James W. "Jim" Swift

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...

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...

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 ...

Michelle Farkas is a real estate attorney with Gravel & Shea PC in Burlington, Vermont. Her practice centers on Real Estate Law, with a focus on complex commercial real estate transactions for developers and non-institutional investors throughout Vermont. Michelle represents clients in all stages of real estate acquisition, development, and financing, including matters involving zoning and land use approvals. She regularly assists with the formation, development, and ongoing management of...

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-...

Chris Maley has extensive experience in the area of medical malpractice and personal injury. A native of Burlington, Vermont, Chris has obtained notable results for his clients, including: Resolved a medical malpractice case involving the alleged failure to appropriately diagnose and treat a 42-year-old woman's severe lower extremity injury resulting in catastrophic harm for in excess of three and a half million dollars. Resolved a wrongful death motor vehicle accident claim for $1,800,000. $...

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...

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...

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...

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...