Earle & Freeman, PLC

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.

04/24/2026

04/16/2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

At Earle & Freeman, we stand with survivors and reaffirm our commitment to advocacy, accountability, and justice. This month is not only about raising awareness, but about creating communities rooted in respect and consent.

This April marks the 25th anniversary of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center's creation of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. However, Sexual Assault Awareness Month has deep roots in decades of advocacy prior to its formalization. Long before it was nationally recognized, survivors and activists worked to bring attention to and make meaningful change against sexual violence, leading to an increase in available resources and legal protections.

To learn more about the history behind Sexual Assault Awareness Month, check out this resource from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center:

April 2026 marks the official 25th anniversary of NSVRC’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month — but did you know we can trace its history even longer? Even before its official declaration, SAAM was about both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Looking at the history of...

04/06/2026

Is anyone else swept up in the Artemis moon travel? Humanity at our best. ❤️. Proud of these four space travelers. ⭐️

03/31/2026

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we wanted to take the time to reflect on and celebrate the countless women who have shaped the legal profession.

From trailblazers who broke barriers in the courtroom to the women leading with integrity and innovation today, the contributions of female legal professionals continues to strengthen our field and generate meaningful progress. We encourage you to explore this resource from the American Bar Association highlighting influential women past and present across the legal field:https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/diversity-inclusion-center/womenhistorymonth.pdf

While March may be ending, Earle & Freeman's commitment to supporting and celebrating women in the legal field continues!

03/20/2026

Join Vermont Law and Graduate School for their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Free Tax Preparation event! This initiative offers free assistance with federal and state tax filing, provided by trained volunteers to support low-to-moderate income individuals and elderly taxpayers (generally those with household incomes of $69,000 or less). This is a great opportunity to get reliable, no-cast tax support!

Appointments are available tomorrow, March 21st, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, and on Tuesday, March 24th, from 4:00–6:00 PM. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 802-831-1363. Check out the link below for more information and eligibility requirements.

Vermont Law and Graduate School is once again hosting a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. Volunteers will prepare and electronically