Bonnie J. Badgewick, Esq.
I consider myself quite fortunate to practice law in this great state. I grew up in the small town of Poultney, Vermont along with two older brothers. We were an active and outdoor loving family. My father practiced for many years as a lawyer at a prominent Rutland law firm. My mother was a registered nurse at several local hospitals. I knew from an early age that I wanted to practice law, though my father would have much preferred that I went fishing, like my brothers did.
Though I left the state to go to college and law school, Vermont is my home, and I returned to practice law here. On a suggestion by one of my father’s partners, I landed at Eaton & Hayes, and have been here since 2001. My history has offered me a variety of mentors from the Vermont bench and bar over the years, and I am grateful for those lessons and experiences. My practice focuses primarily on civil insurance defense. I proudly practice in all state courts, federal court, and in front of administrative agencies, such as the Vermont Department of Labor. I also enjoy acting as a mediator and assisting parties in finding suitable and reasonable resolutions through our alternative dispute resolution process. My goal for all clients, and those who utilize any of my legal services, is to provide a professional and civil experience, without detracting from the high standards of law upon which our firm was founded.
When I started practicing law, I needed an additional physical outlet to stay healthy and mentally sharp. Our firm sponsored our involvement annually in a local seven mile race. Having a competitive spirit from high school and college sports which never went away, I ran that first race and was hooked. I have run more than twenty marathons, numerous half marathons, and other smaller races. I am always on the hunt for a new training challenge. I also teach indoor cycling at a local Athletic Club in the winter months. My husband, Jacob McGrath, also a Poultney graduate, is a competitive spirit too, and has joined me on many of these challenges. We reside in Woodstock and are the proud parents of two small children, Sophia and Colin, who keep us busy and entertained always.
Education
Siena College, Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Peace Studies, cum laude, 1998
Suffolk University Law School, Juris Doctorate, 2001
Bar Admissions
Vermont Supreme Court, 2001
U.S. District Court, District of Vermont, 2003
New Hampshire Supreme Court, 2006
Professional Associations
American Bar Association
Defense Research Institute
Tri-State Defense Lawyers Association
American Association of Defense Trial Attorneys
Vermont Bar Association
New Hampshire Bar Association
The Joan Loring Wing Chapter of American Inns of Court
Member of the Advisory Committee on Rules of Civil Procedure
Public and Community Service
Bonnie serves on the Executive Board of the Inns of Court, Joan Loring Wing Chapter, which promotes professionalism, skills and ethics of the judicial community within the Southern and mid-state regions of Vermont. Bonnie is a former President for the Tri-State Defense Lawyers Association. Bonnie currently serves on the Civil Rules Committee and a sub-committee evaluating electronics and media in the courtroom. Bonnie served as a Windsor County Partner for several years acting as a mentor and role model for youths to develop self-confidence, respect and communication skills.