SUPREME COURT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS AND RULES RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT PUBLIC SERVICE

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1 Rule 6.1. VOLUNTARY PRO BONO PUBLICO SERVICE. Vermont Rules SUPREME COURT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS AND RULES RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT PUBLIC SERVICE As amended through July 16, 2014 Rule 6.1. VOLUNTARY PRO BONO PUBLICO SERVICE Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay. A lawyer should render at least 50 hours of pro bono publico legal services per year. In fulfilling this responsibility, the lawyer should: (a) provide a substantial majority of the 50 hours of legal services without fee or expectation of fee to: (1) persons of limited means; or (2) charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental and educational organizations in matters which are designed primarily to address the needs of persons of limited means; and (b) provide any additional services through: (1) delivery of legal services at no fee or substantially reduced fee to individuals, groups or organizations seeking to secure or protect civil rights, civil liberties or public rights, or charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental and educational organizations in matters in furtherance of their organizational purposes, where the payment of standard legal fees would significantly deplete the organization's economic resources or would be otherwise inappropriate; (2) delivery of legal services at a substantially reduced fee to persons of limited means; or (3) participation in activities for improving the law, the legal system or the legal profession. In addition, a lawyer should voluntarily contribute financial support to organizations that provide legal services to persons of limited means. History. Amended June 14, 2009, eff. Sept. 1, Note: Comment [1] Every lawyer, regardless of professional prominence or professional work load, has a responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay, and personal involvement in the problems of the disadvantaged can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the life of a lawyer. The Vermont Supreme Court urges all lawyers to provide a minimum of 50 hours of pro bono services annually. It is recognized that in some years a lawyer may render greater or fewer hours than the annual standard specified, but during the course of his or her legal career, each lawyer should render, on average per year, the number of hours set forth in this rule. Services can be performed in civil matters or in criminal or quasi-criminal matters for which there is no government obligation to provide funds for legal representation, such as divorce and family law matters. [2] Paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) recognize the critical need for legal services that exists among persons of limited means by providing that a substantial majority of the legal services rendered annually to the disadvantaged be furnished without fee or expectation of fee. Legal services under these paragraphs consist of a full range of activities, including individual and class representation, the provision of legal advice, legislative lobbying, administrative rule making and the provision of free training or mentoring to those who represent persons of limited means. The variety of these activities should facilitate participation by government lawyers, even when restrictions exist on their engaging in the

2 outside practice of law. [3] Persons eligible for legal services under paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) are those who qualify for participation in programs funded by the Legal Services Corporation and those whose incomes and financial resources are slightly above the guidelines utilized by such programs but nevertheless cannot afford counsel. Legal services can be rendered to individuals or to organizations such as homeless shelters, battered women's centers and food pantries that serve those of limited means. The term "governmental organizations" includes, but is not limited to, public protection programs and sections of governmental or public sector agencies. [4] Because service must be provided without fee or expectation of fee, the intent of the lawyer to render free legal services is essential for the work performed to fall within the meaning of paragraphs (a)(1) and (2). Accordingly, services rendered cannot be considered pro bono if an anticipated fee is uncollected, but the award of statutory attorneys' fees in a case originally accepted as pro bono would not disqualify such services from inclusion under this section. Lawyers who do receive fees in such cases are encouraged to contribute an appropriate portion of such fees to organizations or projects that benefit persons of limited means. [5] While it is possible for a lawyer to fulfill the annual responsibility to perform pro bono services exclusively through activities described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2), to the extent that any hours of service remained unfulfilled, the remaining commitment can be met in a variety of ways as set forth in paragraph (b). Constitutional, statutory or regulatory restrictions may prohibit or impede government and public sector lawyers and judges from performing the pro bono services outlined in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2). Accordingly, where those restrictions apply, government and public sector lawyers and judges may fulfill their pro bono responsibility by performing services outlined in paragraph (b). [6] Paragraph (b)(1) includes the provision of certain types of legal services to those whose incomes and financial resources place them above limited means. It also permits the pro bono lawyer to accept a substantially reduced fee for services. Examples of the types of issues that may be addressed under this paragraph include First Amendment claims, Title VII claims and environmental protection claims. Additionally, a wide range of organizations may be represented, including social service, medical research, cultural and religious groups. [7] Paragraph (b)(2) covers instances in which lawyers agree to and receive a modest fee for furnishing legal services to persons of limited means. Participation in judicare programs and acceptance of court appointments in which the fee is substantially below a lawyer's usual rate are encouraged under this section. [8] Paragraph (b)(3) recognizes the value of lawyers engaging in activities that improve the law, the legal system or the legal profession. Serving on bar association committees, serving on boards of pro bono or legal services programs, taking part in Law Day activities, acting as a continuing legal education instructor, a mediator or an arbitrator and engaging in legislative lobbying to improve the law, the legal system or the profession are a few examples of the many activities that fall within this paragraph. [9] Because the provision of pro bono services is a professional responsibility, it is the individual ethical commitment of each lawyer. Nevertheless, there may be times when it is not feasible for a lawyer to engage in pro bono services. At such times a lawyer may discharge the pro bono responsibility by providing financial support to organizations providing free legal services to persons of limited means. Such financial support should be reasonably equivalent to the value of the hours of service that would have otherwise been provided. In addition, at times it may be more feasible to satisfy the pro bono responsibility collectively, as by a firm's aggregate pro bono activities. [10] Because the efforts of individual lawyers are not enough to meet the need for free legal services that exists among persons of limited means, the government and the profession have instituted additional programs to provide

3 those services. Every lawyer should financially support such programs, in addition to either providing direct pro bono services or making financial contributions when pro bono service is not feasible. [11] Law firms should act reasonably to enable and encourage all lawyers in the firm to provide the pro bono legal services called for by this rule. [12] The responsibility set forth in this rule is not intended to be enforced through disciplinary process. Reporter's Notes-2009 Amendment V.R.P.C. 6.1 is amended to conform to the changes in the Model Rule. In Vermont Comment [1], "Vermont Supreme Court" is substituted for "American Bar Association," emphasizing the importance that the Court attaches to pro bono service, and the parentheses have been removed from the number "50" in the rule, reflecting adoption of that minimum service goal. The added sentence at the end of Comment [9] restores language omitted without explanation when the Vermont rule was adopted. The ABA Reporter's Explanation is as follows: TEXT: The Commission has added a sentence at the beginning of the Rule to give greater prominence to the proposition that every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide legal services to persons unable to pay. The point is [also] made in... Comment [1]. COMMENT: [11] This new Comment calls upon law firms to act reasonably to enable all lawyers in the firm to provide the pro bono legal services called for by the Rule.

4 Rule 6.2. ACCEPTING APPOINTMENTS. Vermont Rules SUPREME COURT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS AND RULES RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT PUBLIC SERVICE As amended through July 16, 2014 Rule 6.2. ACCEPTING APPOINTMENTS A lawyer shall not seek to avoid appointment by a tribunal to represent a person except for good cause, such as: (a) representing the client is likely to result in violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law; (b) representing the client is likely to result in an unreasonable financial burden on the lawyer; or (c) the client or the cause is so repugnant to the lawyer as to be likely to impair the client-lawyer relationship or the lawyer's ability to represent the client. Note: Comment [1] A lawyer ordinarily is not obliged to accept a client whose character or cause the lawyer regards as repugnant. The lawyer's freedom to select clients is, however, qualified. All lawyers have a responsibility to assist in providing pro bono publico service. See Rule 6.1. An individual lawyer fulfills this responsibility by accepting a fair share of unpopular matters or indigent or unpopular clients. A lawyer may also be subject to appointment by a court to serve unpopular clients or persons unable to afford legal services. Appointed Counsel [2] For good cause a lawyer may seek to decline an appointment to represent a person who cannot afford to retain counsel or whose cause is unpopular. Good cause exists if the lawyer could not handle the matter competently, see Rule 1.1, or if undertaking the representation would result in an improper conflict of interest, for example, when the client or the cause is so repugnant to the lawyer as to be likely to impair the client-lawyer relationship or the lawyer's ability to represent the client. A lawyer may also seek to decline an appointment if acceptance would be unreasonably burdensome, for example, when it would impose a financial sacrifice so great as to be unjust. [3] An appointed lawyer has the same obligations to the client as retained counsel, including the obligations of loyalty

5 and confidentiality, and is subject to the same limitations on the client-lawyer relationship, such as the obligation to refrain from assisting the client in violation of the rules. Reporter's Notes-2009 Amendment There are no changes to Model Rule 6.2 or its comment. The only change in the Vermont rule is the insertion of the bracketed numbers to designate the paragraphs of the comment.

6 Rule Appearance and Withdrawal of Attorneys. Vermont Rules RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE X. SUPERIOR COURTS AND CLERKS; ATTORNEYS As amended through July 16, 2014 Rule Appearance and Withdrawal of Attorneys (a) Appearance: In General. Upon the filing of an action or appeal the name of the attorney of the plaintiff or appellant shall be entered on the docket. If any party changes an attorney pending the suit, the name of the new attorney shall be substituted on the docket for that of the former attorney. Until notice of the change of an attorney, all notice given to or by the attorney first appointed shall be considered in all respects as notice to or from the client, except in cases in which by law the notice is required to be given to the party personally. Nothing in these rules shall be construed to prevent any party in a suit from appearing for himself or herself, in which case the party so appearing shall be subject to the same rules that are or may be provided for attorneys in like cases, so far as the same are applicable. (b) Same: Form; Service. An attorney's signature to a pleading shall constitute an appearance. Otherwise an attorney who wishes to participate in any action must appear in open court, or file notice in writing with the clerk, which shall be served pursuant to Rule 5. Appearances entered in open court shall be confirmed in writing and served within five days. An appearance, whether by pleading or formal written appearance, shall be signed by an attorney in the attorney's individual name and shall state the attorney's office address. (c) Same: Multiple Parties. In entering appearance for defendants, attorneys shall specify, and the clerk shall enter upon the docket, for whom they appear, if there is more than one defendant. An appearance for the plaintiffs or the defendants, as the case may be, where there are several, shall be deemed to be an appearance for all, unless stated to be for one or more only, and so entered upon the docket by the clerk. (d) Parties Appearing Pro Se. When a party not an attorney of the court prosecutes or defends in the party's own proper person, the party shall comply with subdivision (b) of this rule. (e) Attorneys Not Admitted to Practice in Vermont. Any member in good standing of the bar of any other state or of the District of Columbia who has filed a pro hac vice licensing statement form with the Court Administrator and who has paid the required fee, in accordance with Administrative Order No. 41, 13, may, in the discretion of the court on motion by a member of the bar of this

7 state who is actively associated with that attorney in a particular action, be admitted to practice in that action. The motion shall designate which attorney will serve as lead counsel. The court may at any time for good cause revoke such admission. An attorney so admitted to practice in a particular action shall at all times be associated in such action with a member of the bar of this state, upon whom all process, notices and other papers shall be served and who shall sign all papers filed with the court and whose attendance may be required by the court. (f) Withdrawal: In General. When an attorney has entered an appearance the attorney shall remain as counsel until the attorney has been granted leave to withdraw by the court. Such leave shall be granted as a matter of course after a judgment becomes final. Leave to withdraw after a case has been set for trial will be granted only for good cause shown and on such terms as the court may order. No motion to withdraw shall be considered by the court until the party has been given notice of the motion and the date and time of hearing thereon by the clerk. The only exceptions to this shall be (1) when the attorney includes in the motion an affidavit that after diligent search the attorney cannot determine the present address of the party, and (2) when other counsel has entered an appearance for the party. (g) Same: Notification of Party. When an attorney has been granted leave to withdraw the attorney's appearance, the clerk shall notify the party forthwith, electronically if the party is a registered filer under the Vermont Rules for Electronic Filing, otherwise by mail, of such withdrawal, and inform said party that unless the party appears pro se or by attorney within thirty days after receipt of such notification, the action will be dismissed or defaulted, as the case may be. (h) Limited Appearance. (1) An attorney acting pursuant to an agreement with a client for limited representation that complies with the Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct may enter an appearance limited to one or more of the following purposes on behalf of a client who is pro se and who has entered, or will enter, a general appearance: (A) Filing a complaint or other pleading. (B) Filing or arguing a specific motion or motions. (C) Conducting one or more specific discovery procedures. (D) Participating in a pretrial conference or an alternative dispute resolution proceeding. (E) Acting as counsel for a particular hearing or trial. (F) Taking and perfecting an appeal.

8 (G) With leave of court, for a specific issue or a specific portion of a trial or hearing. (2) An attorney who wishes to enter a limited appearance shall do so by filing with the clerk and serving pursuant to Rule 5 a written notice of limited appearance as soon as practicable prior to commencement of the appearance. The purpose and scope of the appearance shall be specifically described in the notice, which shall represent that the client is pro se and has entered, or will forthwith enter, a general appearance. The attorney's name and a brief statement of the purpose of the limited appearance shall be entered upon the docket. The notice and all actions taken pursuant to it shall be subject to the obligations of Rule 11. (3) An attorney who has entered a limited appearance shall be granted leave to withdraw as a matter of course when the purpose for which the appearance was entered has been accomplished. An attorney who seeks to withdraw before that purpose has been accomplished may do so only on motion and notice, for good cause and on terms, as provided in Rule 79.1(f). (4) Every paper required by Rule 5 to be served upon a party's attorney that is to be served after entry of a limited appearance shall be served upon the party and upon the attorney entering that appearance unless the attorney has been granted leave to withdraw pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subdivision. (i) Attorney License Number; ecabinet Registration Number. Any document that constitutes a first appearance of an attorney shall contain, in addition to the name of the appearing attorney, the ecabinet registration number assigned to that attorney on registering an address pursuant to Rule 3 of the Vermont Rules for Electronic Filing. History. Amended Dec. 12, 1985, eff. April 1, 1986; Nov. 25, 1986, eff. March 1, 1987; Feb. 6, 2006, eff. April 14, 2006; March 15, 2006, eff. June 30, 2006; May 7, 2009, eff. July 6, 2009; Aug. 17, 2010, eff. Oct. 1, 2010; Aug. 30, 2011, eff. Oct. 31, 2011; February 6, 2013, effective April 8, Note: Reporter's Notes Amendment Rule 79.1(h), permitting a lawyer acting pursuant to a limited representation agreement with a pro se client to enter a limited appearance in the Superior Court ("unbundling"), is now made permanent. The rule was originally adopted by order of February 6, 2006, effective April 14, 2006, for a period of two years, extended until April 10, 2009, by order of March 13, At the direction of the Supreme Court, the Advisory Committee on Rules of Civil Procedure inquired about use of the rule and, with the assistance of the Vermont Bar Association, conducted a survey of practice under it. While the survey reflected relatively little use of limited appearance, a significant number of lawyers who used the procedure found it helpful, and there have been no reports of problems in its use. The rule has proven effective in achieving its original purposes of providing assistance of lawyers to courts and litigants at critical stages in trials or other proceedings and encouraging lawyers to take on pro bono representation. See Reporter's Notes to 2006 amendment adopting the rule. It may be anticipated that greater familiarity with the rule and growing interest at the bar

9 in providing pro bono representation will lead to increased use of the unbundling procedure.

10 Rule 15. Appearance and Withdrawal of Attorneys. Vermont Rules RULES FOR FAMILY PROCEEDINGS As amended through July 16, 2014 Rule 15. Appearance and Withdrawal of Attorneys (a) Appearance: In General. This rule applies to all proceedings under Family Rules 2, 3, 4 and 9. (1) Entry; Effect. (A) Upon the entry of an appearance in accordance with paragraph (2) or (4) of this subdivision, or with subdivision (g), or the entry of a limited appearance under subdivision (h), the name of the attorney appearing or the words "pro se," as appropriate, shall be entered on the docket. If the representation of any party changes during the pendency of the action, the name of the new attorney or the words "pro se," as appropriate, shall be substituted on the docket for the previous entry. (B) Entry of an appearance by an attorney or a party pro se in accordance with this rule shall be deemed a designation by the party of the person upon whom all service is to be made and to whom all notices are to be sent by the court or other parties, except in cases in which by law the notice is required to be given to the party personally. The designation shall remain in effect until an attorney who has appeared withdraws pursuant to subdivision (f) or until an attorney enters an appearance for a party who had previously appeared pro se. (2) Form; Service. Except as provided in a limited appearance under subdivision (h), an attorney's signature to a pleading or motion shall constitute an appearance. Otherwise an attorney who wishes to participate in any action must appear in open court, or file notice in writing with the clerk, which shall be served pursuant to Civil Rule 5. Appearances entered in open court shall be confirmed in writing and served within five days. An appearance, whether by pleading or motion or by formal written appearance, shall be signed by an attorney in the attorney's individual name and shall state the attorney's office address. (3) Multiple Parties. In entering appearances when there are multiple parties, attorneys shall specify, and the clerk shall enter upon the docket, for whom they appear. An appearance for the plaintiffs or the defendants, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be an appearance for all, unless stated to be for one or more only, and so entered upon the docket by the clerk.

11 (4) Parties Appearing Pro Se. A party may make an initial appearance pro se by signing a pleading or motion, by appearing in open court if no pleading or motion is required, or by filing a signed notice with the clerk, which shall be served pursuant to Civil Rule 5. Initial appearances entered in open court shall be confirmed in writing and served within 5 days. An initial pro se appearance, whether by pleading or formal written appearance, shall state the party's current mailing address and telephone number. A pro se party shall advise the clerk of any change of address or telephone number. When a party appears pro se, the clerk shall provide that party information concerning the responsibilities of a pro se party and a form upon which the party may notify the clerk of any change of address or telephone number. (5) Continuances to Secure Counsel. Except as provided in Rule 9(h), when no attorney has entered an appearance for a party by the date of a scheduled hearing, the hearing shall not be continued to enable that party to secure counsel unless that party has not had reasonable opportunity to secure counsel, or unless an appropriate order for temporary relief is entered. (b) Same: Divorce, Parentage, and Other Actions under Rule 4. The appearance of an attorney for a party in a divorce, parentage, or other action under Rule 4 shall constitute the attorney's appearance for that party in all related matters in the Family Court, except when otherwise provided in subdivisions (c), and (d), and in a limited appearance under subdivision (h). (c) Same: Abuse Prevention Actions. (1) An attorney who has entered an appearance for any party in an abuse prevention action shall not be obliged to appear in a subsequently filed divorce, parentage, or other action under Rule 4 unless the final hearing on the abuse prevention order is consolidated with a hearing for temporary relief in the action under Rule 4. In the event of such a consolidation, the attorney must represent the party for all purposes at that hearing. After entry of the final order in the abuse prevention action, the attorney shall not be obliged to undertake further representation of the party in the action under Rule 4 unless the attorney enters a separate appearance in that action. (2) Except as may be otherwise agreed or ordered pursuant to a limited appearance under subdivision (h), an attorney who has entered an appearance for any party in an abuse prevention action shall be obliged to appear in a previously filed divorce, parentage, or other action under Rule 4 if the relief sought in the abuse prevention action would have the effect of modifying an order previously entered in the action under Rule 4. (3) Except as may be otherwise agreed or ordered pursuant to a limited appearance under subdivision (h), the appearance of an attorney for any party in a divorce, parentage, or other action under Rule 4 shall be deemed an appearance for that party in an abuse prevention action subsequently filed pro se by that party during the pendency of the original action. When an abuse prevention action is filed pro se, the clerk, subsequent to the issuance of any order, shall notify all counsel of record and parties in any pending divorce, parentage, or other action under Rule 4

12 between the parties to the abuse prevention action. (d) Same: Child Support Hearings. Except as may be otherwise agreed or ordered pursuant to a limited appearance under subdivision (h), an attorney who has entered an appearance for any party in a divorce, parentage, or other action under Rule 4 shall participate in all child support hearings and shall comply with all provisions for the exchange and filing of all required financial documents. In the discretion of the judge or magistrate, and for good cause shown, an attorney may be excused from attending a child support hearing, provided that not less than 5 days prior to the scheduled hearing date, the attorney files (1) all financial affidavits and other documentation required by statute and these rules; and (2) a joint waiver of representation, signed by attorney and client and setting forth that the client has affirmatively requested to appear pro se at the child support hearing and understands the nature and scope of the hearing; and further provided that parental rights and responsibilities are the subject of a court order or an existing written stipulation on file with the court. (e) Attorneys Not Admitted to Practice in Vermont. Any member in good standing of the bar of any other state or the District of Columbia who has filed a pro hac vice licensing statement form with the Court Administrator and who has paid the required fee, in accordance with Administrative Order No. 41, 13, may, in the discretion of the court on motion by a member of the bar of this state who is actively associated with the attorney in a particular action, be admitted to practice in that action. The motion shall designate which attorney will serve as lead counsel. The court may at any time for good cause revoke such admission. An attorney so admitted to practice in a particular action shall at all times be associated in such action with a member of the bar of this state, upon whom all process, notices and other papers shall be served and who shall sign all papers filed with the court and whose attendance may be required by the court. (f) Withdrawal. (1) In General. Except as may be otherwise agreed or ordered pursuant to a limited appearance under subdivision (h): (A) Actions under Rule 4. In any divorce, parentage, or other action under Rule 4, the appearance of an attorney shall be deemed to be withdrawn upon the entry of final judgment and the expiration of the time for appeal therefrom. Prior to the expiration of the time for appeal from a final judgment in such an action, an attorney who has entered an appearance may withdraw only with leave of court granted as provided in paragraph (2) or (3) of this subdivision. (B) Other Actions. In any other action, an attorney who has entered an appearance may withdraw only with leave of court granted as provided in paragraph (2) or (3) of this subdivision. (2) Leave to Withdraw without Hearing. The court shall grant leave to withdraw on motion without notice and hearing, (A) after entry of final judgment and the expiration of the time for appeal

13 therefrom in any action where withdrawal is not automatic under subparagraph (1)(A) of this subdivision; or (B), except in any action where a final hearing has been scheduled, when a represented party files a written pro se appearance pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) or another attorney enters an appearance for such a party. The court may grant appointed counsel leave to withdraw on motion without notice and hearing only when the ground of withdrawal is a conflict of interest. (3) Leave to Withdraw after Hearing. In any case where withdrawal is not automatic under subparagraph (1)(A) of this subdivision and leave to withdraw may not be granted under paragraph (2), the court shall grant leave to withdraw only on motion, after notice and hearing, for good cause shown, and on such terms as the court may order. (4) Motion and Notice. A motion to withdraw under paragraph (3) of this subdivision shall include the party's last known address. No motion to withdraw under paragraph (3) shall be considered by the court until the party has been given notice of the motion and the date and time of hearing thereon by the clerk. The only exceptions to this requirement shall be (A) when the attorney includes in the motion an affidavit that after diligent search the attorney cannot determine the present address of the party, or (B) when other counsel has entered an appearance for the party. (g) Same: Notification of Party. When an attorney has been granted leave to withdraw an appearance pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (f) or a limited appearance pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (h), the clerk shall cause notice of the withdrawal to be served upon the party forthwith in the manner provided in Civil Rule 5. The notice shall inform the party that unless an attorney enters an appearance on behalf of the party within 15 days after service of the notice, the party will be deemed to have entered a pro se appearance. If no appearance by attorney is entered within 15 days, the clerk shall send the party written notification of the party's pro se status and shall serve that notification upon all other parties pursuant to Civil Rule 5. The notification to the party shall be accompanied by the material required by paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) to be sent to a party making an initial appearance pro se. (h) Limited Appearance. (1) Except in a proceeding under Rule 2 or 3 of these rules, an attorney acting pursuant to an agreement with a client for limited representation that complies with the Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct may enter an appearance limited to one or more of the following purposes on behalf of a client who is pro se and who has entered, or will enter, an initial appearance in accordance with paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) or pursuant to subdivision (g): (A) Filing a complaint or other pleading. (B) Conducting one or more specific discovery procedures.

14 (C) Participating in a case management or status conference, an alternative dispute resolution or parent coordination proceeding, or a proceeding before a property or visitation master. (D) Acting as counsel for a particular hearing or court event. (E) Filing a notice of appeal from a decision of a family court magistrate or judge and taking any subsequent actions concerning the record, briefing, or argument in connection with an appeal. (F) With leave of court, for a specific issue or a specific portion of a hearing. (2) An attorney who wishes to enter a limited appearance shall do so by filing with the clerk and serving pursuant to Civil Rule 5 a written notice of limited appearance as soon as practicable prior to commencement of the appearance. The purpose and scope of the appearance shall be specifically described in the notice, which shall represent that the client is pro se and has entered, or will forthwith enter, an initial appearance. The attorney's name and a brief statement of the purpose of the limited appearance shall be entered upon the docket. The notice and all actions taken pursuant to it shall be subject to the obligations of Civil Rule 11. (3) An attorney who has entered a limited appearance shall be granted leave to withdraw on motion without notice and hearing pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) when the purpose for which the appearance was entered has been accomplished. An attorney who seeks to withdraw before that purpose has been accomplished may do so only on motion and notice, for good cause and on terms, as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subdivision (f). (4) Every paper required by Civil Rule 5 to be served upon a party's attorney that is to be served after entry of a limited appearance shall be served upon the party and upon the attorney entering that appearance unless the attorney has been granted leave to withdraw pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subdivision. (i) Attorney License Number; ecabinet Registration Number. Any document that constitutes a first appearance of an attorney shall contain, in addition to the name of the appearing attorney, the ecabinet registration number assigned to that attorney on registering an address pursuant to Rule 3 of the Vermont Rules for Electronic Filing. History. Added June 27, 1996, eff. Sept. 1, 1996; amended March 15, 2006, eff. June 30, 2006; amended Dec. 10, 2009, eff. February 12, 2010; February 6, 2013, effective April 8, Note: Reporter's Notes-2010 Amendment Rule 15 is amended to permit a lawyer acting pursuant to a limited representation agreement with a pro se client to enter a limited appearance in the Family Court in certain specific situations. The principal change to affect this purpose is the addition of Rule 15(h), which is adapted from V.R.C.P. 79.1(h). That rule was adopted effective April 14, 2006, for a two year period, extended to April 10, 2009, by order of March 13, 2008, and made permanent

15 effective July 6, At the direction of the Supreme Court, the Advisory Committee on Rules of Civil Procedure inquired about use of V.R.C.P. 79.1(h) and, with the assistance of the Vermont Bar Association, conducted a survey of practice under it. While the survey reflected relatively little use of limited appearance, a significant number of lawyers who used the procedure found it helpful, and there have been no reports of problems in its use. The rule has proven effective in achieving its original purposes of providing assistance of lawyers to courts and litigants at critical stages in trials or other proceedings and encouraging lawyers to take on pro bono representation. See Reporter's Notes to 2006 amendment of V.R.C.P It may be anticipated that greater familiarity with the rule and growing interest at the bar in providing pro bono representation will lead to increased use of the unbundling procedure. Accordingly, the Civil Rules Committee recommended that V.R.C.P. 79.1(h) as adopted be made permanent. Given the great and increasing numbers of pro se litigants in Family Court, the use of the limited appearance procedure there is potentially of even greater importance. For a general explanation of the rationale and operation of V.R.F.P. 15(h), see Reporter's Notes to 2006 amendment of V.R.C.P V.R.F.P. 15(h)(1) departs from V.R.C.P. 79.1(h)(1) in certain respects that reflect differences in Family Court practice. The unbundling procedure is not available in proceedings under V.R.F.P. 2 and 3, given the special requirements of CHINS and TPR proceedings. The client appearance language in the last clause of paragraph (1) is tailored to the requirements of V.R.F.P. 15(a)(4) and (g). The provision of V.R.C.P. 79.1(h)(1)(B) for filing or arguing specific motions is not carried forward because essentially duplicated by V.R.F.P. 15(h)(1)(D), discussed below. V.R.F.P. 15(h)(1)(C) makes clear that limited representation is available in specific pretrial proceedings in Family Court. The words "court event" have been added to V.R.F.P. 15(h)(1)(D), both to reflect more accurately the broader nature of Family Court proceedings and to make clear that the representation is limited in terms of particular matters, rather than by time. V.R.F.P. 15(h)(1)(E) makes clear that limited appellate representation includes appeals from both a magistrate and a judge and can include subsequent steps in the appeal. V.R.F.P. 15(h)(1)(F), like V.R.C.P. 79.1(h)(1)(G), is intended to affirm the inherent control of the judge over the course of a hearing. See Reporter's Notes to 2006 amendment of V.R.C.P V.R.F.P. 15(h)(2)-(4) are identical to V.R.C.P. 79.1(h)(2)- (4), with minor variations to fit the framework of other provisions of Rule 15. Amendments to V.R.F.P. 15(a)(1) and (2), (b), (c)(2) and (3), and (d)-(g) make clear the effect of a limited appearance under subdivision (h) on the matters covered by those provisions, and paragraph (c)(2) has been rewritten for clarity.

16 Rule 1. Scope of Rules. Vermont Rules RULES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COURT PROCEEDINGS As amended through July 16, 2014 Rule 1. Scope of Rules These rules govern the procedure in the Environmental Division of the Superior Court in all matters within the original or appellate jurisdiction of the court and the procedure in appeals from the Environmental Division to the Supreme Court. The rules shall be construed and administered to ensure summary and expedited proceedings consistent with a full and fair determination in every matter coming before the court. History. Added Dec. 21, 2004, eff. Feb. 21, 2005; amended Jan. 25, 2005, eff. Jan. 31, 2005; July 1, 2010, eff. July 1, Rule 2. General Provisions. Vermont Rules RULES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COURT PROCEEDINGS As amended through July 16, 2014 Rule 2. General Provisions (a) Applicability. This rule applies in all proceedings under these rules, except as modified by provisions of the rules pertaining to particular proceedings. (b) Coordination of Proceedings. On motion of a party, or on the court's own motion, where the same violation or project involves multiple proceedings that have resulted or may result in separate hearings or appeals in the Environmental Court, or where different violations or projects involve significant common issues of law or fact, the court may advance, defer, coordinate, or combine proceedings and may make other orders that will promote expeditious and fair proceedings and avoid unnecessary costs or delay. (c) Discovery. Unless the parties otherwise agree, the court in a pretrial order issued under

17 paragraph (d)(3) of this rule shall establish the type, sequence, and amount of discovery available under Rules of the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure, limiting the discovery permitted to that which is necessary for a full and fair determination of the proceeding. (d) Pretrial Conference and Order. (1) The court shall hold a pretrial conference as soon as possible after the filing of the last pretrial memorandum required in a review of an administrative order or the last statement of questions required in an appeal or the time for filing either has passed. The court may hold subsequent conferences, on its own motion or at the request of a party, as necessary to promote the expeditious and fair disposition of the proceeding. Any conference may be scheduled by the court to be held by telephone. All unrepresented parties and counsel for all represented parties must attend all conferences. Unless a party or counsel is excused by the court in advance of the scheduled date, failure to attend a conference may result in sanctions, including dismissal of the appeal or entry of default. The judge shall preside at the initial conference but may assign the case manager to conduct all, or specific portions, of any subsequent conference and report to the judge on any matters agreed upon and any matters in dispute. Motions may be scheduled to be heard at any conference held by the judge, and any conference or motion hearing may be recorded by audiotape or other electronic means with leave of the court. (2) At the initial conference, the following matters shall be considered, if applicable, and appropriate schedules shall be established: (i) the status of any stay that has previously been granted; (ii) issues of intervention and party status; (iii) whether to advance, defer, coordinate, or combine proceedings pursuant to subdivision (b) of this rule; (iv) whether to allow clarification of the statement of questions; and (v) the potential for dismissal of all or some issues or for summary judgment or other disposition of any legal issue or issues before trial. At the initial or any subsequent conference, the following additional matters shall be considered, if applicable: (vi) whether to narrow the issues to be heard; (vii) the appropriate type, sequence and amount of discovery; (viii) the use of prefiled evidence and expert witnesses; (ix) whether a site visit is needed; (x) the use of alternative dispute resolution or other means of expediting the proceeding; and (xi) any other matter necessary to the expeditious and fair disposition of the proceeding. (3) In every case, the court shall issue one or more written orders under Rules 16, 16.2, or 26(f) of the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure, as appropriate. The order or orders shall, at a minimum: (i) dispose of any issues determined at the conference and set a date for the hearing and disposition of any other pending issues raised; (ii) state the type, sequence, and amount of discovery to be conducted and provide a plan and schedule for the completion of discovery; (iii) affirm a schedule for any alternative dispute resolution process ordered or agreed upon under V.R.C.P. 16.3; (iv) if prefiled evidence is to be used, contain appropriate orders concerning its use; (v) contain appropriate orders concerning the use of expert testimony at trial; (vi) contain appropriate orders governing a site visit, if any is to be conducted; and (vii) contain appropriate orders concerning trial scheduling.

18 (e) Evidence. (1) Rules of Evidence. The Vermont Rules of Evidence shall be followed in all matters within the original jurisdiction of the court and in all appeals by trial de novo, except that evidence, not privileged, that is not admissible under the Rules of Evidence may be admitted in the discretion of the court if it is of a type commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent persons in the conduct of their affairs. (2) Prefiled Evidence. (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, prefiled evidence may be admitted as ordered by the court in a pretrial order issued pursuant to paragraph (d)(3) of this rule when a hearing will be expedited and the interests of the parties will not be prejudiced substantially. (B) Prefiled testimony and related exhibits will be admitted only if the witness is present and available for cross-examination, unless the court and the parties otherwise agree or the witness is unavailable as defined in Rule 804(a) of the Vermont Rules of Evidence. (3) Site Visits. One or more site visits may be conducted when appropriate to assist the court in rendering a decision. History. Added Dec. 21, 2004, eff. Feb. 21, 2005; amended Jan. 25, 2005, eff. Jan. 31, Rule 3. Civil Actions. Vermont Rules RULES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COURT PROCEEDINGS As amended through July 16, 2014 Rule 3. Civil Actions The following actions within the original jurisdiction of the Environmental Court shall be commenced and conducted as civil actions under the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure and the Vermont Rules of Appellate Procedure, so far as those rules are applicable and except as they may be modified by subdivisions (b)-(e) of Rule 2: (1) Revocation of state land use permits granted under 10 V.S.A., ch. 151, as provided in 4 V.S.A. 1001(b).

19 (2) Enforcement of final administrative orders of the Secretary as provided in 10 V.S.A. 8014(a). (3) Certain civil ordinance violations relating to enforcement under 24 V.S.A., Chapter 117, as provided in 24 V.S.A. 1974a(b). (4) Enforcement of final municipal solid waste orders as provided in 24 V.S.A. 2297a(j). (5) Actions to recover penalties for violations of bylaws enacted under 24 V.S.A., Chapter 117, as provided in 24 V.S.A (6) Actions by municipal administrative officers to prevent, restrain, correct, or abate violations of bylaws enacted under 24 V.S.A., Chapter 117, as provided in 24 V.S.A (7) Actions by the Attorney General to challenge the validity of a bylaw or its administration on the grounds that it violates 24 V.S.A. 4412(1) relating to equal treatment of housing and adequate provision of affordable housing, as provided in 24 V.S.A (8) Actions by municipalities or interested persons to enforce decisions of appropriate municipal panels under 24 V.S.A., Chapter 117, by mandamus, injunction, process of contempt, or otherwise, as provided in 24 V.S.A. 4470(b). (9) Actions by municipalities to revoke a municipal land use permit issued under 24 V.S.A. chapter 117, as provided in 24 V.S.A (10) Any other original action concerning a subject matter within the jurisdiction of the Environmental Court in which the relief sought is not available under other provisions of these rules or by action pursuant to paragraphs (1)-(9) of this rule. History. Added Dec. 21, 2004, eff. Feb. 21, 2005; amended Jan. 25, 2005, eff. Jan. 31, 2005; May 20, 2010, eff. July 26, Rule 4. Review of Environmental Enforcement Orders. Vermont Rules RULES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COURT PROCEEDINGS As amended through July 16, 2014 Rule 4. Review of Environmental Enforcement Orders

20 (a) Applicability of Rules. (1) This rule applies to review of environmental enforcement orders in the Environmental Court under 10 V.S.A and 24 V.S.A. 2297b and to appeals from the Environmental Court to the Supreme Court in those proceedings. (2) The Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure, as modified by Rules 2(b)-(e), and the Vermont Rules of Appellate Procedure apply to all proceedings under this rule except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3) of this subdivision and except where another procedure is expressly provided by subdivisions (b)-(e) of this rule. (3) The following provisions of the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure shall not apply to proceedings under this rule: Rules 3 (Commencement of Action), 4 (Process), 4.1 (Attachment), 4.2 (Trustee Process), 7(a) and (c) (Pleadings Allowed), 8(a)-(f) (General Rules of Pleading), 9 (Pleading Special Matters), 10 (Form of Pleadings), 12 (Defenses and Objections), 13 (Counterclaim and Cross-Claim), 14 (Third-Party Practice), 18 (Joinder of Claims and Remedies), 22 (Interpleader), 23 (Class Actions), 23.1 (Derivative Actions), 24(a)(2) (Nonstatutory Intervention as of Right), 24(b)(2) (Nonstatutory Intervention by Permission), (Jury Trials), 40(b) (Progress Calendar), (Jurors and Juries), 51 (Argument of Counsel; Instructions to Jury), 53 (Masters), 56 (Summary Judgment), 57 (Declaratory Judgments), 64 (Replevin), 68 (Offer of Judgment), 72 (Appeals from Probate Courts), 74 (Appeals from Decisions of Governmental Agencies), 75 (Review of Governmental Action), the last sentence of Rule 77(d) (Lack of Notice of Entry), 80.1 (Foreclosure of Mortgages and Judgment Liens), 80.2 (Naturalization of Aliens), 80.4 (Habeas Corpus), 80.5 (District Court Procedures for Civil License Suspensions and Penalties for DWI), 80.6 (Judicial Bureau Procedures), 80.7 (Procedures for Immobilzation or Forfeiture Hearings Pursuant to 23 V.S.A. 1213c), and 80.8 (Transfer from District to Superior Court). (b) Assurances of Discontinuance. An assurance of discontinuance filed pursuant to 10 V.S.A. 8007(c) shall be deemed a pleading by agreement pursuant to Rule 8(g) of the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure. Assurances shall be simultaneously filed with the court and the Attorney General. The court may sign the assurance with or without a hearing. If the assurance is signed by the court, the assurance shall become a judicial order and the court shall notify the Secretary, the respondent and the Attorney General. Notwithstanding Rule 60 of the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure, within ten days of the date that an assurance is signed by the court, the Attorney General may move the court to vacate the order on the grounds that the assurance is insufficient to carry out the purposes of 10 V.S.A., Chapter 201. After hearing, upon finding that the assurance is insufficient to carry out the purposes of Chapter 201, the court shall vacate the order. (c) Emergency Orders. (1) Procedure for Issuance. Upon presentation of an emergency administrative order to the court

21 pursuant to 10 V.S.A. 8009(b), if the court finds that the Secretary has made a sufficient showing that (A) a violation presents an immediate threat of substantial harm to the environment or an immediate threat to the public health; or (B) an activity will or is likely to result in a violation which presents an immediate threat of substantial harm to the environment or an immediate threat to the public health; or (C) an activity requiring a permit has been commenced and is continuing without a permit, an emergency judicial order may be issued pursuant to 10 V.S.A and Rule 65(a) of the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure shall provide the procedure governing issuance of these orders, except that: (i) an affidavit but no complaint is required; (ii) the affidavit must establish and the court must find that all reasonable efforts have been made to notify the respondent of the presentation of the order to the court, and, if so, the court may allow the presentation to be made ex parte; (iii) any order, including an order issued ex parte, may, if the court so orders, continue in effect until further order of the court; and (iv) the order need only state the grounds upon which it has been granted, that the respondent has the right to a prompt hearing on the merits of the order, that the hearing must be requested by motion filed within five days of receipt of the order, that the order will remain in effect until further order of the court or a date provided, and the address or addresses where the motion must be filed. At any hearing on an application for an emergency order, the court may permit either party to present evidence. Any evidence so received that would be admissible upon the hearing on the merits becomes part of the record and need not be repeated upon the hearing on the merits. (2) Effect; Service. An emergency judicial order shall become effective on actual notice to the respondent. The Secretary shall cause the order to be served upon the respondent. (3) Hearings on Modification or Dissolution; Stay. If a motion requesting a hearing on the merits of the order is filed with the court and the Secretary by the respondent within five days of the receipt of the order, the court shall schedule a prompt hearing, which shall take precedence over all other hearings and shall be held within five days of filing of the motion. The court may affirm, modify or dissolve the order. The filing of a motion does not operate as a stay of the order, but the court may, upon motion, stay or modify the order upon such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate. Subdivision (d) of this rule shall govern the hearing and any resulting appeal, except that paragraph (2) of that subdivision is inapplicable and a pretrial conference will be held only in the discretion of the court. The court's ruling on a motion filed under this paragraph shall be deemed a final judgment. (d) Procedure for Review of Administrative Orders. (1) Generally. This subdivision governs request for review of any order issued by the Secretary pursuant to 10 V.S.A. 8008, except as otherwise provided for emergency orders issued pursuant to 10 V.S.A and subdivision (c) of this rule. (2) Notice of Request; Stay. Review of an order of the Secretary shall be taken by filing a notice of the request with the clerk of the Environmental Court and with the Secretary within fifteen days of