lucky enough to know him. He overcame many challenges to earn his law degree and pursue his dream of advocating for children with varying abilities. Paul’s story of success will remain an inspiration to the many young lives he positively impacted through his work, truly showcasing what is possible. During his time on campus, Paul was very active within the VLS community, serving as the Student Bar Association’s Vice President of Student Activities and as a teaching assistant for Appellate Advocacy.

2000s Kenneth “Kenny” Diamond JD’03 May 30, 1978 – September 11, 2020 Kenny passed away peacefully after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Even while undergoing uninterrupted difficult treatments, he never lost his wit or sense of humor. Throughout his struggle, he maintained his avid interests in

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Pat Parenteau

CARL A. YIRKA Carl A. Yirka passed away at his home in Strafford, Vermont on April 4, 2020, almost two years after being diagnosed with Neuroendocrine tumor (NET), a rare aggressive cancer. Carl was born on February 28, 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Marijanka and Branko A. Yirka, Croatians who had recently arrived as refugees fleeing post-WWII Yugoslavia. Carl’s love of languages led him to leave Cleveland and head off to New York City to study at Columbia University where he majored in English and dreamed of becoming a Slavic language professor. He took a detour when his beloved daughter, Julie, came into the world—he decided to go to library school at Case Western Reserve University, School of Library Science, following in the footsteps of his two sisters, Margaret (Gretica) and Manja. Carl chose law as his specialty and worked first at the Hamilton County Law Library in Cincinnati, Ohio, then in libraries at Northern Kentucky Law School and at Northwestern University School of Law in Evanston, Illinois. Carl and his first wife, Valerie, and their two children, Julie and Adam, moved to Bloomington, Indiana, where he attended law school. After obtaining his JD degree, Carl and family went back to New York City, where he passed his NY state bar and became associate director at the New York Law School Library. Eventually he was offered the directorship of Vermont Law School’s Julien and Virginia Cornell Library, where he served for almost thirty years. At VLS, in addition to being chief administrator of the library and professor of legal research and comparative law, Carl was, from

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1997 to 2005, project director of the VLS-Petrozavodsk State University Law-Faculty Partnership. An accomplished traveler and fluent Russian speaker, Carl brought numerous students and professors safely back and forth between Russia and Vermont. He and his companions survived many Russian adventures, including a near sinking in the White Sea on the passenger ship Kapitan Mityagin while en route to the Solovki Island monastery, a story that he loved recalling with great embellishment for the family. Being a city boy at heart, Carl thought he would only spend a few years here, but Vermont became home for him. He and Micki settled into their old house, which sits atop a steep hill sloping down to the Ompomponoosuc River, eating meals on the back porch well into winter. They helped Julie raise her three children, Bridget, Isabella, and Kristov, who became the joys of their lives. Carl leaves behind his two children, Julie and Adam; his two children by marriage, Gabe (Candace) and Casey (Bryan); his two sisters, Margaret (Davor) and Manja (Jim); his wife, Micki; his two dogs, Luka and Annie; and two cats, Pushkin and Mookie. Beloved grandchildren Bridget, Isabella, and Kristov stayed by his side during this last stage. They carried him when he couldn’t walk and encircled him with love when he needed a hug.

Pat Parenteau

JACK R. TUHOLSKE Professor Jack Tuholske passed away on October 17, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family at his home in Montana. One of Jack’s last acts was to cast his vote for President of the United States, with his granddaughter on his lap. Jack was on the VLS faculty for twenty years and taught a variety of courses. He created the Public Lands Management: Montana Field Course, which took students on a two-week backpacking trip into the wilderness to learn public lands law and how to stay safe in grizzly country. Jack directed the Water and Justice Program. He was a key member of the U.S.-Asia Partnerships for Environmental Law program and made many trips to China to teach judges and lawyers about the emerging field of environmental law in China. He made personal friends with the judges on the Supreme People’s Court. Jack was also one of the pioneers of the VLS online master’s program, and has been a multi-faceted instructor over the years. Jack taught at Vermont Law School through the summer of 2020 before handing the baton to the next generation of teachers. His presence and impact will live on in the courses he developed, the students he taught, and the example he set. Tenacious and full of grit, Jack’s passion for the great outdoors was infectious. He showed a generation of aspiring law and policymakers that it is possible to align personal and professional pursuits. Beyond VLS, Jack was among the country’s leading public interest environmental lawyers. He has over 50 reported decisions to his credit, most of them victories. He set precedents under many federal and state

laws. His accomplishments led his peers to create a special award in his honor for outstanding contributions to conservation. Jack has left a wonderful legacy for legal education and environmental protection, and his mentoring of young lawyers will ensure that his good work will continue. To further his legacy, VLS is in the process of creating the Tuholske Institute of Environmental Field Studies to advance Jack’s work in deep field-based experiential education. Captain of his high school swimming team, Jack continued swimming competitively for 52 years and helped found the Montana Masters Swim Team. He also was actively involved in community organizations that promoted competitive youth swimming as well as the construction of public swimming pools. Additionally, he served on the board of directors for Wildland CPR, a national conservation group protecting and restoring public lands; Sussex School, a private K-8 alternative school; and Five Valleys Nordic Ski Patrol. He was a lifelong backcountry skier, rock climber, ice climber and mountaineer with over 100 successful technical alpine ascents throughout North America. Jack is survived by his wife, Lilly; sons Oliver, Benjamin and Cascade; daughters-in-law Claire and Liz; and grandchildren Mattie, Shelby, Jackson, Joshua, and Elvie. Jack was a dear friend and colleague to many at VLS, and the community’s thoughts are with his family and friends.

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MAXIMILIAN W. KEMPNER Former Dean Maximilian W. Kempner, whose tenure from 1991 to 1996 was marked by transformational growth and progress that continue to benefit the VLS community to this day, passed away on February 23, 2021. His many accomplishments include greatly expanded opportunities for women on the faculty and staff, the development of multiple study abroad and international exchange programs, a 400-percent increase in the endowment, the initiation of a campus-wide master plan, launch of the First Nations Environmental Law program, and establishment of a loan repayment program that encouraged graduates to seek public-sector jobs. Dean Kempner also dedicated significant time and effort to building relationships within the South Royalton community. He was so successful in this endeavor that in 1996, the editor of The Herald wrote that

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“Both in public and private, Dean Kempner has proven such an exquisite gentleman, so devoted to civility and earnest discourse, so faithful to the public ideals of his profession, that his leadership has elevated the VLS community.” Dean Kempner’s accomplishments outside of VLS were as deep, varied, and impactful as they were on campus. After escaping Nazi Germany with his family in 1938, Dean Kempner became a U.S. citizen and served the U.S. Army in Germany. He earned degrees at Harvard College, Harvard Law School, and Columbia Law School, where he later taught as an adjunct professor. During his career, he practiced law in New York and chaired several entities, including the Section of Legal Education of the American Bar Association, the Supreme Court

Fellows Commission, the Vermont Board of the Conservation Law Foundation, and the Vermont Legislative Reapportionment Commission. In perhaps the most fitting tribute to the example set by Dean Kempner, each year VLS bestows the Maximilian W. Kempner Award to the student who exemplifies the high standards that characterized his tenure: competence, integrity, respect, fair mindedness, and public service. Dean Kempner was born February 27, 1929, and was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Paige Mooney Kempner. A tribute page has been established at vermontlaw.edu/blog/tribute, where members of the greater VLS community can share their thoughts and memories of Dean Kempner.

PETER W. HALL A giant of the Vermont legal community, Judge Peter W. Hall, passed away on March 11, 2021. Judge Hall was the lone Vermonter on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and previously served as the U.S. attorney for Vermont, and president of the Vermont Bar Association. And he was a valued, longtime friend of VLS. In addition to serving on the board of trustees for nearly a decade, he helped educate and launch the careers of countless students and alumni through clerkships and semester in practice, internship and externship programs. Judge Hall was appointed United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit on July 7, 2004. Prior to joining the Court, Judge Hall was the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont from October 2001 to July 2004. The preceding fifteen years,

from 1986 to 2001, he was in the private practice of law as a shareholder in the Rutland, Vermont law firm of Reiber, Kenlan, Schwiebert, Hall & Facey, P.C. From 1978 to 1986, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Vermont, and for the last four of those years, he was First Assistant U.S. Attorney. From 1977 to 1978, he was law clerk to the Hon. Albert W. Coffrin, United States District Judge for the District of Vermont. Judge Hall received a B.A., with honors in English, in 1971 and an M.A. in student personnel administration in 1975, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Scholar. He received a J.D., cum laude, from Cornell Law School in 1977. Judge Hall was a member of the American Bar Association, the Vermont Bar Association, of which he was President from 1995 to 1996, and the Rutland County (Vermont) Bar Association. He was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers,

and from 2007 to 2016, Judge Hall was a delegate from the Federal Judges Association (in the United States) to the International Association of Judges. Born on November 9, 1948, Judge Hall is survived by his wife, Maria Dunton, five children, and five grandchildren. VLS is in the process of creating a meaningful way to honor Judge Hall’s memory and the tremendous influence he had on our school, students, and community. Details will be shared once they become available. In the meantime, a tribute page has been established at vermontlaw.edu/blog/ tribute, where members of the greater VLS community can share their memories of Judge Hall. Judge Hall was an incredible source of inspiration to VLS students, alumni, faculty, and staff, and he will long be remembered for his service to our school, state, and country.

S P R I N G 202 1

PLAN YOUR

LEGACY DOUGLAS MEREDITH SOCIETY

The Douglas Meredith Society consists of forward-thinking supporters who impact the future of Vermont Law School via planned giving. Through estate plans or other deferred gifts, you can establish a lasting legacy while enhancing the VLS experience for the next generation of changemakers. For more information on planned giving, please contact Brooke Herndon at bherndon@vermontlaw.edu or 802-831-1078.

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INTER ALIA

CREATIVE REVIVAL HEARSAY IS AN ART AND LITERARY ZINE/JOURNAL

After a multi-year hiatus, Lorentz Hansen JD/ MARJ’22, Julia Guerrein JD’21, and Sierra Suafoa-McClain JD’21 led the effort to revive Hearsay this spring, providing a unique opportunity for connection among the greater VLS community during these virtual times. Alumni—be on the lookout for the link to the latest edition, as well as the opportunity to submit your work for future issues!

S P R I N G 202 1

Collage artwork by Julia Guerrein

based at Vermont Law School that provides a space for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Upper Valley community members to express themselves through art, literature, poetry, and photography. Beginning shortly after VLS’ founding, Hearsay has been published intermittently by student volunteers with the intention of providing a creative outlet.

James Matthew Gallagher

VERMONT ALBUM

MAPLE SYRUP AND MUD SEASON

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REPORT OF GIVING FISCAL YEAR 2020

JULY 1, 2019 – JUNE 30, 2020

Jay Ericson As I reflect on fiscal year (FY) 2020, it’s easy to focus on the many challenges we faced, including the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and the many adaptations that followed in response. But, for me, those aren’t the moments that stand out most. Rather, witnessing how members of the greater Vermont Law School community rallied together in support of one another was the true highlight of FY 2020. Although we dealt with unprecedented situations and ongoing uncertainty on many fronts, the camaraderie and encouragement among the VLS network remained constant. Whether it was providing job or internship opportunities, hosting or participating in virtual events, or simply checking in with each other and VLS, the sense of togetherness that embodies this community continued to shine. More than 800 alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, parents, friends, foundations, corporations, and government agencies joined together to generously support VLS in FY 2020, with gifts totaling $4,450,312. The impact of these contributions is widespread—providing scholarships, enhancing academic programs, upgrading technology, and funding unique experiential learning opportunities, among other key initiatives.

2 2

In addition, the generosity of 104 donors made it possible to launch the COVID-19 Hardship Fund, which assisted 79 students, faculty, and staff members who experienced unexpected financial burdens as a result of the pandemic. Covering various expenses, including food, housing, and medication, this fund made a meaningful difference for Swans in need. Vermont Law School closed out FY 2020 with a budget surplus— the second consecutive year doing so. As we carry this momentum forward and continue building the culture of philanthropy, there is certainly a lot to be excited about. Please know that your support makes so much possible for VLS and our students, and we are incredibly grateful for your continued involvement. Thank you for the many ways you contribute to Vermont Law School’s success! With gratitude,

Brooke F. Herndon Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development bherndon@vermontlaw.edu 802-831-1078

VERMONT LAW SCHOOL

MAKES A DIFFERENCE

YOUR GENEROSITY

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

SCHOLARSHIPS

OVERALL GIVING

THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES THAT VLS STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO ARE MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH YOUR PHILANTHROPY. $1,460,289

$162,385

Grants and Contracts

Strategic Plan Gifts

TOTAL RAISED FROM INDIVIDUAL GIVING:

TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED:

$4,450,312

$2,199,243

Government Funding

$790,780

$546,449

Unrestricted Gifts

$81,946

$790,780

Restricted Gifts

Individual Giving

17.6%

213

60%

increase in average gift amount from FY 2019

individuals resumed giving to VLS after a hiatus (last gift date was prior to FY 2019)

increase in parent giving since FY 2019, including an average gift size of $380

87%

20%

$144,106

of residential students received some form of institutional aid

of students receiving aid were awarded donor-funded scholarships

was awarded to 44 students via donorfunded scholarships

15 student clinicians worked in the Food and Agriculture Clinic, including six who were part of the Summer Honors Internship program

REPORT OF GIVING | FY 2020

student clinicians worked in the Environmental Advocacy Clinic

student clinicians worked in the South Royalton Legal Clinic, assisting with 246 open cases

student clinicians worked in the Energy Clinic

REPORT OF GIVING F Y 2020

LEADERS’ CIRCLE

The Leaders’ Circle giving society recognizes the commitment and contributions of donors who support Vermont Law School at a leadership level, year after year. To become a Leaders’ Circle member, donors make a five-year forward pledge of $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000 per year, and/or have demonstrated a five-year, consistent giving history at a minimum of $1,000 per year.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS WILL TACKLE OUR WORLD’S MOST PRESSING ISSUES.

Anonymous (7) Mrs. Esther D. Ames P’07 Steve JD’79 and Ellen Ankuda Abby Armstrong JD’84^ Richard and Beth Ayres* Dr. Marilyn Bartlett JD’91 James L. Beausoleil, Jr. JD/MSL’94 Joshua L. Belcher JD/MSEL’08 and Sarah E. Belcher Glenn J. Berger, Esq. JD’78*^ and Rachel S. Cox Andrea Berlowe JD/MSL’93 and Jonathan Binder JD’92 Brent Bohan JD’10 Brenda Brickhouse MERL’18 Jaclyn A. Brilling JD’79 and Michael J. Horgan, M.D. Bradley B. Brownlow JD’01 Robert JD’90 and Theresa Brunelli Judson JD’89 and Carol Burnham Elizabeth J. Byrne JD’90 J. Scott JD’80** and Cathy Cameron Edward J. Chesnik JD’76** Jennifer Clancy JD’92 Scott D. Clausen JD’03 Caryn J. Clayman JD’83* Alexa A. Cole JD’98 David N. Cole JD’86 Christian Colwell JD’91 and Kathleen Bradley Colwell JD/MSL’91 Colleen H. Connor JD’85* and Brian P. Kelahan Joe Cook JD’97 Amy Hanks Cornelius JD’02 Robert JD’92 and Maura Costello John JD’78 and Janet Craven Robin C. Curtiss JD’86 Amy Marie Davenport* Peter F. Davis JD’97 Polly deVeau Davis JD/LLM’91 Ann T. Debevoise** Charles E. Di Leva JD’78 Chip MSEL’97 and Ashley JD/MSEL’99 (Brown) Duffie Brian Dunkiel JD/MSEL’96* and Leslie Halperin Tom JD’85 and Susan Durkin P’14 Christopher** and Ann Dutton Professor Stephen Dycus^ and Elizabeth R. Dycus Douglas Ebeling JD’97 Professor John Echeverria^ and Carin Pratt Tom Federle JD’96

Vermont Law School is investing in those who will make a difference. We are committed to providing the most expansive kind of preparation: small class sizes, clinical settings, and on-theground training. We couldn’t do it without the generous support of all those included in this report. On behalf of the Vermont Law School community, thank you!

*= TRUSTEE DURING FY 2020 **=

Steve Feldman JD’93 Caroline JD’04 and Heather Fisher-O’Neill Robert B. Fiske, Jr. P’90** Mary E. Fletcher JD’92 Janice A. Forgays, Esq. JD’85* Michael J. Franco JD’85 and Mary C. Franco David L. Galgay, Jr. JD’87 Mario F. Gallucci JD’90 Newt Garland Edward Gillis JD’92 and Linda Mandell Gillis JD/MSL’94 John R. Gonzo JD’90 Christine Gardner Gould JD’02 and Peter Gould JD/MSEL’02 Sheppard* and Joan Guryan Tom S. Hanson JD’85 Joshua L. Hanthorn JD’14 Christopher JD’77 and Martha Harold P’12, P’13 William Hatfield JD/MSL’93 Lou Helmuth JD’84 and Lisa Steindler Greg and Brooke^ Herndon Stuart JD’83 and Janet Hersh Stephen T. Hesse JD/MSL’89 Michael O. Hill ’84** and Kathy W. Hill Jacqueline A. Hughes JD’81 and Robert R. Bent JD’81 Jason Hutt JD’98** and Maria O’Donnell W. Owen Jenkins JD’77 Jeff Johnson JD’82 and Mary Kehoe Scott Johnston JD’82 and Marsha Ajhar JD’81 Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. Jones III P’17 Edward T. Keable JD’86 and Scot M. Rogerson Max** and Paige Kempner J. Patrick JD’93 and Diane Kennedy Patrick JD’03 and Cara Kenney Michael JD’80 and Christine Kessler Coleman D. Konopka JD’16 Adam M. JD/MSL’84 and Stephanie T. Kushner Susan G. Lacoste MSEL’03, P’11, P’20 Professor Mark A. Latham**^ Thomas F. Leary JD/MSEL’98 Joan Sarles Lee JD’80 Jennifer J. Leech JD’18 Christopher JD’78 and Jennifer Leopold Mr. Raymond B. Ludwiszewski Ms. Catherine MacKenzie* Margaret A. Mangan JD’86

TRUSTEE EMERITUS/FORMER TRUSTEE

Zachary Manganello JD’08 Kirk Marty JD’96 Edward C. Mattes, Jr. JD’83** Bob Maxwell JD’86 Marion McCollom Hampton* Beth McCormack^ Suzanne A. McCrory David M. JD’07 and Melissa C. McCullough Thomas McHenry*^ and Elena Phleger Jennifer McIvor-Hennings JD’07 Mr. and Mrs. George McKann** Greg McPolin JD/MSEL’99 and Kirstin McPolin JD/MSEL’99 David JD/MSEL’97 and Erin JD/MSEL’97 Meezan Kevin R. JD’87* and Lori J. Mendik John M. Mercer JD’85 Marc** and Chris Mihaly Elizabeth* and Eric Miller John D. Miller, Jr. JD’09^ Amanda J. Monchamp JD/MSEL’99 and Christian Marsh ’00 James Moreno JD/MSL’88 and Sarah Nicklin Amara Whitcher Morrison JD/MSL’87 Barbara Mulligan Huppé JD’88 Kelleigh Domaingue Murphy JD’04 Constance Neary JD’89* Gail H. Nichols JD’80** Karis L. North JD’95* Mara Williams Oakes Karen Oelschlaeger JD’16 Margaret L. Olnek JD’92^ Jessica L. Olson JD’07 Susan E. Oram JD’83 Anne Debevoise Ostby MSL’88** Bruce Pasfield JD’84 Christian H. Pedersen JD’99 Frederick V. Peet JD’93 Joseph Perella JD’88 Pamela J. Pescosolido JD’90** Jill Pfenning JD’07 Alex S. Polonsky JD’98 E. Miles Prentice III, Esq.** Rebecca D. Ramos JD/MSEL’97 Bill Reynolds JD’87 Jessie (Marshall) Roberts JD’80 Christian JD’85 and Cheryl Robin Katie Rowen JD’05 and Jen Willis JD/MSEL’05 David JD’94 and Anne Royer Robert L. Sand JD’87**^

†= DECEASED ^ = FACULTY/STAFF DURING FY 2020

LEADERS’ CIRCLE CONTINUED

Robert Schweitzer JD’93 S. Mark Sciarrotta JD’96* Charles E. Shafer JD’77** and Judith W. Shafer Robert M. Shafer JD’79** Alison Share JD’08 and Jami Westerhold JD/MSEL’08 Alexandra B. Sherertz JD/MELP’12 Alexander (Sandy) Shriver JD’95** Christopher M. Smith JD’14 Mr. Don A. Smith and Mrs. Rachel C. Smith P’02 Karen and Fernando Sotelino P’09

Adam G. Sowatzka JD/MSEL’97 Ms. Elizabeth Steele Dr. Rom Stevens and Dr. Marianne Mikat-Stevens P’17 Kemp JD’87 and Edith Stickney Steven F. Stitzel JD’79 Hilary and Karl Stubben JD’01 M. P. Sweeney, C.P.A. JD’80 Robert D. Taisey, Esq.** William E. Taylor JD/MSL’83 Richard K. Teitell JD’77 and Laura Teitell Nicholas Thomas

Christopher A. Thompson JD’98 and Nicole A. Alt JD’98 Tom JD’79** and Nancy Truman Lydia Bottome Turanchik JD’98 and Stephen Turanchik Angelica Valderrama JD’15 Richard L. Vanderslice JD/MSEL’01 Lindi von Mutius JD’08 Margaret I. Waldock JD/MSL’92 Donna Watts JD’83 and John Monahan JD’83 John S. Webb, Esq. JD’92 Robert Weisberg JD/MSEL’01

REPORT OF GIVING F Y 2020

Lisa M. Werner JD/MSL’93 and Alan Pike John Westerman JD’82 Sean B. T. Williams JD’10 Karen Willis JD’95 and Marty Collins Professor David A. Wirth^ Christopher S. and Jacqueline M. B. Wren P’99 Kinvin** and Deborah Wroth Barbara J. Yarington JD’94 Andrew J. Yoon JD’99 Peter H. Zamore JD’79 Frederick N. Zeytoonjian JD/MSL’92

PRESIDENT’S SOCIETY The President’s Society honors Vermont Law School’s most generous supporters—those distinguished alumni and friends whose lifetime contributions have reached $25,000 or more.

Anonymous (10) Jessie-Lea Abbott David M. Anderson Richard* and Beth Ayres Glenn J. Berger, Esq. JD’78*^ and Rachel S. Cox Melvyn† and Maxine† Bergman P’94 Mr. and Mrs.† Arthur W. Berndt Ms. Margaret C. Bowles Jaclyn A. Brilling JD’79 and Michael J. Horgan, M.D. Judson JD’89 and Carol Burnham The Byrne Foundation Leslie A. Cadwell JD’94** J. Scott JD’80** and Cathy Cameron Wick R. Chambers JD’78 David P. Chang† Caryn J. Clayman JD’83* Jim JD’91** and Joni JD’91 Clemons Ms. Amy Cohen** David N. Cole JD’86 Ed** and Nancy Colodny Colleen H. Connor JD’85** and Brian P. Kelahan Julien† and Virginia† Cornell GP’87 Thomas M.†** and Ann T.** Debevoise Mr.** and Mrs. Whitney Debevoise Michael Donovan JD’84 and Loretta Irwin-Donovan Christopher L.** and Ann B. Dutton Professor Stephen Dycus**^ and Elizabeth R. Dycus Ms. Gillian C. Ehrich Mr. Perez C. Ehrich** Terry M. Ehrich†**

Joel T. JD’94 and Carolyn Faxon Anthony M. Feeherry, Esq. Carl and Judy Ferenbach Alden L. Fiertz The Estate of Beverly F. Fiertz JD’86† Stuart Fiertz Robert B. Fiske, Jr. P’90** Janice A. Forgays, Esq. JD’85* Newt Garland Lillian† and Ben Gingold† Mary Elena Goodan Maxine Jo Grad JD/MSL’85 and Ronald A. Shems JD’85/MSL’88 Sheppard* and Joan Guryan Mickey Haggerty JD’77 Mr. and Mrs. † Jon Hanson P’83 Robert Haydock†** Harold H.† and Elizabeth D. Healy Professor John W. Hennessey†** and The Honorable Madeleine Kunin Heather** and Patrick Henry Stephen T. Hesse JD/MSL’89 Aaron J. and Barbarina M. Heyerdahl Nicholas E. Heyl JD’88** Michael O. Hill ’84** and Kathy W. Hill The Honorable Philip H. Hoff†** Mr. Lawrence S. Huntington P’97 The Honorable James M. Jeffords† Jeff Johnson JD’82 and Mary Kehoe P’14 Scott Johnston JD’82 and Marsha Ajhar JD’81 Gerard E. Jones** and Emily G. Jones James Kalashian JD’83 and Pat DeLuca JD’84 Byron S. Kalogerou JD’86**

*= TRUSTEE DURING FY 2020 **=

Howard JD’01 and Karolina Kanner Jonathan D. Kaufelt* Edmund H. Kellogg† Max** and Paige Kempner Patrick JD’03 and Cara Kenney Michael Kessler JD’80 and Christine Dolan Kessler Mr.†** and Mrs.† Edward Kimball P’86 John M.† and Barbara G.† Kirk P’92 Professor Kenneth Kreiling and Ms. Blanche Podhajski Adam JD/MSL’84 and Stephanie Kushner Susan G. Lacoste MSEL’03, P’11, P’20 Gerry and Bill JD’82** Leckerling Mr. Adam J. Lewis Crea S. Lintilhac Dunbar MSL’83† and Irene† Lockwood Mr. Dan Lufkin Edwin A.†** and Susan R.† Malloy Lori** and Timon** Malloy Edward C. Mattes, Jr. JD’83** Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Matule JD’94** J. Michael McGarry III, Esq.** William D. McGuire Mr. and Mrs. Barnabas McHenry Alice and George** McKann Bernard Mendik P’87† Kevin R. JD’87/MSL’86* and Lori J. Mendik L. Douglas Meredith†** Marc** and Chris Mihaly P’13 Phoebe A. Mix JD’79** Ian Montone JD’95 Barbara Mulligan Huppé JD’88 Constance Neary JD’89*

TRUSTEE EMERITUS/FORMER TRUSTEE

Gail H. Nichols JD’80** Marjorie Northrop Friedman JD’99 and Peter J. Friedman Karen Oelschlaeger JD’16 Mr. Dwight D. Opperman† Anne Debevoise Ostby MSL’88** R. Allan Paul, Esq.** and Elsie E. Paul Pamela J. Pescosolido JD’90** Alex S. Polonsky JD’98 E. Miles Prentice III, Esq.** Robert D.** and Catharine B. Rachlin Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ramsey Norman†** and Evelyn Redlich Marcus T. Reynolds P’87† Bill Reynolds JD’87 Laurance S. Rockefeller† Elizabeth Ross†** Robert L. Sand JD’87**^ Jay A. Scherline, Esq. JD’76† and Lorrie L. Scherline Robert Schweitzer JD’93 Charles E. Shafer JD’77** and Judith W. Shafer Robert M. Shafer JD’79** Dean Jeff Shields†** and Genie Bird Shields John W.† and Janice C.† Shields Mrs. Anna Simon Mr. Don A. Smith and Mrs. Rachel C. Smith P’02 Ms. Elizabeth Steele Peter D. Sudler Robert D. Taisey, Esq.** Richard K. Teitell JD’77 and Laura Teitell David Thelander JD’87**

†= DECEASED ^ = FACULTY/STAFF DURING FY 2020

REPORT OF GIVING F Y 2020

PRESIDENT’S SOCIETY CONTINUED

John Westerman JD’82 Ann W. Wick Hilton A. Wick†** Stephanie^ and Stephen Willbanks Mara Williams Oakes

Bill T. Walker, Esq. JD’76 Alma Walls JD’01 Lucy McVitty Weber JD/MSL’85 Patricia Weisberg P’01† Robert Weisberg JD/MSEL’01

Norman† and Jeanne† Williams Karen Willis JD’95 and Marty Collins Mary G. Wilson** Kinvin** and Deborah Wroth

Charles B. Yates JD’93†** and Anya K. Yates JD’94†** Mr. Craig Yates P’94 Dr. Fran Yates** Jean and Jeffrey Young

DOUGLAS MEREDITH LEGACY SOCIETY

Vermont Law School recognizes the following donors as part of the Douglas Meredith Legacy Society for including VLS in their estate plans through a will or living trust, creating a charitable remainder trust (naming VLS as the remainder beneficiary), entering into a charitable gift annuity agreement with VLS, or naming VLS as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan. Anonymous (10) Caryn J. Clayman JD’83* Ed** and Nancy Colodny Colleen H. Connor JD’85** and Brian P. Kelahan Thomas M.† and Ann T. Debevoise** Mr. Perez C. Ehrich** Terry M. Ehrich†** Robert A. Fasanella JD/MSL’86 Alden L. Fiertz Lillian† and Ben† Gingold Mickey Haggerty JD’77 Randy A. Hertz** James† and Sally† Hill

The Honorable Philip H. Hoff†** and Joan Hoff† Scott Johnston JD’82 and Marsha Ajhar JD’81 Gerard E. Jones** and Emily G. Jones Roger† and Frances Kennedy Michael JD’80 and Christine Kessler Alex Manning JD’06 J. Michael McGarry III, Esq.** L. Douglas Meredith†** Marc** and Chris Mihaly Francis E. Morrissey JD’88† Barbara Mulligan Huppé JD’88 Daniel G. Murphy JD’81

Andrew H. Neisner JD’84† Katherine E. Nunes† The Honorable James L. Oakes†** and Mara Williams Oakes Margaret L. Olnek JD’92^ J. Brian Potts JD’81 Elizabeth Ross†** Charles E. Shafer JD’77** and Judith W. Shafer Robert M. Shafer JD’79** Dean Jeff Shields†** and Genie Bird Shields Denton Shriver† Gus and Cameron Speth

Kemp JD’87 and Edith Stickney William E. Taylor JD/MSL’83 David Thelander JD’87** Chase Van Gorder JD’84 Harry F. Waggoner MSEL’00 Robert Weisberg JD/MSEL’01 Professor Burns Weston† Hilton A. Wick†** Norman† and Jeanne† Williams Mary G. Wilson** Dr. Fran Yates** Jean and Jeffrey Young

Steve JD’79 and Ellen Ankuda Lori Anthony JD’97 Peter D. Anthony, Ph.D. MSL’88 Cynthia Corlett Argentine MSL’91 Ricky Armand JD’12 Abby Armstrong JD’84^ Mack A. Arnold JD’82 Al Arpad JD’02 Penny Huss Asherman JD/MSEL’99 Chuck JD’85 and Jennifer Marindin JD’87 Assini Richard* and Beth Ayres Robert E. Bailey JD’87 Laura M. Baker JD/MSEL’08 Steve Baker JD’88 Joseph and Jenny Ballway Joshua C. Barber MERL’18 Joseph W. Barry III MSL’92 Sylvia Bartell JD’15 Dr. Marilyn Bartlett JD’91 Eric Bauer JD’15 Edna Y. Baugh JD’83** H. J. and Carol T. Baum

Donald C. Baur Thomas W. Baxter and Jennifer Kuo James L. Beausoleil, Jr. JD/MSL’94 William Becker P’15 Colin G. Beckman JD’14 George Belcher JD’77 Joshua L. Belcher JD/MSEL’08 and Sarah E. Belcher Adam JD’06/MSEL’07 and Kayte Bellusci Barbara and Bill Bennett P’99 Joe Benning JD’83 Clark Bensen JD’78 Joanne Bergen P’21 Glenn J. Berger, Esq. JD’78* and Rachel S. Cox Lynn L. Bergeson and Ingrid Hansen P’22 Arthur W. Berndt Virginia Bigbie P’13 Andrea Berlowe JD/MSL’93 and Jonathan Binder JD’92 Matthew Bishop JD’98 Joseph A. Bizub P’22 Dr. J. Hunter Black III P’86

Brent Bohan JD’10/MSEL’07 Heather M. Bonnet-Hebert JD’04 and Anne Bonnet-Hebert Michael W. Borkowski JD’76 John D. Bosley JD’89 Lucie Bourassa Dvorak JD’95 Barbara A. Bowden JD’85 Margaret and Frances Bowles Heather S. Bowman JD’98 and Tobin Acebedo Cece (Cunningham) JD’83 and Barry Bozetarnik Ruth Bradfield P’89 William P. Brady JD’80 Roberta S. Bren JD’78 Brenda Brickhouse MERL’18 Dr. Robert Briggs and Peggy Briggs P’22 Jaclyn A. Brilling JD’79 and Michael J. Horgan, M.D. Charles JD’93 and Tracy Brown David B. Brown LLM’08 Edward A. Brown JD/MSL’93 R. David Brown JD’04

DONOR LIST Anonymous (48) Sasha R. Abelson JD/MSEL’06 Kevin E. Aberant, Esq. JD’94 Steven J. Ablondi JD’87 and Cynthia A. Burns JD’88 James E. Abraham JD/MELP’11 Rebeca I. Acosta-Perez LLM’07 Steven A. Adler JD’82 Peter Agresta JD’16 Dorothy M. Aicher JD’81 Anis Y. Akrawi, MD and Carol L. Gesser P’19 Sandra Allen JD/MSL’88 Steve JD’80 and Nancy Allenby Eric Alletzhauser JD/MSL’92 Richard D. Allred ’79 Mrs. Esther D. Ames P’07 Sam Ames JD’07/MELP’11 Julia Anastasio MSEL’96 Dirk Anderson JD’93 Joseph I. Andriano JD’05 George Andrusyshyn JD’83 Robert Julian Angres JD’76

*= TRUSTEE DURING FY 2020 **=

TRUSTEE EMERITUS/FORMER TRUSTEE

†= DECEASED ^ = FACULTY/STAFF DURING FY 2020

DONOR LIST CONTINUED Bradley B. Brownlow JD’01 Robert JD’90 and Theresa Brunelli Jay M. Buckey JD’11 Clare A. Buckley JD’92 Peter C. Bullard JD’82 Joel R. Burcat JD’80 Dan Burke JD/MELP’11 Judson JD’89 and Carol Burnham Helene J. Busby JD’07 Dorothy Byrne Elizabeth J. Byrne JD’90 John M. Byrne MSEL’81 David B. Cabrera JD/MSL’91 Shannon Slowey Callahan JD/MSEL’04 Ed JD’93 and Melissa JD’93 Callaway J. Scott JD’80** and Cathy Cameron Clayton and Alice Carlisle Deb Carlson JD’88 Christin C. Carothers JD’11 Dave Carpenter JD/MSEL’97 Jordan K. Carpenter JD’16 James and Kathleen Carr P’17 Jenny L. Carter JD’86^ Peter H. Carter JD’78** and Deborah M. Carter Lauren E. Case JD’94 Pat Casey JD/MSL’87 and Amy Walker-Casey Robert and Virginia Casey P’15 Laurie J. Catron ’81 Rick Cawley JD’84 Sabiel T. Chapnick JD’18 Anonymous ’14 Michael Jay Chernick JD’91 Edward J. Chesnik JD’76** Stephanie B. Chiarella^ Dana M. Christensen JD’12 Jennifer Clancy MSL’92 Peter M. Clark JD’07 Scott D. Clausen JD’03 Caryn J. Clayman JD’83* Lauren A. Close^ Christopher Cocoma JD’93 Jamie JD’80 and Jill Coffrin Jennifer L. Cogdell MELP’15 Kathryn H. Cogswell P’95 Kathy and Mark Cohen P’07 Mary Eva Colalillo JD’76 Alexa A. Cole JD’98 David N. Cole JD’86 Nancy J. Colfax JD’79 Peter B. Colgrove JD’84 Monica R. Collins MSEL’03^ Torend L. Collins JD/MELP’09

Christian Colwell JD’91 and Kathleen Bradley Colwell JD/MSL’91 Helene L. Combes MELP’16 Carolyn H. Connelly JD/MSL’95 Colleen H. Connor JD’85** and Brian P. Kelahan Ted Conwell JD/MSL’94 Joseph F. Cook JD’97 Thomas N. Cooper JD’81 and Susan H. Cooper JD’81 Amy Hanks Cornelius JD’02 John D. Cortes LLM’16 Robert JD’92 and Maura Costello Sarah E. Costlow MELP’17 John JD’78 and Janet Craven John Milton Cross, Jr. JD’79 Jessica Crouse MFALP’19 Scott M. Cullen JD’97* and Carrie G. Cullen JD’98 Rob Curtiss JD’86 Ellen M. Czajkowski JD’15 M. Douglas Dagan JD/MELP’13 Robert G. Dalury JD’88 Mollie A. Dapolito JD’12 Margaret O. Darby JD/MSEL’00 Amy Marie Davenport* and John R. Durrance JD’76 Meredith Davies JD’99 Christopher and Linda Davis P’22 Peter F. Davis JD’97 Polly deVeau Davis JD’91/LLM’10 Johanna K. de Graffenreid MELP’15 Ann T. Debevoise** Allen D. Decker MSEL’00 John DeLosa JD’82 Jan Peter Dembinski JD’99 Mary L. Desautels JD’93 Ralph DeSena ’80 Christopher Deshayes LLM’19 Tracy and Thomas Di Dio P’23 Charles E. Di Leva JD’78* Marcelo Dias LLM’18 William P. Dietrich MSEL’02 Adam R. Dilts JD’07 Charles J. DiMare JD’77 Mark J. DiStefano JD’84, P’10 Calum R. Dixon ’22/MELP’19 Philip K. Dodd JD’82 Tamara Doe P’94 John and Sandra Dooley Greg JD’07 and Jessica Dorrington Kathleen Lennon Doster JD’98 Robert C. Downey JD/MSL’93 Andrew M. Dressel JD’07 and Renee Harrell

Ruth Driscoll-Lovejoy JD/MELP’12 Brett S. Dugan JD’14 Joseph and Teresa Duggan P’07 John P. Dumville Brian Dunkiel JD/MSEL’96* and Leslie Halperin Ms. Sue Dunkiel-Marshall P’96 Tom JD’85 and Susan Durkin P’14 Christopher** and Ann Dutton Professor Stephen Dycus^ and Elizabeth R. Dycus Douglas Ebeling JD’97 Professor John Echeverria^ and Carin Pratt Jonathan Eck JD’06 Patrick M. Egan ’76 Thailia O. Elcock-Bowen JD’92 Mr. Matthew Eldred JD’13 and Ms. Jaime Colman April L. Elliott MERL’16 Mr. J. R. Emens and Ms. Beatrice E. Wolper P’95 Sara Engelhardt JD’04 Carl W. Erler JD/MSL’95 William S. Eubanks II LLM’08 Stan and Laurie Evans P’22 Roy and Nancy Fairman Christine A. Faris JD’81 Laura J. Farkas JD’11 Tom Federle JD’96 Jennifer Feeley Hyzer JD’02 and Cameron Hyzer Steve Feldman JD’93 Laura Fernandez LLM’20 Elizabeth Ferry Anne Fines Weston E. Finfer JD’18 Caroline JD’04 and Heather Fisher-O’Neill Robert B. Fiske, Jr. P’90** Elizabeth and Josh Fitzhugh P’94 Mary E. Fletcher JD’92 Thomas S. Flynn JD/MELP’18 Robert P. Foley JD/MELP’20 Susan Folger^ Blas Fonalledas JD/MELP’09 Janice A. Forgays, Esq. JD’85* James and Diane Foust P’14 John and Elizabeth Fowler P’14 Susan L. Fowler JD’80 Robert J. Fox JD’83 Michael J. Franco JD’85 and Mary C. Franco Kate Frederick ’23/MARJ’20 Allison B. Freeman JD’97 and Paul C. Freeman JD’98/MSEL’01

REPORT OF GIVING F Y 2020

Steven Freihofner, Esq. JD’80 Greg JD’01 and Michelle Friend Jeff Fucci JD/MELP’14 Wyckliffe S. G. Furcron JD’77 Denyse Coyle Galda JD’83 David L. Galgay, Jr. JD’87 Margaret E. Galka JD’18 Mario F. Gallucci, Esq. JD’90 Joshua Galperin JD’08 and Sarah Kuebbing Susan L. Garcia JD/MSL’91 Peter JD/MSEL’99 and Victoire Gardner Stephanie Gardner MELP’14 Newton C. Garland Edward Gillis JD’92 and Linda Mandell Gillis JD/MSL’94 Professor Clara F. Gimenez JD’03^ Clare Ginger MSL’83 Patrick Glenn JD’20/MELP’19 Suzanne Fay Glynn JD’78 Richard A. Goldberg JD’78 Hannah E. Goldsmith JD/MELP’13 Nancy Goldwarg Goldwarg Berger JD’78 Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Golian P’98 John R. Gonzo JD’90 Mary Elena Goodan Robert Gorman and Josephine Pascucci P’22 Christine Gardner Gould JD’02 and Peter Gould JD/MSEL’02 Stephanie Graham JD’12 Alan and Fran Greenglass P’15 Susan Greenspun Schwartz JD’83 Noah A. Greenstein JD’19 Joseph T. Griffo JD’07 and Shannon Vallance Griffo JD/MSEL’07 Dan Grossman JD’80 Sheppard* and Joan Guryan Ben Gustafson JD’15 Andrea JD/MELP’12 and Colin JD’12 Hagan Spencer G. Hanes JD/MSEL’04 Tom S. Hanson JD’95 and Elizabeth K. Kubik ’95 Joshua L. Hanthorn JD’14 Christopher JD’77 and Martha Harold P’12, P’13 Gaines Harrell JD’19 Cammie Hart P’02 Andy Harvey JD’81 Melissa J. Harwood MELP’12^ David T. Hasbrook JD’87 and Joanne E. Hasbrook Kathleen Hassey JD’84 George Hatch

*= TRUSTEE DURING FY 2020 **= TRUSTEE EMERITUS/FORMER TRUSTEE †= DECEASED ^ = FACULTY/STAFF DURING FY 2020 7 7

REPORT OF GIVING F Y 2020

DONOR LIST CONTINUED

Meredith A. Hatfield JD’99/MSEL’96 William Hatfield JD/MSL’93 Sandy Hauserman MSL’94 Bill Hayes LLM’12, P’12 Elizabeth D. Healy Karen A. Heggen JD’91 Todd M. Heine JD’11, LLM, Master 2 Droit Lou Helmuth JD’84 and Lisa Steindler Gary L. Helton, Jr. MERL’15 Donna G. Hempstead JD’82 Ira Herman Duane Dietz and Adrian Hernandez JD’17 Greg and Brooke^ Herndon Stuart P. Hersh JD/MSL’83 Barbarina and Aaron Heyerdahl Michael O. Hill ’84** and Kathy W. Hill Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hines P’10 Sam and Eve Hoar Kevin Hogan JD’91 Jonathan M. Holter JD’06 Neil Holzman MELP’13 Jerry and Angie MELP’15 Homola Jefferson C. Hooper JD’89 Jack Hornickel JD/MELP’15 Rachel H. Houseman JD’93 Joy A. Hovestadt JD’17 Cullen Howe JD/MSEL’99 Margaret M. Howland JD’86 Eric Hudson JD’98 and Patricia Dewey JD’96 Jehmal T. Hudson JD’06 Robert R. Bent JD’81 and Jacqueline A. Hughes JD’81 Megan Hunter JD/MELP’14 and Nathan Hunter MELP’14 Mr. Raymond L. Hurt and Mrs. Kathy F. Hurt P’01 Jason Hutt JD’98** and Maria O’Donnell Mr. Anthony J. Iarrapino and Mrs. Martha L. Iarrapino P’03 W. Matthew Iler, Jr. JD’93 Saunterre Irish MSEL’00 Lauren A. Isaacoff JD’08 Sarah E. Jackson MSEL’03 Erin Jacobsen, Esq. JD’11^ W. Joe Jacumin, Jr. JD’04 Jessica E. Jay JD’97^ Timothy B. Jay P’97 Associate Dean Shirley A. Jefferson JD’86^ W. Owen Jenkins JD’77 Graham W. Jesmer JD’13 William and Mary Jo Jesmer P’13 Jeff Johnson JD’82 and Mary Kehoe Rick Johnson JD’97*

Scott Johnston JD’82 and Marsha Ajhar JD’81 Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. Jones III P’17 Joanne Jordan JD/MSL’90** Ted and Jami Kabus P’20 Byron S. Kalogerou JD’86** Rinku Kapoor Handa JD’18 Megen Karakelian LaVine JD’96 Maria Karvonides JD’99 Jonathan D. Kaufelt* and Holly C. Corn Borna Kazerooni JD’18 Edward T. Keable JD’86 and Scot M. Rogerson Robert J. Keach P’14 Max** and Paige Kempner J. Patrick JD’93 and Diane Kennedy Patrick JD’03 and Cara Kenney Melissa A. Kent JD’16 John R. Keough JD’80 and Diane P. Keough Gregory K. Kernohan MELP’15 Mr. Aaron J. Kesselman JD’18 John Kessler JD’88** Michael Kessler JD’80 and Christine Dolan Kessler Richard A. Kessler JD’78, Esq. Gail Killefer JD’80 Dylan J. King JD’17 John A. King JD’89 Kolleen Kirk JD/MSEL’99 Byron Kirkpatrick JD’06 Anne S. Kirsch P’82, P’92 Joseph Kittredge* Catherine Flinchbaugh JD’08 and Michael Klass JD’08 Theresa J. Kliczewski MSEL’05 Elizabeth C. Kline-Mullan JD’84 Karen Weidner and Kurt Klotzbuecher P’12 Coleman D. Konopka JD’16 Eula Lee Kozma JD’08/MSEL’05 and Joshua B. Sattely JD’08 Melissa Krah JD’11 Pamela Kraynak JD’84 Murray S. Krugman JD’85 Sophia Kruszewski JD’13^ William C. Kuehn JD’88 Marie E. Kulick MSEL’02 Michele Ferland Kupersmith JD’82 Stephanie E. Kupferman LLM’15^ Adam JD/MSL’84 and Stephanie Kushner Siu Tip Lam^ Alison R. Landis LLM’13 Kelly J. Lanier JD’01 Nicholas Sean Lansfeldt JD’19 Professor Mark A. Latham^

*= TRUSTEE DURING FY 2020 **=

Taso Lazaropoulos JD’15/LLM’16 Professor Richard J. Lazarus Thomas F. Leary JD/MSEL’98 Jennifer J. Leech JD’18 The Lees and Kushner Families P’12 Robert and Rachela Lees P’14 Julia A. LeMense LLM’03 Benjamin M. Leoni JD’11 and Lindsay E. Bourgoine MELP’15 Christopher JD’78 and Jennifer Leopold Franziskus Lepionka JD’02 and Jennifer Lacroix Richard A. Levitt JD/MSEL’99 and Alexis (Greenwold) Levitt JD’00 Cynthia Lewis^ Tracey D. Lewis JD’09 Randall M. Livingston JD’82 Julia Londergan JD’91 Dr. James Lonergan and Ruthann Burdett P’12 Giselle O. Lopez JD’18 Elizabeth A. Lucente JD/MSEL’07 Raymond B. Ludwiszewski Puspa L. Luitel JD’16 Elizabeth and Joseph JD’77 Maccario Ms. Catherine MacKenzie* Jerry Magee MELP’08 Erin Mahaney JD/MSL’95 and Michael Lauffer JD/MSL’95 Fred Maier P’81 Philip L. Maier JD’81 Lori** and Timon** Malloy Ellen E. Maloney P’94 Margaret A. Mangan JD’86 Zachary Manganello JD’08 Tom and Susan Mann P’13 Andreia E. Marcuccio JD/MELP’18 Gregory J. Marsano MELP’18 Peter Marshall JD’88 Jeanne F. Martin JD’79 and Joseph R. Melech JD’79 Jeffrey JD’79 and Deanna Martin Brittmy C. Martinez JD’19/MELP’17 Luke T. Martone JD’06 and Kelly Martone MSEL’05 Kirk Marty JD’96 Sarah E. Mason JD’08 Benjamin D. Mathieu JD’15 Edward C. Mattes, Jr. JD’83** Gregory V. Mauriello JD’86 Bob Maxwell JD’86 James C. May and Natalia E. May JD’09^ Karen McAndrew Allen Justin W. McCabe JD’08 and Kathleen M. Whelley McCabe

TRUSTEE EMERITUS/FORMER TRUSTEE

Ellen Young McClain JD’81 Marion McCollom Hampton* Beth McCormack^ Suzanne A. McCrory David M. McCullough JD’07 and Melissa C. McCullough Nancy McDermott JD’00 Katherine B. McDonald P’12 Thomas McHenry*^ and Elena Phleger Jenny McIvor-Hennings JD’07 Mr. and Mrs. George** McKann Mr. William E. McKay and Mrs. Carol McKay P’94 Greg JD/MSEL’99 and Kirstin (Rohrer) JD/MSEL’99 McPolin David C. McSweeney JD/MSEL’02 David JD/MSEL’97 and Erin JD/MSEL’97 Meezan Russell Mendell MERL’20 Kevin R. JD’87/MSL’86* and Lori J. Mendik John JD’85 and Barrie Mercer Christopher N. Meritt JD’19 Peg Merrens JD/MSL’94 Ry A. Meyer JD’13 Christopher Middleton JD’06 Bob Miessau ’93 Marc** and Chris Mihaly Daniel Miller JD/MSEL’98 Elizabeth* and Eric Miller Francine Miller LLM’18 John D. Miller, Jr. JD’09^ Mark E. Miller JD’83 Clayton R. Mitchell, Esq. JD/MSEL’96 Tony and Julie Mollica P’18 Megan Foote Monsky JD’02 Ian Montone JD’95 Edward Montoya JD’92 and Carmen A. Redlich-Montoya Keep the Faith Family Foundation - Mooney/Reiter Family Brian Moore JD’99 Parker Moore JD’04 James Moreno JD’88/MSL’93 and Sarah Nicklin Daphne Moritz JD/MSL’90 Frederick A. Morris MERL’19 Walter M. Morris and Catherine M. Boykin Amara Whitcher Morrison JD/MSL’87 Dr. Jill Mortensen P’14 Doris and Timothy Muench P’18 Julia K. Muench JD’18 Andrew R. J. Muir JD’12 Barbara Mulligan Huppé JD’88 Sarah N. Munger JD’18

†= DECEASED ^ = FACULTY/STAFF DURING FY 2020

COVID-19

Living based off of student loans forces you to plan your expenses. The brief stoppage and eventual cancellation of in-person classes due to the coronavirus pandemic posed a financial barrier for me. Because I had to purchase and then cancel flights to come back to school, I spent money that was not planned for and I was unable to receive a refund from the airlines. The COVID-19 Hardship Fund aided me during this trying time. As a result, I was able to finish my lease without any debt. For that, I am very grateful. Thank you.”

Hardship Fund As the coronavirus pandemic began impacting the Vermont Law School community last spring, the COVID-19 Hardship Fund was promptly launched in an effort to provide emergency assistance to students, faculty, and staff who were experiencing unexpected financial burdens. Swans have a special way of joining together during challenging times, and this situation further showcased that meaningful bond. Alumni, current and former trustees, faculty, staff, parents, friends, and even current students, generously contributed to the fund, helping those in need with various expenses, including food, housing, travel, medical needs, and technology to support online learning.

- Anonymous Student

$60,470 Total Raised

104

Requests Met

Overall Donors

New Donors

Recovered Donors

REPORT OF GIVING F Y 2020

DONOR LIST CONTINUED

Meg Munsey JD’05 Jenn Murphy JD’07 Kelleigh Domaingue Murphy JD’04 Mr. and Mrs. Brian LLM’11 and Rachel Murumba Michael Myers JD’93 Amy C. Nardi JD’00 Constance Neary JD’89* Professor Katharine F. Nelson Grace G. Newcomer Gail H. Nichols JD’80** Karis L. North JD’95* Kitty Northrop Friedman JD’99 Stefanie J. Novack JD’01 Cappy JD’90 and Mark Nunlist Amanda S. Oakes Jeanne O’Brien JD’86 Daniel J. O’Connor, Esq. JD’13 Becca O’Connor JD’00 Joshua S. JD’07 and Cynthia M. O’Hara Margaret Olnek JD’92^ Jessica L. Olson JD’07* Laura A. Olson JD’08 Susan E. Oram JD’83 Sarah D. Orlov JD’90 Anne Debevoise Ostby MSL’88** George H. Ostler JD’83 Mason Overstreet JD’16/MELP’13^ Ian R. Oxenham JD/MERL’19 Dr. Tade Oyewunmi^ James M. Packman JD’14 Elise Rindfleisch Paeffgen JD’09 Todd K. Parker MSEL’06 Stanley and Karen Parnell P’22 Bruce Pasfield JD’84 David C. Patterson, Esq. JD’76 Ashley Patton^ Allan** and Elsie Paul Nadege (Charles) Paulson JD’02 and Kyle Paulson JD’00 Christian H. Pedersen JD’99 Frederick V. Peet JD’93 Joseph Perella JD’88 Pamela J. Pescosolido JD’90** Christine G. (Berry) Peters JD’00 Ryan N. Petersen JD’08 Ian Peterson JD’16 Jill Pfenning JD’07* Lisa Phipps MSEL’99 Alex S. Polonsky JD’98 Jeffrey O. Polubinski JD’13 Lisa Anastasio Potter JD’94 E. Miles Prentice III, Esq.** Dana Prescott JD’83

10 10

Jon Prescott MELP’13 Claire H. Prince MSL’92 Jane C. Prugh P’08 John C. Putney JD’81 Rebecca D. Ramos JD/MSEL’97 Richard and Georgia Raysman George W. Redder JD’83 Gabrielle A. Regney JD’17 Todd and Lori Rego P’18 Paul and Sandra S. Reiber Jason A. Reott MELP’15 Bill Reynolds JD’87 Jerome J. Richards JD’83 Rowland Richards JD’96 Dave and Rene Richardson P’13 Ellery R. Richardson JD’13 Catherine Richmond JD’02 Stephen Ring and Rebecca St John P’20 José Juan Ríos-González MELP’14 Jay and Beth Anne Rippel P’22 Earlene Rivera JD’07 Jessie (Marshall) Roberts JD’80 Christian JD’85 and Cheryl Robin Gregory Romano JD’81 Andrew J. Rome JD’17 Margaret P. Roraback JD’87 Julie A. Rosen JD’08 Courtney Queen JD’06 and Mathias Rosenfeld Catherine JD’82 and Pat Rothwell Michael Routhier JD/MSEL’07 Craig E. Royce P’04 David Royer JD’94 Cora Brettler and Jeffrey Rubin P’18 Cheri Ruch Yasuda JD’87 Dr. Rosemarie Russo MSL’86 Linda G. Sable JD’87 Richard A. Sadlock, Esq. JD’86 Richard K. Sala JD/MELP’13^ Stephen Salvo JD’77 Robert Sand JD’87^** Timothy JD’03 and Bethany Sargent Joan D. Sarles JD’80 Gary M. Schaff JD’76 Charles R. Schaller JD’90 Donald G. Scheck JD’77 Lorrie L. Scherline Seth Schofield JD’04 Daniel Schramm JD’08 and Amanda Frayer Jared E. Schroder JD’14 Robert and Carol Schwartz P’10 Stephen and Louise Schwebel Robert Schweitzer JD’93

*= TRUSTEE DURING FY 2020 **=

S. Mark Sciarrotta JD’96* Collins J. Seitz and Gail Murray Seitz P’07 Robert M. Shafer JD’79** David J. Shaffer JD’14 Alison Share JD’08 and Jami Westerhold JD/MSEL’08 Robert Sheftman JD’78 and Elisabeth Sheftman JD’85 Kim JD’06 and Will Shelton Stacy M. Shelton JD’16 Alexandra B. Sherertz JD/MELP’12 Helen and Tim Sherman P’21 Whitney Shields MFALP’17^ Nathaniel Shoaff JD’07 Alan M. Shoer JD’83 Achyut Shrestha MERL’14 Alexander (Sandy) Shriver JD’95 Ike Shupe P’22 Morris JD’86 and Tobi Silver Richard Simon JD’89 John P. Simpson JD’96 Robert V. Simpson, Jr. JD’78 Kelly Smith Singer JD/MSEL’05 & T. David Singer JD’05 Ann Sisson JD’98 Jeremy G. Clemans JD’06 and Emma M. Sisti JD’06 Samuel E. Slaiby JD’76 Christopher M. Smith JD’14 Mr. Don A. Smith and Mrs. Rachel C. Smith P’02 Krystil E. Smith JD/MELP’13 Molly Smith^ Susan I. Smoot MSL’92 Michael J. Socoloski JD’15 Lisa B. Soleau P’10 Daniel JD’09 and Mariah Sotelino Karen and Fernando Sotelino P’09 Dr. and Mrs. Donald Spicer P’96 Emily Jean Spiegel^ Darren Springer JD/MSEL’05 and Stephanie Young JD/MSEL’05 Elizabeth Steele Emily Steinhilber JD’12 Dr. Rom Stevens and Dr. Marianne Mikat-Stevens P’17 Kemp JD’87 and Edith Stickney Susan Stitely JD’86 Steven F. Stitzel JD’79 John P. Stonner JD’89 Charles JD’82 and Melissa Storrow Alan W. Strasser JD/MSL’93 and Maria C. Cunha-Strasser Cody D. Stryker JD/MERL’18 Paula M. Stuart MSEL’01

TRUSTEE EMERITUS/FORMER TRUSTEE

Hilary JD’01 and Karl Stubben James and Mary Patricia Sullivan P’05 Timothy Sullivan JD/MSEL’05 and Dana Barile JD’04 Allen JD’77 and Andrea Susser Edward D. Sutton JD’85 Steve JD’83 and Cheryl Swartout M. P. Sweeney, C.P.A. JD’80 Saundra JD’87 and Henry Swift Robert D. Taisey, Esq.** Brenda K. Taite, MS, JD’05 Dana JD’92 and Rebecca Tangren Michelle A. Tarnelli JD’12 Richard W. Taussig JD’11 Dustin Taylor JD/MSEL’04 William E. Taylor JD/MSL’83 Richard K. Teitell JD’77 and Laura Teitell Margaret Stolfa JD’91 and Kurt W. Terwilliger JD’90 Kathleen L. Thaxton P’01 Mark JD’84 and Terri-Lynn Thayer Charlotte E. Thomas JD’84 Kathryn R. Thomas JD/MELP’13 Nicholas Thomas Christopher A. Thompson JD’98 and Nicole A. Alt JD’98 Claire Z. Thorp MSEL’95 Dave^ and Judy Thurlow Terence J. Tierney JD’80 Tamara D. Toles O’Laughlin JD/MELP’09 Beverly S.K. Tom JD’90 Heather T. Toulmin MSEL’95 Vicki Leonhart JD/MSEL’82 and Al Trefts Mr. and Mrs. George J. Trimper, Jr. JD’76 James Trombetta and Cornelia Emerson Tom JD’79 and Nancy Truman Tom Trunzo JD’80 Peter H. Truong JD’01 Lydia Bottome Turanchik JD’98 and Stephen Turanchik Sandi A. Turnipseed JD’05 Frank Twohill JD’85 Oliver L. Twombly JD’85 Angelica Valderrama JD’15 Margaux J. Valenti JD’13 Chase Van Gorder JD’84 Peter Van Tuyn JD/MSL’89 and Ilona Bessenyey JD’89 Richard L. Vanderslice JD/MSEL’01 Jeremy T. Vermilyea JD’96 Pamela Vesilind JD’08^ Mr. and Mrs. James Vicenzi JD’82 Mr. and Mrs. James M. Vitt JD/MSL’85 Lindi von Mutius JD’08

†= DECEASED ^ = FACULTY/STAFF DURING FY 2020

DONOR LIST CONTINUED Fang F. von Trapp LLM’12 Ms. Sarah W. Vorder Bruegge P’92 George R. Waldie and Joy E. Stotts Margaret I. Waldock JD/MSL’92 Adam B. Wanamaker MELP’15 Scott M. Watson JD/MSEL’06 Donna Watts JD’83 and John Monahan JD’83 Craig Weatherly JD’79 Breanna C. Weaver JD/MELP’17 John and Nancy Webb P’92 Laurie E. Webb

Robert Weisberg JD/MSEL’01 Keith JD’09 and Kelly MELP’09 Weisinger Gilbert G. Weiskopf JD’86 Craig Wells MSEL’95 John Westerman JD’82 Emily Wetherell JD’04 Holly Wheeler JD’96 Dr. James N. Whipple P’98 Sherri P. White-Williamson JD/MERL’18 James H. Wick Stephanie^ and Stephen Willbanks Mara Williams Oakes

*= TRUSTEE DURING FY 2020 **=

Sean B. T. Williams JD’10 Craig and Nancy Willis P’05 Katie Rowen JD’05 and Jen Willis JD/MSEL’05 Bob JD’86 and Sheryl Willson Andrew J. Wilson JD/MELP’18 Margaret Wilson MSEL’04 Reade Wilson JD’11 Zaw Win JD’08 Professor David A. Wirth^ Edward B. JD/MSL’89 and Mary Gute Witte Dr. Rebecca J. Wolfe MELP’16

TRUSTEE EMERITUS/FORMER TRUSTEE

REPORT OF GIVING F Y 2020

Dinah G. Wolff JD’91 Christopher S. and Jacqueline M. B. Wren P’99 Dan Wright JD’96 Kinvin** and Deborah Wroth Barbara J. Yarington JD’94 Andrew J. Yoon JD’99 Clara Yu and John C. Deppman Philip H. Zalinger, Jr. JD’77 Peter H. Zamore JD’79 Frederick N. Zeytoonjian JD/MSL’92 Talha A. Zobair JD’94

†= DECEASED ^ = FACULTY/STAFF DURING FY 2020

Rob Bossi

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy within this report. If you find an error, please accept our sincere apologies and notify the Offices for Alumni Relations and Development at alumni@vermontlaw.edu or 802-831-1312.

FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS, AGENCIES, AND OTHER SUPPORTERS Anonymous (7) AccessLex Institute Allstate Foundation Ayco Charitable Foundation Harris and Frances Block Foundation The Braxton Fund, Inc. The Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation The Canaday Family Charitable Trust Center for Environmental Health The Clowes Fund Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley Delta Airlines Matching Gifts Program The Duke Energy Foundation Matching Gifts Program Friends of the Earth Gartner, Inc. General Electric Foundation Glynn Law Offices Green Mountain United Way Hoehl Family Foundation J Fucci Law, LLC Jane’s Trust Foundation Jephson Educational Trusts The JPMorgan Chase Foundation Johnson Family Foundation

Kedron Valley Inn KPMG LLP Leidos, Inc. Mascoma Savings Bank Foundation Maverick Lloyd Foundation Nextera Energy, LLC Northrop Grumman Corporation Nuveen Benevolent Trust Oarsmen Foundation Overhills Foundation Perkins Coie LLP The Pew Charitable Trusts Public Justice Foundation PwC Raytheon Company Rockefeller Family Fund, Inc. Sheridan Ross Charitable Foundation Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP Toxics Action Center UBS Financial Services United Technologies Matching Gifts Program Vermilyea Law, P.C. Vermont Bar Foundation Vermont Community Foundation Vermont Psychological Services

FY 2020 TRUSTEES Richard E. Ayres Stephen F. W. Ball, Jr. JD’07 Glenn J. Berger JD’78 Caryn J. Clayman JD’83 Scott M. Cullen JD’97 Judge Amy M. Davenport Brian S. Dunkiel JD/MSEL’96 Janice A. Forgays JD’85 Sheppard A. Guryan Richard A. Johnson, Jr. JD’97

2 12

Jonathan D. Kaufelt Joseph Kittredge Dr. Catherine MacKenzie Marion McCollom Hampton Kevin R. Mendik JD’87/MSL’86 Elizabeth H. Miller Constance J. Neary JD’89 Karis L. North JD’95 S. Mark Sciarrotta JD’96

VERMONT LAW SCHOOL

TRIBUTE GIFTS In memory of Professor Robert Gagnon Dirk Anderson JD’93

In honor of Elizabeth Fainberg JD’20 Anonymous P’20

In memory of Madeline and Joseph Maccario Elizabeth and Joseph JD’77 Maccario

In honor of administrative staff Robert and Carol Schwartz P’10

In memory of Dan Caruso JD’83 George Andrusyshyn JD’83

In honor of Scott Cameron JD’80 and Dean Tom McHenry Elizabeth and Josh Fitzhugh P’94

In memory of Harold E. Riley Anonymous ’82

In memory of Frank Berk JD’78 Robert Sheftman JD’78 and Elisabeth Sheftman JD’85

In honor of Professor Kinvin Wroth Peter D. Anthony, Ph.D., MS’88 In memory of Sterry R. Waterman, USCJ Jenny and Joe Ballway In honor of Charles L. Becker JD’15 William Becker P’15 In memory of Louis Cattani JD’77 George Belcher JD’77

In honor of Jason A. Foust LLM’14 James and Diane Foust P’14 In memory of Professor Gil Kujovich Andrea JD’12 and Colin JD’12 Hagan Margaret M. Howland JD’86 Brenda K. Taite, MS, JD’05

In honor of Robert J. Bradfield III JD/MSL’89 Ruth Bradfield P’89

In memory of Jennie Jerome LLM’04 Anonymous ’03 Brenda Brickhouse MERL’18 Jaclyn A. Brilling JD’79 and Michael J. Horgan, M.D. Sandy Hauserman MSL’94 Todd M. Heine JD’11, LLM, Master 2 Droit

In honor of Ann Debevoise Roberta S. Bren JD’78

In honor of Graham W. Jesmer JD’13 William and Mary Jo Jesmer P’13

In honor of Jonathan Goldsmith Cohen JD’07 Kathy and Mark Cohen P’07

In memory of Orlando Chico Green ’01 Kelly J. Lanier JD’01

In honor of C. Anthony Trambley JD’94 Tamara Doe P’94

In honor of Professors Pat Parenteau and John Echeverria Professor Richard J. Lazarus

In honor of Lorentz Lillian Hansen ’22 Lynn L. Bergeson and Ingrid Hansen P’22

In memory of Jessie LaFountain Bigwood John P. Dumville

REPORT OF GIVING | FY 2020

In memory of Nathan Makokha Nakitare Mr. and Mrs. Brian LLM’11 and Rachel Murumba In memory of Professor Michael Mello Nancy McDermott JD’00 In honor of Elizabeth McDonald Schilling JD’12 and Falko E. Schilling JD’11 Katherine B. McDonald P’12 In honor of Matt Mollica JD’18 Tony and Julie Mollica P’18 In memory of Betsy Catlin JD’08 Laura A. Olson JD’08 In honor of the Environmental Law Center Claire H. Prince MSL’92 In honor of Russell C. Prugh JD’08 Jane C. Prugh P’08

In memory of Professor Cheryl Hanna Kim JD’06 and Will Shelton Pamela Vesilind JD’08 In memory of Janet Shupe P’22 Ike Shupe P’22 In honor of Stephen C. Smith JD/MSEL’02 Mr. Don A. Smith and Mrs. Rachel C. Smith P’02 In honor of Timothy Sullivan JD/MSEL’05 James and Mary Patricia Sullivan P’05 In honor of Professor David Firestone and the Honorable Jackie Brilling JD’79 Brenda K. Taite, MS, JD’05 In honor of James L. Thaxton JD/MSEL’01 Kathleen L. Thaxton P’01

In honor of Mackenzie Victoria Royce JD’04 Craig E. Royce P’04 In honor of Matthew B. Rubin MERL’18 Jeffrey Rubin and Cora Brettler P’18

connect.vermontlaw.edu

Karen Henderson

OFFICES FOR ALUMNI RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT Vermont Law School 164 Chelsea Street | PO Box 26 South Royalton, VT 05068 802-831-1312 alumni@vermontlaw.edu giving@vermontlaw.edu

ALUMNI REUNION VARIOUS DATES IN JUNE

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JOIN FELLOW SWANS FROM AROUND THE WORLD for a month of exciting virtual events! Although we’re unable to gather in person, this year’s Alumni Reunion will still offer opportunities to reconnect with old friends,

All alumni are invited to participate, and class years ending in a 0, 1, 5, and 6 will be celebrating milestone reunions.

meet new ones, participate in fun activities, and get the latest updates from across campus. Mark your calendar to celebrate this amazing community and the bond that unites us all. Together, we are One VLS.

For more information, visit: connect.vermontlaw.edu/reunion-2021

Spring 2021 Loquitur—The Alumni Magazine for Vermont Law School

Articles inside

A Conversation With Vermont Lt. Governor Molly Gray JD’14

Q&A With Beth McCormack

A Fighting Chance

Course Corrections

The Time Has Arrived