Earle & Freeman, PLC

09/01/2026

08/21/2026

Happy World Entrepreneurs' Day to the small businesses who make Vermont such a special place to live and work! With more than 76,000 small businesses across the state, entrepreneurs not only create jobs, but also strengthen and serve the communities they call home. Their innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to their community is a force for good in Vermont's economy and workforce.

We're proud to support Vermont's entrepreneurs with practical employment law guidance and legal tools that help small businesses build a strong foundation for success. Whether you're hiring your first employee or expanding your team, having a thorough employee handbook, clear workplace policies, and up-to-date employment practices can help protect both your business and your employees. Reach out to us at [email protected] for more information.

Check out this informative article by ThinkVermont to read more about the impact of VT's small businesses and access further resources that support entrepreneurship:

Entrepreneurs Dreamers. Makers. Doers. #2 on the Opportunity Index (2019) #6 in the country for number of patents per 1,000 individuals in science & engineering occupations 76,787 Small Businesses in VT (fewer than 500 employees) (US Small Business Administration, 2023) 86.7% Percentage of Vermont.....

08/07/2026

When most people think of the Vermont Supreme Court, they think of the important legal decisions made on behalf of Vermonters and the administration of justice. However, tucked inside the Court's public lobby in Montpelier is a unique art space for art: the Vermont Supreme Court Gallery, which has showcased the work of contemporary Vermont artists for more than 20 years.

Don't miss this quarter's display, which features paintings by local artist Heidi Broner. Stop by for the opening reception tonight, Friday, August 7th, between 4:30pm and 7:00pm, with artist remarks at 6:00pm (hosted as part of Montpelier Art Walk, supported by Montpelier Alive). If you can't make the reception, the gallery is open Mon-Fri between 8:00am and 4:30pm.

Learn more here: https://curator.vermont.gov/vermont-supreme-court-gallery & https://www.vermontartscouncil.org/event/the-vermont-supreme-court-gallery-presents-animal-mineral-paintings-by-heidi-broner/

Located in the lobby of the Vermont Supreme Court, at 111 State Street, just east of the State House, the Gallery hosts contemporary Vermont artists on a quarterly rotating basis.  This broad, open space lends itself well to larger works of art, and has for over 20 years hosted many of Vermont’s...

07/28/2026

Is there space for institutional investors in Vermont’s residential housing market?

Many Vermonters would think twice, given the increasing challenges of accessing affordable housing in the state. VT lawmakers recognized these challenges earlier this year when considering legislation proposed by Representative Emilie Krasnow that aims to protect residential homebuyers by limiting and regulating the ability of large corporate investors to purchase single-family homes. Supporters argue the proposal could help preserve housing opportunities for Vermont residents and families, while finding a balance that does not disincentivize investors in Vermont.

Although the legislation will likely not be passed into law this year, it reflects the beginnings of conversation and debate surrounding housing affordability and access that could impact the legal landscape of real estate in Vermont.

Whether you're buying your first home, investing in property, or navigating a real estate transaction, understanding Vermont's legal environment is essential- reach out to Earle & Freeman at [email protected] for guidance through the process.

Read more about the proposal here:

Also in Final Reading: An investigation, a campaign announcement and deadline day.

07/17/2026

In Vermont, July marks more than the peak of summer. In Vermont, July 1st marks the date at which a new set of laws takes effect for the year ahead. Among this year's updates are:

• Increased consumer protections against ticket resellers and scalpers for concert ticket purchases (supported by VT-born musician Noah Kahan!)
• Legalizing the installation of portable plug-in solar panels for homes and businesses (becoming the 8th state to do so)
•An increase in the handling fee paid to redemption centers for returned bottles and cans by one cent to help support Vermont's redemption system
• A one-ounce increase in the legal possession limit for cannabis for adults 21 and older.
• A 10X increase in fines for oversized commercial trucks that illegally travel through Smugglers' Notch.
•Stricter penalties and an extension of the time limits for prosecuting crimes of voyeurism
•Expanding the types of emergency personnel whose families can access survivor benefits if they die during or related to their duty.

To read more about these new laws, check out this article published by VPR:

New laws will make it easier for residents to install plug-in solar panels and harder for people to get away with the crime of voyeurism. Also in the mix is yet another attempt to crack down on those oversize trucks still trying to traverse the forbidden Smugglers’ Notch stretch.

07/09/2026

With Pride Month coming to an end last week, as June closed in and July began, have you ever wondered why Pride Month is celebrated in June?

June was chosen to honor the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots that followed a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

However, June also marks another landmark moment in LGBTQ+ legal history. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, recognizing that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry nationwide. While in November 2025, a former Kentucky County clerk requested the Supreme Court to revisit and potentially overturn this ruling, the Supreme Court ultimately rejected this petition to revisit the case.

The June timing of the 2015 Obergefell ruling serves as a powerful reminder of how far the movement has come—and that the pursuit of equality and justice is ever-evolving.. Check out this brief video that provides an overview of the ruling by Jim Obergefell himself:

Jim Obergefell is a leading LBGTQ+ activist, speaker, producer, aut...

07/03/2026

On this eve of the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, E&F celebrates the promise, the ideals & the aspirations of this great country. As inscribed on one of our most famous symbols: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

May our community celebrate this country’s most cherished traditions, highest ideals & promise now and in the future, this Fourth of July.

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.