James A. Valente

My goal is to provide clients with practical solutions to mitigate legal and financial risk. I collaborate with clients to resolve their legal issues so that they can get on with operating their business or organization. The underlying philosophy of my practice is that transactional attorneys should add value for their clients by helping to manage future and present risk in a cost effective manner. I pride myself on being responsive and providing the right solution for each client regardless ...

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 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 ...

Mr. Langan is a tax attorney counseling individuals and businesses. He advises clients on the selection of the proper entity for businesses whether corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, limited partnership associations, and other newly created entities to hold business. A large part of his practice is in estate planning and business succession for closely held companies. Mr. Langan's practice involves the restructuring of estates and companies to reduce estate, gift, and in...

For more than ten years, Mr. Smith, a shareholder and director of the firm, has concentrated in the following areas: Intellectual Property Mr. Smith advises clients on a variety of intellectual property issues. He represents business clients in litigation and the prosecution of trademark applications. He also regularly counsels clients regarding copyright and trademark issues that may arise in their business environment, including how to respond to "cease and desist" letters, insuring ownersh...

My Approach I strive to listen to my clients and provide thoughtful advice to help them achieve their goals and reduce risks. I am dedicated to providing useful strategies to my clients in a timely fashion. As a former teacher and university attorney, I am particularly adept at advising colleges and other institutional clients with their financial and business needs. My Vermont upbringing is an asset while navigating the intricacies of state and local real estate and land use law and practice...

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...

William A. Mason IV is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Governance Law and Corporate Law. William A., who practices law in Burlington, Vermont, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeremy joined MSK at its inception in March 2004 and became a member of the firm in January 2007. Jeremy’s practice focuses on commercial real estate law, in which he represents developers, property owners and municipalities in the acquisition, financing, permitting, development, management, leasing and sale of a wide variety of commercial, residential, hotel, resort and office properties. Jeremy’s practice additionally includes general commercial transactional law, including enti...

I am a partner and I have been with the firm since 1999. I specialize in helping people with their workers’ compensation and personal injury claims because I find it personally rewarding to help an injured person get the benefits they deserve, and to hold an insurance company accountable. I understand that having an injury can be very difficult and I know that insurance companies often do not treat people fairly. My clients like me because I am passionate about their claims and I don&rs...