Stephen D. "Steve" Ellis

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...

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.

Liam maintains a broad practice grounded in all types of real estate matters. Liam’s litigation practice focuses on property law, including disputes involving title and boundary issues, easements, adverse possession and prescriptive easements; public and private road issues; title insurance claims; land use, zoning and Act 250; construction, condemnation and tax appeals. In the course of his practice, Liam has represented landowners, developers, municipalities and neighborhood groups in...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...