James A. Valente

MICHELLE N. FARKAS mfarkas@gravelshea.com Michelle Farkas joined Gravel and Shea in 1999 after practicing at Goodwin Procter in Boston. At Gravel and Shea, Michelle focuses on complex commercial real estate transactions, representing developers and non-institutional investors in real estate acquisition, development, financing, zoning and land use matters. Michelle has extensive experience in assisting developers with establishing and managing condominium and planned unit developments, assisti...

Robert B. Hemley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, First Amendment Law, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Robert B., who practices law in Burlington, Vermont, has been recognized since 1989. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-re...

Ms. Langan, a Director of the firm, concentrates her practice in the commercial area, focusing on transactions involving complex real estate issues. She assists her clients in real estate transfers, leasing and financing. Ms. Langan has represented companies in purchase and sale transactions involving Vermont’s largest ski resort, the State’s most extensive private timber holdings and multi-site telecommunication facilities. She also counsels private, state and national land conse...

John F. Evers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. John F., who practices law in Burlington, Vermont, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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.

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 ...

Ms. Cole, a director of the firm, advises clients in immigration matters relating to employment, education, research, investment and entrepreneurial business. Employment Ms. Cole advises clients on immigration compliance for employment of international professionals in the United States. Education and Research Ms. Cole advises colleges, universities and research institutes on immigration compliance for professors, researchers, staff, F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors and campus immigration ...

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...

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...