Donald R. "Tad" Powers

Heather Rider Hammond joined Gravel & Shea PC in Burlington, Vermont as an associate in 2001 after graduating from Vermont Law School. She has served as co-managing partner since 2020 and works closely with employers across a wide range of industries. Her practice focuses on Employment Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment, advising organizations throughout the employment relationship. Heather represents corporate clients in employment-related matters before s...

Ritchie E. Berger is head of the firm’s litigation group and is considered one of Vermont's premier trial lawyers. He concentrates on the defense of complex civil litigation throughout Vermont and New England. Mr. Berger is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Past-Vermont State Chair, a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Past-President of Vermont Chapter, and is listed in Benchmark: Litigation, Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers...

I became an attorney so I could help ordinary people fight for the things they are entitled to. I offer free consultations to Vermonters injured at work or hurt through the negligence of others. Before becoming an attorney, I worked in the construction industry, where I saw firsthand how hardworking people do not always get a fair shake. At Biggam Fox Skinner, I focus on helping people get their workers’ compensation benefits. It’s frustrating for me to see deserving people strugg...

I have been practicing law in Vermont since 1979 and am a founding partner of the firm. I take great satisfaction in fighting for injured workers or accident victims who are being treated unfairly by insurance companies. Before starting my legal career, I worked in many different job settings. I was a schoolteacher, hospital aide, factory worker, construction laborer, and farm hand. I understand the difficulties that face workers in these different job sites, and the problems that arise when ...

Hans’ broad and varied background allows him to provide clients with a balanced perspective and a complete understanding of the issues. Prior to becoming an attorney, Hans was an entrepreneur and small business owner. He has served as in-house counsel for a large regulatory entity and a start-up company. He has worked with national corporations and local homeowners associations. He has successfully litigated multi-million dollar construction claims on behalf of condominium associations ...

Amy McLaughlin, a Director of the firm, joined the Employment Law and Litigation Groups in October, 1999. In her counseling practice, Ms. McLaughlin helps employers maintain compliance with federal and state laws that regulate the employment relationship while simultaneously achieving the needs of the business. Ms. McLaughlin also routinely advises employers in preventative employment measures in an effort to avoid litigation. She works with employers to develop and implement effective and ap...

Robert Hemley was admitted to the bar in 1971 in New York. After beginning his legal career at a Wall Street firm and serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan, he joined Gravel & Shea PC in 1976. He is based in Burlington, Vermont, where he has practiced law for decades representing individuals and businesses in complex legal matters. During his long tenure at Gravel & Shea PC, Mr. Hemley has handled a wide range of cases, including Bet-...

Bob Rushford was admitted to the Vermont bar in 1988 and is based in Burlington, Vermont. He began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Albert W. Coffrin of the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont from 1988 to 1989. Following his clerkship, Bob practiced with a general practice firm that emphasized land use development and real estate law. Bob joined Gravel & Shea PC in 1996 and became a partner in 2000. His practice is concentrated in Real Estate Law, with an emph...

A.J. LaRosa is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Land Use and Zoning and Litigation - Real Estate. A.J., who practices law in Burlington, Vermont, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which A.J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nicole Andreson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Nicole, who practices law in Burlington, Vermont, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicole is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.