Geoff is an experienced litigator and advisor who helps his clients navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges with thoughtful, cost-effective counsel. His practice focuses primarily on energy and environmental law, real estate and land use litigation, municipal law, and general civil litigation.
In his energy practice, Geoff works with public utilities and independent power producers on a range of regulatory and permitting issues before the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC). He regularly represents public utilities in rate making and other proceedings related to the provision of critical public services. He also helps utilities and other developers plan, permit, and construct energy infrastructure projects and renewable energy facilities. Relying on his legal experience, hard science training, and communications and advocacy background, Geoff helps his clients map out a comprehensive strategy for obtaining all necessary approvals for their projects.
In his environmental practice, Geoff has been involved in a number of high-profile cases involving a wide array of legal issues – including federal environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), state and federal wetland permits, stormwater discharge permits, analysis of endangered species impacts, Act 250 land use permits, and local zoning permits. He works with a range of clients in these types of proceedings, including real estate developers, landowners, municipal entities, and environmental advocacy groups. As part of this work, Geoff regularly appears before state and local permitting authorities and the Environmental Division of the Vermont Superior Court. He has also successfully represented clients in numerous appeals before the Vermont Supreme Court.
In addition to his local practice, Geoff works with national and international environmental nonprofits on climate change litigation strategies, and together with local counsel, represents advocacy organizations in federal courts around the U.S.
Regardless of whether he’s working with a major public utility, a local land owner, or a national nonprofit, Geoff approaches each matter he handles with an appropriate balance of serious legal advocacy and good humor, and he takes great pride in helping his clients succeed in their respective missions.
Geoff joined the firm in 2003 and became a partner in 2009. Prior to law school, Geoff handled communications and media relations for an environmental advocacy organization in Boston. He lives in Burlington with his wife and two sons.
