Vermont Law and Graduate School

Rooted in Law: Shaping the Future of Agricultural Systems
2025-04-04 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Chase Community Center, 164 Chelsea St., South Royalton, VT, 05068
Following the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, the Food and Agricultural Law Society (FALS) and the Food Law Student Network (FLSN) are proud to showcase the innovation, resilience, and community-driven impact of agricultural cooperatives in Vermont and nationwide. This symposium, Rooted in Law: Shaping the Future of Agricultural Systems, will emphasize the critical role of cooperatives in addressing modern challenges such as climate change, labor equity, and market access in agriculture.

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SCHEDULE

3 p.m. – Opening Remarks

3:10 p.m. – Fireside Chat:

Erika M. Dunyak, Director of the Business Start-up Clinic and Visiting Clinical Professor, Roger Williams University School of Law

Clara Ayers, Farmer and Co-Owner, Fairmont, LLC, and Regional Director, Agri-Mark

3:50 p.m. – Panel Discussion:

Gordon Merrick JD/MFALP’20, Senior Policy and Programs Manager, Organic Farming Research Foundation and Board Member, South Royalton Market Food Cooperative

Jeannie Oliver LLM’13/LLM’14, VP of ROC NH and Energy Solutions, ROC-NH

Kara Brown, Sales Manager, Deep Root Organic Cooperative

Matt Cropp, Executive Director, Vermont Employee Ownership Center

4:50 p.m. – Vermont Lieutenant Governor John Rodger

5 p.m. – Reception

Alumni in Energy Regional Symposium: Emerging Energy Issues in New York and New England
2025-04-03 10:00 - 16:30 | St. Anne’s Institute, 160 N. Main Avenue, Albany, New York, 12206
Join Vermont Law and Graduate School alumni, industry leaders, and energy experts for an in-depth discussion on the evolving energy landscape in New York and New England. This one-day symposium will explore key topics shaping the region’s energy future, featuring expert panels and a distinguished lunchtime keynote from Brenda Brickhouse MERL’18, Technical Director of EPRI’s Equitable Decarbonization Initiative.

Panel discussions include:

Energy Affordability in the Energy Transition: strategies for managing the costs of the energy transition while protecting consumers

Grid Connections: approaches to accelerating the integration of new generation resources under Order 2023

Regional Transmission Planning: enhancing regional transmission system planning and construction across New York and New England

Featured Panelists: John Bernecker, Senior Advisor for Transmission, NYSERDADavid Ellis, Managing Director, Mass AmericanGraham Jesmer JD’13, Senior Regulatory Counsel – Operations and Planning, ISO-NERussell King JD/MERL’18, Assistant Counsel, NY DPSMark Sciarrotta JD’96, Vice President and Legal Counsel, VELCOLindsay Speer MELP’14, Senior Energy Planner, Central New York Regional Planning & Development BoardLaurie Wheelock JD’10/MELP’07, Executive Director, Public Utility Law Project

Please use the link below to register. $25 per registrant, with proceeds supporting the Kevin B. Jones Fund. Lunch will be provided.

How the Flexible Online Hybrid JD Works for Military Personnel and Their Families
2025-04-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Join us to hear how VLGS’s flexible Online Hybrid JD (OHJD) works for members of the military and their families. Special guest panelists include Dean Beth McCormack, OHJD Director Roger Pao, and current students.

The Next Generation Bar Exam: The Biggest Change to Legal Education That No One is Talking About
2025-03-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Dean Beth McCormack unveils the changes to the new bar exam and answers your questions.

Money for Nothing: Guide to Bankruptcy Relief
2025-03-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Debt can be stressful. This lunch and learn session will offer an introduction to the fundamentals of consumer bankruptcy, tailored specifically for non-attorneys. Participants will gain insights into the different types of bankruptcy, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, and understand the processes involved in filing for bankruptcy.

Hosted by the Veterans Legal Assistance Project at Vermont Law and Graduate School, the webinar will also cover key concepts such as the role of the bankruptcy trustee, the automatic stay, and the discharge of debts. By the end of the program, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge to identify and counsel veterans facing financial distress.

Please register by clicking the button below or emailing communications@vermontlaw.edu.

VJEL Symposium: Climate Justice LIVE
2025-03-22 08:30 - 17:00 | Chase Community Center, 164 Chelsea St., South Royalton, VT, 05068
The Climate Justice LIVE symposium—presented by the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law (VJEL)—focuses on climate justice and community advocacy through three key panels: Legal Protection for Immigrants and Farmworkers, Indigenous Rights and Climate Justice, and Versatility and Experience.

This event will explore the intersection of climate change, vulnerable communities, and legal advocacy. Featuring expert panelists and a hands-on Legal Learning Lab, the symposium will offer unique insights into pressing environmental and social issues, while providing practical experience in strategic legal analysis.

The livestream link has expired. Thank you for joining us!

SCHEDULE

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and Check In (In-Person Attendees)

9 a.m. – Welcoming Remarks

9:30 a.m. – Climate Justice in the Present Moment

10 a.m. – Keynote Speaker Esperanza Franco, Esq.

11:10 a.m. – Panel One: Legal Protections for Immigrants and Farmworkers(Featuring Laurie Beyranevand JD’03, Claudia Quintero, Emma Scott, and Will Lambek)

12:45 p.m. – Lunch Break

1:30 p.m. – Panel Two: Indigenous Rights and Climate Justice(Featuring Mia Montoya Hammersley, Benjamin Gray JD/MELP’23, Gerald Torres, Rebecca Tsosie, and Matt Dannenberg)

3:05 p.m. – Panel Three: Versatility and Experience(Featuring Callum LaFrance, Todd Howland, Tabitha Sookdeo, and Sofia Owen MELP’14)

4:10 p.m. – Legal Learning Lab

5:15 p.m. – Closing Remarks

Vermont continuing legal education (CLE) credits are available. If you plan to claim CLE credits, please register here.

Master of Public Policy Webinar
2025-03-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Join Stephen Pimpare, director of our Master of Public Policy (MPP) program, for an informative session exploring the qualities of an effective public policy professional and what makes our MPP program distinct.

Vermont Supreme Court at VLGS
2025-03-19 09:00 - 11:30 | Oakes Hall, Room 109, 164 Chelsea Street, South Royalton, VT, 05068
Join us as the Vermont Supreme Court hears three cases on the Vermont Law and Graduate School campus. For more information from the Vermont Judiciary, please click here.

SCHEDULE:

9 a.m. ET: State of Vermont v. Stacey Lynn Vaillancourt*

10 a.m. ET: In re 8 Taft Street DRB & NOV Appeals (Stephen Wille Padnos* & Sharon Wille Padnos*)

11 a.m. ET: Ciara Kilburn** & Brona Kilburn** v. Bill Simmon & Vermont Community Access Media, Inc.*

11:30 a.m. ET: Q&A for VLGS Students

An asterisk (*) indicates the appellant and a double asterisk (**) indicates a cross-appellant.

Please note that Court rules will apply. All cell phones must be silenced and may not be used to record from the gallery orally or visually. Security personnel will check any items you bring into the room (including backpacks and purses), which will lengthen the wait time to enter the courtroom. It is recommended that you leave non-essential items at home to expedite this process. Neither the Court, nor VLGS will be responsible for any personal belongings.

Each hearing will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking here.

Healing After Health Crises
2025-03-14 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual
Covid-19 impacted communities across the world, but higher poverty communities and communities of color were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. These communities are still recovering, both from the loss of loved ones as well as economic and health impacts that Covid-19 left in its wake. How have heavily impacted communities healed after this monumental health crisis? How have health workers processed trauma from seeing numerous deaths in the communities they work within? What lessons can we learn for how we can use restorative practices to help prevent and respond to large-scale health emergencies?

Hosted by the Center for Justice Reform at Vermont Law and Graduate School, this event is part of an online series, “Healing Communities to Heal the World.” Esteemed guest speakers Dr. Pedro Flores and Dr. Timothy Gallagher will join us in this dialogue.

Life in Vermont
2025-03-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Join current students to hear more about life in Vermont. The group will highlight the town of South Royalton, our beautiful seasons, exciting outdoor activities (and keeping cozy indoors), student clubs, the culture on campus, and more.

TikTok v. Garland: A Discussion with President Rod Smolla
2025-03-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
The American Constitution Society at VLGS invites you to a dynamic event, which will feature President Rod Smolla discussing the recent TikTok v. Garland case. President Smolla will highlight the precedent leading to the decision and the First Amendment implications.

One hour of Vermont Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit is available.

Thank you for joining us. The livestream has ended.

Chat with a Graduate Admissions Counselor
2025-03-05 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Questions about VLGS graduate programs? Drop in and chat virtually with admissions counselor Lauren Badams.

Healing After Environmental Disasters
2025-02-27 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual
Environmental disasters, such as hurricanes, winter storms, and wildfires, can cause devastating effects to communities. Through the use of restorative practices, how can we help communities heal after an environmental disaster? Is there a role for restorative practices in planning for environmental resiliency?

This virtual session will explore how communities that have experienced environmental devastation can use restorative practices to recover, rebuild, and heal.

Hosted by the Center for Justice Reform at Vermont Law and Graduate School, this event is part of an online series, “Healing Communities to Heal the World.” Esteemed guest speakers Rebecca Jim and Brunilda Pali will join us in this dialogue.

Residential JD Overview & What’s a Law Clinic?
2025-02-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Meet Beth McCormack, dean of the law school, to learn about residential JD program options, including VLGS’s Accelerated 2-year JD and Traditional 3-year JD. You’ll also hear from our directors of the Veterans Legal Assistance Project, the Farmed Animal Advocacy Clinic, and more.

Black History Month Presentation
2025-02-25 12:45 - 14:00 | Chase Community Center, 164 Chelsea St., South Royalton, VT, 05068
Join us in person or virtually as we welcome guest speaker Dr. Aaron N. Taylor, senior vice president and executive director of AccessLex Center for Legal Education Excellence at the AccessLex Institute.

Dr. Taylor has spent his career working to ensure broad, inclusive access to the legal profession. Having written extensively about the experiences of underrepresented people seeking entry into law school and the profession, Dr. Taylor is a frequent media commentator on education and diversity. The National Jurist listed Dr. Taylor sixth on its 2024 list of “The 20 Most Influential People in Legal Education.”

Legislative Breakfast
2025-02-18 08:00 - 10:00 | Vermont State House Cafeteria, 115 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont
Join us at the Vermont State House to enjoy a continental breakfast and connect with VLGS alumni and friends in Montpelier. We will be honoring Senator Richard “Dick” McCormack MSEL’02 for his outstanding commitment and service to the State of Vermont, Windsor County, and Vermont Law and Graduate School.

February Admissions Open House
2025-02-17 08:45 - 14:00 | Yates Common Room at Vermont Law and Graduate School, 164 Chelsea Street, South Royalton, Vermont, 05068, United States
Attending this dynamic event is the perfect way to envision life as a Vermont Law and Graduate School student. Throughout the day, you will get an in-depth look at the many opportunities available and how VLGS can help you reach your goals.

In addition to being greeted by our amazing faculty, staff, and students, you’ll be guided through a tour of campus, experience a class lecture, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Please register by clicking the button below.

How to Apply for Financial Aid
2025-02-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Meet Melissa Erickson, director of VLGS Financial Aid, and learn everything you need to know about the FAFSA and financial aid. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A.

Social Justice JD Programs and the Center for Justice Reform at VLGS
2025-01-28 18:00 - 19:00
Meet Robert Sand, founding director of the Center for Justice Reform and a former prosecutor, as well as current restorative justice JD students. In addition to learning more about VLGS’s programs, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.

Defending the Homefront: Navigating the Complexities of Vermont's Landlord-Tenant Laws
2025-01-27 12:00 - 13:00
With the Vermont housing market tighter than it has been in decades, understanding landlord-tenant law is more important than ever. Increased rental prices and a hot housing market mean that tenants may struggle to stay housed, and landlords may face new and more complicated issues with managing properties.

This webinar will provide a general overview of Vermont’s landlord-tenant laws, including legal rights and obligations for tenants, legal rights and obligations for landlords, the eviction process, and security deposits. Hosted by the Veterans Legal Assistance Project at Vermont Law and Graduate School, this lunch and learn session will will provide useful information for both landlords and tenants.

Please register by clicking the button below or emailing communications@vermontlaw.edu. The event link will be shared with all registrants prior to the webinar.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
2025-01-21 12:45 - 14:00
To view the event program, including the schedule of speakers, please click here.

Environmental JD Programs at VLGS: The Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment
2025-01-15 13:00 - 14:00
Meet Christophe Courchesne, interim director of the Environmental Law Center, and several environmental law students to learn more about our exciting environmental programs.

Flexible JD Programs at VLGS
2024-12-30 17:00 - 18:00
Join us to learn about the different JD programs available to VLGS students. Beth McCormack, dean of Vermont Law School, will offer an overview of our residential JD programs and Roger Pao, director of our Online Hybrid JD (OHJD) program, will provide insights into the online experience. There will also be time for Q&A.

Application Tips and Tricks
2024-12-13 12:00 - 13:00
Join Katie Merrill, dean of Admissions, and Dan Budak, director of Admissions, for tips and tricks on the application process.

How to Make your U.S. LLM Application Stand Out
2024-12-05 09:00 - 10:30
Join the Boston Area LLM Consortium for an insightful session on applying to U.S. LLM programs. Leaders from six regional law schools will discuss important aspects of the application process. They will offer a detailed breakdown of application elements and provide advice on how to prepare a competitive application.

As part of the virtual event, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in one-on-one conversations via breakout rooms.

How to Prepare for Law School with our Academic Success Team
2024-12-04 18:00 - 19:00
Join Jessica Durkis-Stokes JD’04, director of the Academic Success Program and assistant professor of law, and Katrina Munyon, assistant director of the Academic Success Program, to learn how you can best prepare for law school. They will also share how the Academic Success team helps support students once classes begin. Additionally, current student mentors will be on the call to highlight their experiences and answer your questions.
