Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 5665

Unless otherwise provided in the agreement to arbitrate, the arbitrators' expenses and fees, together with other expenses incurred in the conduct of the arbitration, shall be paid as provided in the award. An arbitration award may direct the payment of attorney's fees if the parties have explicitly authorized the arbitrator to make such an award or if the award is based in whole or in part upon State or federal law which permits recovery of attorney's fees.