Monica Allard
29 | Litigation Associate, Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC
Residence: Chittenden
Career highlight you are most proud of:
The career highlight I'm most proud of is winning my first jury trial. Because the vast majority of cases settle, trials are rare. After countless hours of preparation and strong testimony from our witnesses, there was nothing left to do but hope that the jury understood our perspective. I will never forget the relief on our client's face when the jury return a verdict completely in our favor in less than an hour.
Community Involvement:
My community involvement includes, among other things, co-founding and chairing Vermont Queer Legal Professional (VTQLP), serving on the Boards of two non-profits: the Pride Center of Vermont and Camp Daybreak, Inc., and contributing to my firm's pro bono practice by coordinating a partnership with Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP).
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? I grew up in Vermont and was so grateful that openings in our fields made it possible for my spouse and me to return and be close to family, enjoy Vermont's natural beauty, and find queer community.
Favorite part of your job: When people are in challenging situations and despairing because they don't know where to begin, as lawyers we can provide options. It's not always possible to solve each problem or win every case, but we can help clients navigate a daunting system and make informed decisions so they can move forward. I find that really powerful.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? I grew up in Vermont and was so grateful that openings in our fields made it possible for my spouse and me to return and be close to family, enjoy Vermont's natural beauty, and find queer community.
Favorite part of your job: When people are in challenging situations and despairing because they don't know where to begin, as lawyers we can provide options. It's not always possible to solve each problem or win every case, but we can help clients navigate a daunting system and make informed decisions so they can move forward. I find that really powerful.
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is my family's farm in Milton. Every fall, my parents host an apple-picking and cider-pressing party that feels like something out of a Vermont storybook.
Favorite Vermont season: My favorite Vermont season is winter, when it actually snows. You can find me on the mountain most weekends!
Favorite downtime activity: My favorite activity is guessing people's enneagrams. People are fascinating, and the psych major in me never got over a love of personality tests.
