Mark Oettinger
Mark attended the quarterly Vermont International Trade Alliance Meeting on March 1, 2017. He is a decades-long member of the organization and is the Vermont Representative of Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN).
On March 14, 2017, Mark gave a presentation to a delegation of Kyrgyz members of Parliament. The event was hosted by the Vermont Council on World Affairs of which he is a Board Member and Secretary. The Presentation covered Vermont Demographics, Government and Education Governance.
Mark gave individual presentations on March 29, 2017 to each of the six Vermont businesses currently going through the ExporTech program. The program is a three-day training spread out over 10 weeks and is designed for companies interested in either starting or expanding an export component of their business.
On March 30, 2017, Mark Attended the Section Chair Reception at the mid-winter meeting of the Vermont Bar Association. Mark is the Chair of the VBA’s International Law & Practice Section.
Andy Montroll
Andy successfully represented a client in a zoning appeal in Environmental Court and obtained a favorable decision.
Andy signed up to do another seminar for the National Business Institute on Land Use Law, covering current issues in subdivision annexation, and zoning. The seminar will take place in October.
Michelle Mraz
Michelle completed her participation on Burlington’s Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee for 2017. The advisory board has made its recommendations to the mayor and city council for distribution of these federal funds that are designated for anti-poverty programs in the city.
Michelle continues to participate on the Women’s March on Montpelier organizing committee. The committee networks with activists and organizations across the state. The committee’s next event-the March for Our Future-is being planned to give youth a platform to express their thoughts and feelings about the state of our community, our country and the world.
On March 3, 2017, Michelle was nominated and voted onto the Steering Committee for the Ward 6 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA). NPAs are grassroots, neighborhood organizations that were established in each of Burlington’s eight wards to encourage resident participation in city government. Working as neighborhood advocacy groups, NPAs help improve communication between the residents of Burlington and the city government through regularly scheduled meetings.
Robert Backus
Rob obtained the dismissal of a serious criminal charge against a client, and provided pro bono consultations to low income individuals. Additionally, he continued the delightful responsibility of performing weddings in his role of Justice of the Peace.
Alex Sturges
During the first weekend in March, Alex competed in the Northeast Central Regional Yoga Asana Championships, hosted by U.S.A Yoga. Alex took first place for Vermont, which ensured her an invitation to represent Vermont at the national championship. The State Games of America take place in August in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
On March 8, 2017, International Women’s Day, Alex commenced the Vermont Law Office Study Program, under the supervision of Attorney Mark D. Oettinger.
Hanah Kelly
Congratulations to Hanah for her acceptance at Northeastern University’s Master of Science program in Global Studies and International Relations at the College of Continuing Professional Studies. Hanah will work with us until the beginning of September, and then she moves to Boston, MA, to pursue her graduate degree. We will miss Hanah, but are very excited for this new chapter in her education and professional development.