Afternoon Briefs: BigLaw firm reveals ‘stay gap;’ full DC Circuit will hear Michael Flynn case

Allen & Overy reveals its ‘stay gap’ Allen & Overy is the first major law firm to disclose its “stay gap”—the difference in retention between minority and white lawyers. Black, Asian and minority ethnic lawyers leave the firm seven months earlier on average than white lawyers, while Black lawyers leave…

Jul 30, 2020 4:39 PM CDT

Lawyer accused of pulling gun on store clerk in social distancing tiff gets interim suspension

A Vermont lawyer has had her license suspended on an interim basis after she was accused of pulling a gun on a store clerk.

May 26, 2020 1:12 PM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Bar exam pass rate hits new low in California; Ben & Jerry’s ‘happy cows’ suit tossed

California’s February bar exam pass rate drops to less than 27% The pass rate for California’s February 2020 bar exam was 26.8%, which, according to the Recorder, is a record low. The state’s February 2020 exam was taken by 4,205 people, according to information that the State Bar of California…

May 11, 2020 4:19 PM CDT

First Amendment defense claims could threaten ‘revenge pornography’ statutes

Dec 19, 2019 6:30 AM CST

Suit says Ben & Jerry’s claims of ‘happy cows’ from ‘caring dairy’ program are deceiving consumers

A would-be class action lawsuit says the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company is misleading consumers when it touts its milk and cream come from “happy cows” on "caring dairy" farms.

Nov 25, 2019 1:16 PM CST

Some states are allowing people and companies to use blockchain to authenticate documents

Looking to capture a slice of the emerging blockchain market, states have enacted new laws and procedures for recognition of signatures, documents and contracts stored on the technology as legal instruments for verification.

Sep 1, 2019 1:40 AM CDT

In states where inmates can vote, few exercise their right to cast ballots

When Sen. Bernie Sanders championed voting rights for prisoners during a CNN town hall, he spotlighted an intensifying national debate about why going to prison means losing the right to vote.

Jun 14, 2019 7:30 AM CDT

Second state adopts ABA model rule barring discrimination and harassment by lawyers

Maine has adopted an ABA model rule that bars discrimination and harassment by lawyers. Maine is the second state to adopt Rule 8.4(g) of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, according to Bloomberg Law. Vermont was the first. Maine’s Supreme Judicial Court adopted the new rule, which takes effect…

Jun 13, 2019 11:39 AM CDT

Vermont’s new consumer protection law could be a harbinger for tech industry

In Vermont, prioritizing online consumer protection means shining a light on the shadowy world of third-party data brokers. A new state law requires increased standards and transparency of these companies that collect, buy or resell consumer data without having a direct relationship with the consumer.

Jun 1, 2019 12:50 AM CDT

Vermont Law faculty had little say when tenure was removed, says new report

When Vermont Law School, facing significant financial pressures, stripped 14 professors of tenure in 2018, it did not adequately involve faculty in the decision-making process, according to a report from the American Association of University Professors.

May 10, 2019 6:30 AM CDT

Number of prisoners hits 9-year low, but some states are resisting the trend

The number of people in U.S. prisons fell to a nine-year low of just under 1.5 million last year, a 1.3 percent decrease, according to a report released recently by the nonprofit Vera Institute of Justice.

Apr 26, 2019 2:36 PM CDT

Wyoming and Vermont hope to attract tech entrepreneurs by passing laws favorable to blockchain

Wyoming enacted bills to entice the blockchain industry, while Vermont created favorable laws that attempt to clear up legal ambiguity surrounding distributed ledger technology.

Mar 1, 2019 1:10 AM CST

Vermont governor to sign bill legalizing marijuana possession

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott says he will sign a bill legalizing possession of recreational marijuana that received final approval by state lawmakers on Wednesday. Scott spoke at a news conference on Thursday, the Burlington Free Press reports. When Scott signs the bill, Vermont will be the first state to legalize…

Jan 11, 2018 3:52 PM CST

Vermont poised to be first to legalize marijuana through state legislature

Just hours after Attorney General Jeff Sessions ended the Obama-era policy against enforcement of federal marijuana law in states that legalized the drug, Vermont’s House of Representatives passed a bill legalizing personal possession of pot, WCAX reports. The legislation passed Thursday by a 81-63 vote had been reworked to assuage…

Jan 8, 2018 8:00 AM CST

Vermont Law receives $17 million loan from US Department of Agriculture

Corrected: Vermont Law School has received a $17 million loan from the United States Department of Agriculture. The loan will be used to restructure debt and further develop an online education program and year-round classes that offer greater flexibility for students, the Valley News reports. The loan, which comes from…

May 10, 2017 9:59 AM CDT