Tristram J. Coffin

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.

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...

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 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...

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 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...

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...

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 ...

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...