President's Column, 0916 VTBJ, Fall 2016-#5

AuthorMichael E. Kennedy, Esq., J.

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Vol. 42 No. 3 Pg. 5

Vermont Bar Journal

Fall, 2016

Michael E. Kennedy, Esq., J.

Thank you.

It still stuns me that I am the President of the Vermont Bar Association. All I can do is to repeat myself: thank you.

Thank you Mom & Dad. My mom grew up in Bradford, my dad in Burlington. When they met, my mom was a dental hygienist, my dad a teacher. Neither had a lot, but each had a supportive family and a willingness to work hard and to make sacrifices. And that’s what they did: they worked hard and made sacrifices, nearly every single one of which was for my brother and me. I could go on and on, but, it’s simple: my parents are the reason that I am who I am and where I am. They are why I made it to and through college and law school. They are the reason I am in a position to write this column.

Mom & Dad: thank you.

And thank you, Vermont lawyers, for the opportunity. My route to the presidency was atypical. I don’t know of any other bar that would accept as its president someone who spent 14 years as a disciplinary prosecutor. Of course, from my early days as deputy disciplinary counsel, I was continually struck by Vermont lawyers’ dedication to their clients and profession. Many non-lawyer friends often remarked “you must have a hard job” or “lawyers must not like you.” My experience was just the opposite. There’s no jurisdiction where it’s easier to be the disciplinary prosecutor. You, collectively, accepted me and my role and, in so doing, made it clear to me that this is an Association in which the ethics rules are not a nuisance, but the floor. Your dedication to your clients, to the profession, and to the legal system is why I decided to get involved with the VBA.

Thank you all.

It’s an exciting time at the VBA. A lot has happened over the past six months. So much, in fact, that I want to use my first column to re-introduce you to the VBA and to your Board of Managers.

As you know, Teri Corsones is the new Executive Director. Teri’s energy amazes and invigorates me. She did not ease into the job. Teri spent the summer hard at work, focusing on the exciting initiatives that she outlined in last month’s Journal.

Bob Paolini is not gone! Bob transitioned to the VBA’s Governmental Relations Director. His new role will find him in familiar spots, namely, as he says, “in The Building.” “The Building” being the Statehouse, where Bob will continue as one of the most effective advocates under the Dome.[1...

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