James G. "Jake" Wheeler, Jr.

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 ...

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...

Mr. McMahan is a corporate and intellectual property lawyer, advising businesses on issues related to formation, mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, technology licensing, trademarks and copyrights. Mr. McMahan's clients range from entrepreneurial start-ups to publicly-held companies. He has particular experience representing software vendors and purchasers in the negotiation of computer system implementation, license and support agreements. Mr. McMahan also advises clients on the selec...

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...

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 ...

William “Chip” Mason is a partner in Gravel & Shea PC’s Corporate Department and has been with the firm since 2003. He has served as a co-managing partner since 2020 and has been a partner since 2006, working with businesses and organizations throughout Burlington, Vermont and the surrounding region. Prior to joining Gravel & Shea PC, Chip practiced at another well-established Burlington, Vermont law firm, where his work focused primarily on debt and equity financing...

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...

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...

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...

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...