Managing employee performance is a challenging task for HR professionals. “Managing” managers, dealing with strong employee reactions, and the ever-present risk of lawsuits all make performance management a tough job. David Harlow and April Tuck are here to help. David and April will discuss strategies for effective performance management, aiming to reduce stress levels and litigation risk! Please join us on April 3, 2024. Where: Zoom Meeting When: April 3, 2024, 8:30–9:30 am Other Info: HRCI & SHRM Credits Register Here Your Hosts from DRM’s Labor & Employment Group F. David Harlow D ..read more

“William, I have this guy on the phone from the trademark office who wants my credit card number. I’m conferencing you in….” Those were the first words I heard when my client called me the other day. Moments later, I joined a call with my client and a very convincing “representative” of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) seeking money. Familiar with this ruse, I immediately told my client the call was a scam. Undeterred, the “USPTO representative” told my client to look at his phone where he could verify that the call was really from the USPTO. Of course, the “USPTO representative ..read more

Working from home can provide businesses with many benefits, including greater levels of employee satisfaction, increased productivity, and a better work-life balance.  But what if the opposite is also true? Join DRM Of Counsel (and former remote worker) Heather Southwell for a discussion on how too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, and the importance of preserving and fostering the best aspects of the Office Experience.  The discussion will include tips and strategies focused on maximizing meaningful engagement and collaboration in a hybrid work model. We hope to see you on M ..read more

On January 10, Governor Scott and a tripartisan group of legislators presented H. 719, dubbed the BeHOME Act.  This bill may constitute the most ambitious reform effort to date to address Vermont’s inadequate housing supply through various permit reforms, tax exemptions and appropriations.  The bill proposes a number of far-reaching reforms, both large and small. While it is certain that any housing and permit reform bill enacted by the General Assembly this session would modify elements of this bill, it is important to understand what is on the table. A summary of the bill’s key ele ..read more

Attorney David Sylvester Receives Inaugural Excellence in Action Award Attorney David J. Sylvester, Director at the northern New England law firm of Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC (“DRM”) was honored with the firm’s first Excellence in Action Award. The award was presented at the firmwide holiday gathering on December 2, 2023. “Clients First: You do exemplary work for a number of DRM’s most significant clients, and are always there when they need you,” reads an excerpt of the award presented to Sylvester at the event. “And you have also served the Firm with the same level of commitment as if it we ..read more

William J. Dodge and Timothy E. Copeland, Jr. Commencing as New Managers at DRM Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC (“DRM”) is pleased to announce that Attorney William J. Dodge has been elected to serve as the firm’s Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer. He replaces Peter B. Kunin, who served as DRM’s Managing Partner for the past six years. “Will is committed to our clients’ success, cares deeply about each and every one of our employees, and fully appreciates the important role DRM serves in our communities. Will is ideally suited to continue to build the firm’s high performing legal teams, w ..read more

Attorney Emily Samet has joined Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC (“DRM”), a multi-practice law firm based in northern New England. Before coming to DRM, Emily worked for several small law firms in southern Vermont, building legal experience in residential real estate transactions, as well as estate planning and administration, family law and probate practices. “We are very pleased that Emily has joined DRM,” said Zaw Win, leader of the firm’s Captive Insurance Group. “She has hit the ground running and is quickly becoming an integral part of our business law and captive insurance practices.” Emily ob ..read more

At our first HR Café of 2024, we are excited to welcome District Director, Steven McKinney, and Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist, Ana Rogers, from the United States Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Northern New England District Office, who will lead an informative discussion about developments in federal wage and hour law, review enforcement initiatives, and answer your questions. Alexandra Clauss will moderate the discussion. We hope to see you on January 3rd from 8:30-9:30. This HR Café is co-sponsored by the SHRM Vermont State Council. Where: Zoom Meeting ..read more

Attorney Gina Puls has joined the northern New England law firm Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC. Gina began practice in the firm’s Litigation Group in Burlington, Vermont in November after serving as HR and Special Counsel for the Vermont Office of the Defender General. Gina received her Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School. After law school she clerked for the Massachusetts Superior Court and worked in Boston where she was a lead litigation associate on complex trade secret misappropriation cases and other commercial, intellectual property and employment matters. “Gina is excited to get bac ..read more

Attorney Emily Garrett has joined the northern New England law firm Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC. Before coming to DRM, Emily worked in the Real Estate Investments and Transactions Group at Ropes & Gray in Boston, Massachusetts, where she advised clients on potential liabilities under federal and state environmental, health and safety laws, particularly CERCLA, RCRA, and the Clean Water/Clean Air Acts. “We are thrilled to welcome Emily to our dynamic team”, said Tim Sampson, Chair of DRM’s Complex Development and Land Use Group. “Emily’s impressive background in the Real Estate Investments an ..read more