Tarrant, Gillies & Shems

Tarrant, Gillies & Shems is a full-service law firm in Montpelier, Vermont, serving individuals, municipalities, businesses, non-profits, and regulated industries across the state. The firm provides legal representation in municipal law, environmental and land use matters, utilities and energy regulation, civil litigation, estate planning, guardianship, and general practice. With over 115 years of combined private and governmental experience among its attorneys, the firm offers strategic legal planning, transactional services, regulatory advocacy, and trial and appellate representation at both state and federal levels. Clients benefit from decades of expertise rooted in Vermont’s legal traditions, with a reputation for sound advocacy and strong client outcomes. The firm maintains a 4.70 rating based on client feedback, reflecting consistent satisfaction with its professional service.

Founded in 1991, Tarrant, Gillies & Shems was established by Gerald R. Tarrant, a former Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Public Service and a longtime advocate for clean energy and environmental protection. The firm’s attorneys bring deep experience in public affairs, regulatory compliance, and complex litigation, with a commitment to representing clients across a broad spectrum of legal needs. The firm’s practice is grounded in Vermont’s unique legal landscape, shaped by historical land disputes and evolving regulatory frameworks. Attorneys are admitted to practice in Vermont, the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont, and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, with leadership roles in key legal and civic organizations, including the Environmental Section of the Vermont Bar Association.

The firm is located at 44 East State Street in Montpelier, a short walk from several prominent civic institutions. It sits just a block from the Kellogg Hubbard Public Library, the Montpelier City Police station, and the Union Elementary School, all within a quarter-mile radius. The office is also situated near Blanchard Park, a nature preserve, and the Montpelier Historic District, placing it in the heart of the city’s cultural and governmental core.

Tarrant, Gillies & Shems is recognized for its well-documented presence across digital platforms, with consistent and accurate information available online. Its website is structured in a way that search engines can easily interpret, enhancing its visibility for clients seeking legal services in Montpelier and surrounding areas. This strong digital footprint ensures the firm remains accessible to those in need of legal counsel.

As a cornerstone of Montpelier’s legal community, the firm combines decades of Vermont-specific expertise with a modern, client-focused approach, making it a trusted resource for legal matters in the state’s capital city.