A new name from an ancient place

In 2000, VTLA launched the first statewide listserve to discuss trial law. We called it an online forum in the Law Letter.

It was a bumpy start. A new concept. But within a few short years, we launched several more lists due to their popularity. Questions asked and answered. Innovative new ideas shared and debated. Successes celebrated and disappointments shared. Much like the Forum in ancient Rome was the place for the courts, public meetings and political debate, so too have our listserves become a forum. 

In late 2014, we added our off-topic list, to keep discussions ranging from restaurant recommendations to political topics in their own space, leaving each of our other 19 lists for their primary intended purpose: to help our members practice better in each of those areas.

In recent years, it has become apparent that the off-topic name no longer reflects its current use and could even appear to minimize the opinions expressed there. Therefore, we are rebranding that list.

Beginning Wednesday, the off-topic list will be called the VTLA forum. It will be the place for political debate - or a good restaurant recommendation - and good natured verbal sparring. (We will draw the line on gladiator combat!)

Our general listserve guidelines continue to apply of course and the new email address will be vtlaforum@lists.trialsmith.com. Posts from the off-topic will remain part of the listserve’s history. This list is open to any VTLA member. Want to join it (or any other list for that matter)? Click here.

Thank you for your passion. Thank you for your willingness to share on our lists and help each other. Thank you for sharing ideas, tips, successes and disappointments. All these make the fabric of VTLA wonderfully and uniquely strong.