Vermont Bar Journal, Vol. 40, No. 2 Vermont Bar Journal, Fall 2017, Vol. 48, No. 3 | Page 6

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self going to Newport about an hour and
a half away a few times a month, and that
paid my rent and phone bill at the time. I
did several trials that went well, and before
I knew it I was managing three different
contracts in three different counties and off
I went.
TC: Good for you – your hard work paid
off!
DM: Yes, hard work was certainly a key.
I also think that good business practices,
social networking, online presence and
relationship building within the field have
played a key role for me. I felt very fortu-
nate to have those opportunities through
the Defender General’s Office. I still do a
lot of Defender General work and I appear
in almost every county in the state. I contin-
ue this work as it is fulfilling for me, I make
a difference for people, both those who
need help as well as for people within the
court system. I wouldn’t choose anything
else, it has been great.
TC: You’ve developed an expertise in
criminal defense work, and have had a lot
of high profile criminal cases during your
career. What do you find most satisfying
about criminal defense work?
DM: I get great satisfaction from the
practice of law, from ensuring that justice is
applied in a way that is equitable and fair.
I told you that I was down in Middlebury; I
will always remember the moment they as-
s