Burlington, VT: Legal Administrative Assistant Michele Bottino of Burlington, Vermont has been honored with the coveted Diane Lynch Distinguished Service Award at the northern New England law firm Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC.
The award was presented at the firm’s annual holiday celebration at the von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall on Dec. 7.
“You are seen by others as a superb mentor,” reads an excerpt of the award presented to Bottino at the event. “You have the experience and expertise to anticipate problems before they occur. You are trusted to handle the needs of any client, many of whom have praised your manner and ability.”
Bottino joined DRM’s Burlington team in 1991 after working several years in the legal industry as an administrative assistant in both the public and private sector. In the specific role she has filled for the past 20 years, she applies her well-developed administrative and technology skills in supporting attorneys and paralegals in litigation, where she assists in preparing legal pleadings for submission to various Courts and Administrative Agencies. Her assistance to those she supports when preparing for trial or other judicial proceedings has been invaluable throughout the course of her career. She also serves as the Facilities Coordinator in the Burlington office, a position she has also held since 2003.
A native of Vermont, Michele attended Champlain College, receiving an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. Michele enjoys traveling and has two grown children. She has been active in supporting the volunteer efforts of DRM, particularly at its sponsored Salvation Army dinners.
Established in 2000 to honor the memory of Diane Lynch, a long time and highly valued employee, the award is given each year to a former or current employee who has demonstrated loyalty, dedication, energy, drive, selflessness, good nature, humor and commitment. Lynch joined the firm in 1974 as a legal secretary, and worked for more than 20 years in the firm’s St. Johnsbury office.