Christina Nolan Joins Burlington Police Chief Search Committee

Firm principal Christina Nolan has been asked to serve on the Search Committee for selecting Burlington’s next Police Chief. After delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the committee has begun its important work reviewing and interviewing candidates for this vital city department head. As a former U.S. Attorney for the state of Vermont, Attorney Nolan brings a unique and valuable perspective to this search. Learn more about this process here.

Justin Brown Recognized by Vermont Business Magazine in Rising Stars Class of 2021

Sheehey is pleased to announce that Justin A. Brown, a principal of the firm, has been recognized as a 2021 Rising Star by Vermont Business Magazine (“VBM”). Recipients were selected from more than 130 nominations based on their commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and involvement in their communities. VBM has been recognizing 40 individuals under the age of 40 each year since 2010. This year’s rising stars will be honored at an event later this year.

This is a well-deserved honor for Justin given his achievements in the workplace and the community.  At Sheehey, Justin primarily represents businesses in complex civil litigation, defense of hospitals and health care providers in medical malpractice litigation, and plaintiffs in personal injury litigation.  Justin has been recognized by Super Lawyers—a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement—as one of New England’s Rising Stars in business litigation.  In his community, Justin serves on the board of Green Up Vermont, the board of the Young Lawyers Division of the Vermont Bar Association, and as a Lieutenant and Judge Advocate General with the 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard.

Congratulations to Justin and all of the 2021 Rising Stars!

Arline Duffy Elected Vice President of the Board of Mercy Connection, Inc.

Firm principal Arline Duffy has been named VP of the Board of Mercy Connections, Inc., a local non-profit dedicated to raising community resilience and lifting lives. Arline explains,  “I believe the services that Mercy Connections delivers, led by a dedicated and caring staff, provide powerful, life-changing opportunities to members of our community. It is such a pleasure to see staff find so much joy in the success of their students and program participants and I am truly grateful to be able to help the mission of this amazing organization.” Learn more about Mercy Connections here.

Renee Mobbs Elected President of the Vermont Bar Foundation

Firm Principal Renee Mobbs has been named President-Elect of the Vermont Bar Foundation Board of Directors assuming the role of President in 2022. The Vermont Bar Foundation is the leading private funding source for dozens of programs designed to increase access to justice for low-income Vermonters.

Sheehey Paralegal Elected Secretary of the Vermont Paralegal Organization

Sheehey Paralegal Donna Sims was nominated and elected to the Board of Directors of the Vermont Paralegal Organization (VPO) serving as the Secretary. Donna has been with the firm for over five years and is a member of Sheehey’s litigation group. The VPO is a statewide, volunteer-led organization dedicated to providing education and promoting paralegal professionalism and leadership.

Jim Spink’s Mediation Practice Surpasses 200 Online Mediations

Since mid-March 2020, Sheehey firm principal Jim Spink has held over 200 online mediations. When in person meetings were no longer an option last year, Jim moved his practice online, continuing to offer a way to resolve disputes and lawsuits with Zoom mediation sessions. In the past few months Jim has begun offering in person mediations again, however he is pleased to continue to offer online mediation. Jim remarked on the occasion “I’m pleased to have assisted with over 200 matters through online mediation. It has enhanced the way we conduct dispute resolution and has made our practice more adaptable and online tools have made the transition seamless and even preferable in many cases.” Learn more about Jim’s mediation practice here.

Justin A. Brown Commissioned as Officer in U.S. Air Force, Judge Advocate General (JAG)

Firm principal Justin A. Brown was recently commissioned into the Vermont Air National Guard (ANG) as a Lieutenant and the newest Judge Advocate General (JAG) for the 158th Fighter Wing based in Vermont. Justin will serve as a part time JAG at the base in South Burlington. He will continue to practice law full time at Sheehey.

The Oath of Military Officer was performed by Commander Colonel Shevchik, Jr. and witnessed by Major General Knight, the Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard. Technical Sargent Darnell-Martin stated the following after the swearing-in ceremony: “I’d like to congratulate Justin Brown on his commissioning today into the Vermont Air National Guard as our newest Judge Advocate. The process from civilian to officer is not an easy one but when you are this qualified and bring this level of experience like Justin it’s worth the effort.”

Photo Credit TSgt Darnell-Martin

Four Lawyers from Sheehey Furlong & Behm, P.C. to be Recognized in 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© by Best Lawyers®

The Firm is pleased to announce that Diane M. McCarthy, James W. Spink, Lewis K. Sussman and Alexandrea L. Nelson have all been recognized by Best Lawyers and will be listed in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.

Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise, and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.

Diane M. McCarthy is recognized for her work in banking and finance, corporate, and real estate law. James W. Spink is recognized for his work in arbitration, mediation, personal injury litigation – defendants, and personal injury litigation – plaintiffs.  Lewis K. Sussman is recognized for his work in real estate law.

James W. Spink was named 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” for Mediation by Best Lawyers.  Only a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the “Lawyer of the Year,” making this accolade particularly significant. These lawyers are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during the peer review assessments.

Alexandrea L. Nelson has been included in the 2022 Edition of Best Lawyers: One to Watch for her work in commercial litigation, criminal defense: general practice, and criminal defense: white-collar.  This is a new category for Best Lawyers and recognizes associates and other lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.

Best Lawyers was founded in 1981 with the purpose of highlighting the extraordinary accomplishments of those in the legal profession. After three decades, we are proud to continue to serve as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals worldwide,” says CEO Phillip Greer.

Christina Nolan Presents at Vermont Bar Association Trial Academy

Sheehey principal Christina Nolan will be discussing Civil Trial Practice Tips alongside Hon. Judge Helen Toor at the Vermont Bar Trial Academy this Friday July 30, 2021 from 9-10 AM.

This CLE event runs all day and is in webinar format, teaming superior court judges with experienced trial practitioners to give 1 hour presentations about a variety of practice areas.

Learn more and register for the event here.

 

 

Sheehey Associate Devin T. McKnight Graduates Lake Champlain Chamber’s Leadership Champlain Program

From Vermont Business Magazine:

“The 32nd cohort of the Lake Champlain Chamber’s Leadership Champlain program celebrated their graduation at Hotel Vermont earlier this week. Since 1989, Leadership Champlain has ensured the community’s most influential and esteemed leaders are knowledgeable about issues, well-networked and passionate about our region’s success. “This distinguished cohort of 35 community leaders were trailblazers as they completed their entire Leadership Champlain experience virtually,” says Program Director Tori Colarusso.  “They spent nine months becoming educated on the different challenges facing our community and serving local organizations while grappling with the many changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Their dedication to our community is inspiring.” The Leadership Champlain Class of 2021 completed service projects for Hunger Free Vermont, Turning Point Center of Chittenden County, Burlington Electric Department, Chittenden County Accountable Community for Health, Age Well and Burlington Rotary Club.”