MIDDLEBURY — Addison County State’s Attorney David R. Fenster has become a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America.
The induction ceremony at which Mr. Fenster became a fellow took place recently before an audience of approximately 570 people during the 2016 spring meeting of the college in Maui, Hawaii.
Founded in 1950, the college is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada. Fellowship in the college is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds, who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of 15 years’ trial experience before they can be considered for fellowship.
Membership in the college cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. There are currently approximately 5,800 members in the United States and Canada, including active fellows, emeritus fellows, judicial fellows (those who ascended to the bench after their induction) and honorary fellows.
The college maintains and seeks to improve the standards of trial practice, professionalism, ethics and the administration of justice through education and public statements on important legal issues relating to its mission. The college strongly supports the independence of the judiciary, trial by jury, respect for the rule of law, access to justice, and fair and just representation of all parties to legal proceedings. The college is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.
Fenster has served as Addison County state’s attorney since November 2009. He is a past president of the Vermont Bar Association and a graduate of the University of Vermont and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.