Earle & Freeman, PLC

06/19/2026

We practice law. Our country practices its promise. Let’s keep practicing.

06/17/2026

Schools out and Earle & Freeman wishes all Vermont students, teachers, and families a safe and wonderful summer! While students and teachers across Vermont head into summer vacation, in response to the past legislative session's robust discussion about education reform, several new education laws that will impact the upcoming school year have taken effect regarding district consolidation, immigration protocols, and absences/truancy.

If you're interested in learning more about how these changes may shape Vermont schools, check out the articles below from VTDigger. But for now, don't forget to take advantage of Vermont summer!

https://vtdigger.org/2026/05/29/vermont-passes-landmark-education-reform-without-forcing-districts-to-merge/

https://vtdigger.org/2026/06/16/beyond-education-reform-heres-a-roundup-of-vermonts-new-school-laws/

Big questions remain, such as what shape a new education funding formula could take, and how many districts will actually decide to consolidate.

06/11/2026

06/05/2026

Happy Pride Month! June is a time to recognize the contributions, achievements, and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals within our communities and throughout history. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the legal advocates, judges, public servants, and activists whose work has helped advance equality and expand access to justice.

On that note, we wanted to share the American Bar Association's list of LGBTQ+ legal trailblazers, which includes attorneys, judges, civil rights leaders, and public officials who have left a lasting impact on the legal profession and society as a whole. Visit this link to read their stories:

A collection of representatives that identify as LGBTQIA+ that have made significant impact on the legal field.

05/29/2026

Vermont recently became the first state in the country to ban paraquat, a widely used herbicide that studies have found is strongly linked to Parkinson’s disease onset. More than 70 other countries have already banned this chemical entirely, while in the US, over 35% of large commercial farms use the chemical. While the prevalence of this herbicide is small amongst Vermont farmers compared to the rest of the country, the state’s decision reflects an emphasis on public health and environmental protection.

As the first state to enact this type of ban, Vermont may help set an example for how states can address emerging health and environmental concerns in the communities through policy and legal change.

Check out this coverage from VTDigger to learn more about the story:

The law gives apple and other fruit farmers, who account for most of the herbicide’s use in the state, until the end of 2030 to fully phase it out.

05/26/2026

Despite the dreary weather, communities across Vermont gathered yesterday to honor Memorial Day with parades, ceremonies, and moments of remembrance. From annual parades to dedicating new monuments, Vermonters came together to recognize those who devoted their lives to serving our country. Earle & Freeman is grateful to the veterans, military families, and local communities who continue to preserve this legacy of honorable service across our state.

Check out the following links to learn more about the events that took place across Vermont yesterday:

Vermont Thunder's annual Memorial Day ride: https://www.wcax.com/2026/05/24/vermont-thunder-rides-through-state-memorial-day-weekend/
Vergennes Memorial Day Parade: https://www.wcax.com/2026/05/25/vergennes-holds-memorial-day-parade-honoring-fallen-soldiers/
Hartford dedicates monument to Korean and Vietnam war veterans: https://www.wcax.com/2026/05/25/hartford-dedicates-monument-honoring-korean-vietnam-war-veterans/
Essex Memorial Day Parade: https://www.wcax.com/2026/05/23/essex-memorial-day-ceremony-parade-honors-veterans/

Community gathers to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

05/18/2026

How’s everybody’s graduation season going? Attorney Earle is proud to share her son’s graduation with a Biology degree from Norwich & her daughter’s graduation with a doctoral degree from Tuft’s. Here’s to all our Vermont kids with bright futures & to all those Vermont kids still making their way!

05/10/2026

Mothers are cool! 😎. Enjoy your day!! ❤️

05/01/2026

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month came to a close yesterday, we wanted to highlight the recent legislative action in Vermont that protects victims and survivors amid the evolving nature of sexual exploitation:

Last week, Vermont enacted new legislation targeting sextortion, a form of abuse involving threats to distribute intimate images to coerce victims. The law reflects a growing recognition that sexual violence increasingly occurs in digital spaces, requiring legal frameworks to evolve to address the complex threats that technology can enable.

It is especially meaningful that this legislation was passed during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, underscoring the importance of both awareness and action in addressing harm. Bills like this are essential for moving forward, as they demonstrate how legal systems can evolve to better protect survivors and respond to new forms of exploitation.

Check out this piece from WCAX to learn more:

Vermont Governor Phil Scott has signed a law aimed at preventing sexual extortion.