Emily S. Davis

What I enjoy most about my practice are the relationships I form with my clients, who are smart and interesting people experiencing a legal transition in their lives, usually a stressful one. My goal is to provide information and advice to empower them to make decisions that promote outcomes which are satisfactory in the immediacy of the moment and after the benefit of hindsight. While I have empathy for my clients, I also recognize that good advocacy requires objectivity and perspective.

I have been in private practice in White River Junction since 1986, and a partner in my law firm since 1990. Before then, I was employed as a deputy state’s attorney for Windsor County. In that role, I tried over two dozen felony and misdemeanor cases to verdict before juries. I started my legal career as an associate at Downs Rachlin & Martin (Vermont’s largest law firm) in St. Johnsbury in 1982. I have been associated with Vermont Law School as an adjunct professor and, more recently, as a mentor for law students in the school’s General Practice Program.

Since 2003 I have participated in over 30 hours of accredited training in the practice of collaborative law.

I graduated from Boston College Law School, with honors, in 1982.

Bar Admissions (current): State Bars for Vermont (1982) and New Hampshire (1990)
    Federal Bars for the Districts of Vermont (1983) and New Hampshire (1990)

Associations, professional activities and awards (selected):

• Vermont Bar Association
  • President (1998 to 1999)
    
  • Board of Managers (1993 to 2000)
• New Hampshire Bar Association
• Collaborative Law Alliance of New Hampshire
  
• American Bar Association
  
• Windsor County Bar Association
  
  • President (1991 to 1992)
    
• Vermont Trial Lawyers Association
  
• Vermont Supreme Court Oversight Committee for Family Court (2000 to present)
  
• Vermont Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules for Family Proceedings (2004 to present)
• Vermont Citizens’ Justice Conference – Co-chair (June, 1998 to March, 1999)
  
• Vermont Supreme Court Commission on the Future of Vermont’s Justice System (August, 1998 to May, 1999)
  
• Board Member, Vermont Bar Foundation (1995 to 1998)
  
• Board Member, New England Bar Association (1995 to 1998, 2000)
• Award: Vermont Supreme Court and Family Court Oversight Committee recognition for dedication and service to the Vermont Family Court, 2005.
• Award: Vermont Volunteer Lawyer’s Project Award for Pro Bono Service, 1996