Press Releases | ��ͷ��ԭ��

��ͷ��ԭ�� President to Step Down

Lisa Lance — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 21:17:58 +0000

SOUTH ROYALTON, Vt. (April 17, 2025) — After three years of dedicated service to ��ͷ��ԭ��, President Rod Smolla will step down from his role as president, effective July 1, 2025, to focus on writing and teaching.

“We are grateful for Rod’s service and many contributions to VLGS during his tenure,” said VLGS Board of Trustees Chair Glenn Berger. “We are pleased that our students and the VLGS community will continue to benefit from his expertise and talents as a full-time member of our faculty.”

Smolla assumed the position of president of ��ͷ��ԭ�� on July 1, 2022. Under his leadership, VLGS launched an ambitious 50^th Anniversary Giving Campaign, which has so far reached $18 million of its $20 million fundraising goal. The school received a transformational $2.5 Million gift from the Maverick Lloyd Foundation to expand its environmental law and policy programs through the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment. VLGS also celebrated the grand opening of a Burlington office to house the school’s Center for Justice Reform Clinic, which was funded by a $975,000 federal grant secured by Sen. Bernie Sanders through the Fiscal Year 2023 Congressionally Directed Spending process. And over the past three years, VLGS has experienced record growth in its Online Hybrid JD program—one of only 19 ABA-accredited online JD programs in the U.S.—and launched several law and policy master’s degrees, including a Master of Public Policy degree.

In addition to serving as president, Smolla taught Constitutional Law and First Amendment courses. Smolla is one of the country’s leading scholars on First Amendment issues. He is particularly well-known for his representation of American and international clients on matters relating to defamation and invasion of privacy. He is a frequent advocate on a wide variety of legal issues and has presented oral arguments in state and federal courts across the country, including the Supreme Court of the United States.

“I am proud of what the VLGS administration has been able to accomplish during my time as president. It’s been gratifying to witness the passion of our students, faculty, and alumni, and I’m confident the school will continue to have a positive impact within the state of Vermont,” Smolla said. “The decision to step down was made after careful consideration, and I am very much looking forward to returning to a full-time life as a teacher, scholar, and advocate on pressing issues of national concern.”

Law School Dean Beth McCormack and Graduate School Dean Dan Bromberg will jointly oversee the day-to-day management of the school on an interim basis. McCormack has been dean of Vermont Law School since January of 2021, becoming the first woman to hold that position in the school’s history. From January 2021-June 30, 2022, she also served as the interim president. Bromberg, who received a Ph.D. in public administration from Rutgers University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Vermont, was appointed dean of Vermont Graduate School on July 1, 2023. Previously Bromberg served as the director of academic programs and then interim director of the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire.

“We are confident that Beth’s and Dan’s experience, steady leadership, and deep commitment to the mission and values of VLGS will guide us forward during this time of transition,” said Berger.

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��ͷ��ԭ��, a private, independent institution, is home to a law school that offers ABA-accredited residential and online hybrid JD programs and a graduate school that offers master’s degrees and certificates in multiple disciplines, including programs offered by the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment, the Center for Justice Reform and other graduate-level programs emphasizing the intersection of environmental justice, social justice and public policy. Both the law and graduate schools strongly feature experiential clinical and field work learning. For more information, visit vermontlaw.edu, and .

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VMEC and ��ͷ��ԭ�� Partner to Support Legal Services for Small Manufacturers

Lisa Lance — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:22:01 +0000

SOUTH ROYALTON, Vt. (April 16, 2025) —VMEC and the ��ͷ��ԭ��’s Small Business Law Center and Clinic are proud to announce a new partnership aimed at expanding legal services for manufacturers across the state.

Through this collaboration, VMEC and VLGS will host a webinar series designed to help manufacturers better understand their rights and responsibilities, and how to protect themselves and their employees. Topics will include contracts, regulatory compliance, business entities, risk management and other legal issues that small manufacturers often face.

The first free webinar in this series, “How to Hire and Work With a Lawyer,” will be held on Wednesday, May 14 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST (registration ). Attendees will learn what a lawyer brings to a small business, what to expect when working with one and how and when to get the right kind of legal help.

“We are delighted to be partnering with The ��ͷ��ԭ��’s Small Business Law Center and Clinic to bring more support to Vermont’s small- and medium-size manufacturers,” said Patrick Boyle, VMEC center director and CEO. “Vermont manufacturers face multiple opportunities and challenges in today’s business environment. Introducing them to first-class legal support can only be beneficial to their bottom line.”

In addition to educational programming, manufacturers will also be able to access one-on-one guidance from an attorney, ensuring they get personalized support for their specific needs.

“Our partners at the Vermont Bar Association work closely with us to help entrepreneurs find an attorney to meet their specific needs, and we help them get started with ten free hours,” said Nicole Killoran, professor of law at VLGS and the director of the Vermont Small Business Law Center. “We are excited to be able to bring these services to Vermont’s manufacturers and to support such an important sector of our economy.”

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Vermont’s manufacturing community by providing tools, knowledge and resources that enable long-term business success. For more information about upcoming webinars or events, please visit vmec.org or sblc.vermontlaw.edu.

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About : Part of the nationwide MEP National Network and hosted by Vermont State University since 1995, VMEC operates as a not-for-profit with a primary mission, “To Strengthen and Empower Vermont Manufacturers.” A local resource and trusted adviser to manufacturing enterprises of all sizes, the VMEC team brings world-class expertise in consulting, coaching, hands-on implementation support, training and education for leaders and workers. VMEC provides proven systems and solutions focused on strategies, processes, products, technologies and people.

��ͷ��ԭ��, a private, independent institution, is home to a law school that offers ABA-accredited residential and online hybrid JD programs and a graduate school that offers master’s degrees and certificates in multiple disciplines, including programs offered by the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment, the Center for Justice Reform and other graduate-level programs emphasizing the intersection of environmental justice, social justice and public policy. Both the law and graduate schools strongly feature experiential clinical and field work learning. For more information, visit vermontlaw.edu, and .

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U.S. News and World Report Again Ranks ��ͷ��ԭ�� a Top Environmental Law School

Lisa Lance — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:40:26 +0000

SOUTH ROYALTON, Vt. (April 9, 2025) — ��ͷ��ԭ�� (VLGS) has been ranked No. 4 among the Best Environmental Law Schools by U.S. News and World Report, maintaining its ranking as one of the best environmental law programs in the country. U.S. News also ranked VLGS No. 14 in Law Schools with the Most Grads in Public Interest Law, No. 51 among the Best Legal Writing Programs and No. 76 among the Best Clinical Training Programs.

The school earned this Best Environmental Law School recognition for its outstanding commitment to environmental legal education, academic excellence, and dedication to shaping future leaders in environmental law.

“We are pleased to once again earn the recognition of U.S. News and World Report as one of the top environmental law schools in the nation,” said VLGS Law School Dean Beth McCormack. “This ranking is a testament to the caliber of our faculty and programs and our 50-year legacy as a leader in environmental law and policy.”

VLGS’s Environmental Law Center, which was established in 1978, is the nation’s most comprehensive environmental law program. It includes six legal clinics, seven centers and programs, more than 60 courses related to the environment and environmental law, and 76 environmental faculty.

VLGS students are empowered to explore the intersection of law and policy in addressing complex environmental issues using a multi-disciplinary, hands-on approach. Students work on the frontlines of environmental advocacy, energy and climate justice, animal law and protection and the sustainable food movement. With their VLGS education, they gain the skills necessary to become leaders and changemakers in environmental law and policy.

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About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

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20th Annual Norman Williams Lecture to Focus on Energy Policy and Infrastructure in Rural Areas

Lisa Lance — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:50:13 +0000

��ͷ��ԭ�� to Host Michigan University Expert

SOUTH ROYALTON, Vt. (April 7, 2025) — A climate leader from Michigan will share her expertise at the 20th Annual Normal Williams Distinguished Lecture in Land Use Planning and the Law hosted by ��ͷ��ԭ�� on April 10.

Dr. Sarah Mills, director of the Center for EmPowering Communities at the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute, will serve as speaker for the event.

Wind and solar projects may affect as much as 15% of the continental land area by the year 2050, the vast majority in rural areas. Mills will discuss the ways infrastructure and state policies related to siting and zoning authority, property taxes and utilities impact rural municipalities and the ability to deploy renewable solutions with community goals in mind.

Mills will lead the discussion on April 10 at 5 p.m., both in Oakes Hall Room 007 on campus and via the ��ͷ��ԭ�� YouTube channel. Learn more here.

The Norman Williams Distinguished Lecture in Land Use Planning and the Law series is named for Norman Williams, who came to ��ͷ��ԭ�� in 1975 after a long and distinguished career in public service and teaching, particularly in the area of land use planning. Professor Williams played a key role in founding the Environmental Law Center. The lecture series is a gift of Frances Yates, former trustee of VLGS, in memory of Professor Williams, Charles Yates JD’93, and Anya Yates JD’94.

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New Resource Launch: State Farm to School Policy Handbook and Database: 2002-2023

Lisa Lance — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:50:26 +0000

SOUTH ROYALTON, Vt. (April 1, 2025)– The National Farm to School Network and the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at ��ͷ��ԭ�� have released the latest edition of the , a comprehensive resource analyzing farm to school and early care and education (ECE) legislation across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and US territories.

The popularity of farm to school legislation is rapidly increasing. Between 2021 and 2023, 43 states and DC proposed 296 bills that relate to at least one of farm to school’s three core elements–school gardens, education and local procurement. Of these bills, 128 passed.

Through this legislation, farm to school policy has the potential to teach kids about food production, provide nutritious food for school meals, and boost local economies by opening market opportunities for farmers. “Farm to school is really a win-win for our communities. School kids learn and grow, while farmers can find a local market for their produce,” said Lihlani Nelson, deputy director and senior researcher at the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems. “It’s easy to see why state lawmakers are supporting farm to school through legislation and funding for positions, grant programs and purchasing incentives.”

This new edition also highlights school food policy areas beyond the three core elements of farm to school: school gardens, education and local procurement. Legislation focused on universal school meal programs, child nutrition workforce protections and kitchen infrastructure investments have the potential to shape future farm to school efforts at the state level. For the first time, the Handbook is accompanied by an interactive State Farm to School Policy Database, allowing users to easily explore and filter all of these bills by state, funding structure, and topic.

“The momentum for farm to school and universal school meals policies has grown tremendously in recent years,” said Cassandra Bull, policy specialist at the National Farm to School Network. “Whether you’re introducing new policies or strengthening existing ones, the State Farm to School Policy Handbook provides the insights and examples needed to drive change.”

The State Farm to School Policy Handbook: 2002-2023 and the new interactive database are available now. Learn more and access the resource .

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Climate Justice LIVE: Experts to Talk Current Events, Solutions at Annual Symposium

Lisa Lance — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 12:26:12 +0000

SOUTH ROYALTON, Vt. (March 19, 2025) — A daylong symposium presented by the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law at ��ͷ��ԭ�� will bring together leaders in the field to discuss the intersection of climate change, vulnerable communities and legal advocacy.

“Climate Justice LIVE” will take place in person and virtually on Saturday, March 22. It will feature a hands-on legal learning lab and three panels:

Legal Protection for Immigrants and Farmworkers
Indigenous Rights and Climate Justice
Versatility and Experience

The event’s keynote speaker is Esperanza Franco, a Spanish-U.S. immigration attorney, entrepreneur and author of “Emotionally Intelligent Lawyers: How to Navigate the Psychological Implications of Becoming a Lawyer.”

Franco is an expert in mindfulness, simultaneously advocating for those seeking temporary or permanent visas to the United States and the mental health of lawyers and law students.

Other experts featured will include ��ͷ��ԭ�� professors Laurie Beyranevand, Mia Montoya Hammersley, Todd Howland and Emma Scott.

Local leaders Will Lambek from Migrant Justice and Vermont Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale will participate, too, as will representatives from the Yale Law School, the University of Arizona School of Law, the National Congress of American Indians, the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, the Western New England University School of Law, Alternatives for Community & Environment and Connecticut Students for a Dream.

The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vermont continuing legal education credits are available. To learn more and register, visit vermontlaw.edu/event/vjel-symposium-climate-justice-live.

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Call for Applications – ��ͷ��ԭ�� 2025 Environmental Summer Media Fellowships

Lisa Lance — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:58:06 +0000

SOUTH ROYALTON, Vermont (Feb. 21, 2025) — The Environmental Law Center at ��ͷ��ԭ�� is seeking for summer media fellowships. This year, the center is accepting three journalists focused on environmental law and policy and two focused on animal law and policy. The fellowships are open to full-time journalists who cover environmental issues such as natural resources, energy, legal affairs, public health, animal law and policy and other environment-related subjects.

Selected 2025 media fellows have access to distinguished faculty and visiting policy leaders. They can meet for on- or off-the-record conversations with these experts to develop new insights, meet new sources and gain renewed enthusiasm for covering the critical issues in climate change, animal law, energy and other areas.

The three environmental law media fellows will audit environmental courses for two weeks in June or July. These fellows will receive a $1,250 stipend, free housing and a tuition waiver (travel not included). A one-week option is available with a $625 stipend.

Also, thanks to funding from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^® (ASPCA^®), the two animal law media fellows will receive free housing, a tuition waiver, a $750 stipend and travel reimbursement. Fellows may audit the weekend-intensive Animal Undercover Investigations course or a one-week Animal Welfare Science and Ethics course.

Media fellows also take part in the Summer Session webinar series, “Hot Topics in Environmental Law,” delivering a 45-minute, informal lecture on an environmental or animal law and policy topic of their choosing. Outside of classroom time, fellows can also enjoy the beauty of the VLGS campus, historic South Royalton and . Family members are welcome.

Fellows are selected from applicants based on work history, samples and commitment to covering environmental law and policy issues or animal protection issues and their potential for increasing understanding of these issues nationwide.

The deadline for all fellowships is midnight EST Sunday, March 16, 2025.

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��ͷ��ԭ��’s Center for Justice Reform Launches Restorative Justice Webinar Series

Lisa Lance — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:23:47 +0000

“Healing Communities to Heal the World” Will Provide Tools to Respond and Rebuild in the Wake of Community Traumas

SOUTH ROYALTON, Vermont (Feb. 17, 2025) — ��ͷ��ԭ��‘s Center for Justice Reform is launching an online series to help communities that have experienced traumatic incidents move forward and heal. “Healing Communities to Heal the World,” will launch Feb. 27 with virtual events throughout 2025.

Around the world, a range of incidents in recent years — including wildfires, lives lost during COVID-19, economic downturns and mass shootings — have resulted in pain, harm and trauma, as well as stories of resilience and recovery. These communities need tools for healing, ways to rebuild and examples of how to move forward.

“Unfortunately, many communities around the world have experienced painful incidents that can rock the community and cause extreme harm and trauma,” said Dr. Quixada Moore-Vissing, interim director of the Center for Justice Reform at VLGS. “Though we can’t prevent tragedy from occurring, the beauty of the human experience is that together, communities can heal and move forward. We want to know how communities do this through the use of restorative practices, and so this series interviews people from around the world who have done this hard work to help hurting communities to heal.”

The series will begin on Feb. 27 with a session titled “Healing After Environmental Disasters,” followed by a session on March 14, “Healing after Health Crises.” Register for the first event.

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Tunbridge Receives Grant to Fund Energy Efficiency Project

Lisa Lance — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:35:43 +0000

��ͷ��ԭ��’s Institute for Energy and the Environment to Provide Oversight in Solar Array Development

SOUTH ROYALTON, Vermont (Feb. 6, 2025) — The Town of Tunbridge has received a $255,411.20 grant from the Vermont Municipal Energy Resilience Program for energy efficiency improvements. Of the total, $43,373 will be used for a 10.7 kW solar array to power the town offices and town hall. The project will be located next to an existing solar project at the local town garage.

The Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE) at ��ͷ��ԭ�� provided legal and policy assistance for the grant and will help oversee energy efficiency improvements and the development and construction of the solar array. “This project will offset the energy bills at the town’s two most energy-intensive buildings and provide valuable emission-free power and resiliency to the Green Mountain Power grid,” said Shared Gentry, a student clinician in the IEE’s Energy Clinic.

Todd Tyson, a local Tunbridge resident who has been instrumental in this project, stated, “This is a great project for the Town, and along with the energy efficiency component, it brings the impact of Town operations significantly closer to net zero.”

“Along with the environmental benefits, we are pleased these projects will save the town a significant amount of money once implemented,” said Tunbridge Selectboard Chair Member Gary Mullen. “This is a win-win for the town and the environment.”

The solar project will go out to bid and is expected to be operating this summer.

VLGS Energy Clinic professor Kirt Mayland and student clinician Ervin Yahr contributed to this project.

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��ͷ��ԭ�� Offers Free Tax Preparation Service

Lisa Lance — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:00:42 +0000

SOUTH ROYALTON, Vermont (Jan. 31, 2025) — Starting Feb. 1, ��ͷ��ԭ�� will host a Vermont Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site.

Coordinated at VLGS by Pamela Cartier, librarian at the Community Legal Information Center on the South Royalton campus, the VITA site is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service. Volunteers will prepare and electronically file federal and state tax returns, free of charge, for qualifying low-to-moderate income and elderly taxpayers whose family income in 2024 was $67,000 or less.

Filings will be done by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 802-831-1363. Participants will be asked to show proof of identity per IRS regulations.

Note: IRS regulations require verification of all taxpayers’ identities. Those participating in these tax preparation services (and their spouse, if filing a joint return) will be asked to show proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, employer ID, school ID, birth certificate, military ID, or passport). It is also necessary to show a social security card, an ITIN card or letter, or an SSA letter for each individual who will be listed on the return. Taxpayers who cannot substantiate their identity will be asked to seek professional tax assistance elsewhere.

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