Business Details
35 Years
experience
Vermont Litigation Defense Lawyers
At Cleary Shahi & Aicher, we are dedicated to providing assertive legal representation for clients facing complex litigation challenges. Our firm combines over 160 years of collective litigation experience with a strategic approach to defending clients in personal injury, professional malpractice, employment law, and insurance litigation matters. Our attorneys have established a national reputation for handling high-stakes cases involving catastrophic injuries, product liability, and professional negligence. We maintain an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting our commitment to legal excellence and ethical standards. Our team includes recognized leaders in recreation industry liability defense and has been cited in prominent legal directories such as Best Lawyers and Chambers and Partners.We prioritize personalized client service, offering free initial consultations and maintaining transparent communication throughout each case. Our relationships with expert witnesses across medical, engineering, and recreational fields enhance our ability to build robust defenses. We serve clients at both state and federal levels, focusing on minimizing liability exposure while protecting professional reputations and business interests. Our Vermont-based practice extends to the broader Northeast region, serving individuals and organizations with tailored legal strategies. We combine decades of courtroom experience with proactive risk management counsel to deliver cost-effective solutions for our clients.
Services
Personal Injury Defense
Professional Malpractice Defense
Employment Law Defense
Product Liability Defense
Insurance Litigation
Recreation Industry Liability
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- Over 160 years of combined litigation experience in Vermont and federal courts
- AV Preeminent Rated attorneys recognized in Best Lawyers and Chambers
- Specialized expertise in recreation industry liability and catastrophic injury cases
- Established network of expert witnesses across multiple professional fields
- Proven track record defending professionals and businesses in complex litigation
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
Services
Professional Malpractice Defense
Our firm specializes in defending professionals against malpractice claims across multiple industries. We handle cases involving legal malpractice, medical negligence, and engineering liability with expert legal strategies. Our attorneys work closely with specialized consultants to build comprehensive defenses while protecting professional reputations and licenses.
Personal Injury Defense
We represent clients in complex personal injury cases including catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims. Our experience covers automobile accidents, premises liability, and recreational injuries. We utilize medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists to develop effective defense strategies for both trial and settlement negotiations.
Recreation Industry Liability
Our firm has established national recognition defending recreation providers against injury claims. We handle ski accidents, ATV incidents, and resort liability cases. Our attorneys combine industry-specific knowledge with medical expertise to evaluate injury severity and establish appropriate defense strategies for outdoor recreation businesses.
Employment Law Defense
We provide comprehensive defense for employers facing discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination claims. Our services include risk management counseling and courtroom representation in state and federal venues. We represent businesses in EEOC proceedings and complex employment litigation matters.
Insurance Litigation
Our insurance defense practice handles coverage disputes and bad faith claims. We represent insurers in policy interpretation disputes and subrogation matters. With decades of experience, we help insurance companies navigate complex claims while protecting their financial interests through strategic litigation and settlement negotiations.
People
David L. Cleary
Of Counsel
Practicing since 1970 with extensive trial experience, recognized in Best Lawyers, Chambers, and Super Lawyers. Specializes in complex litigation and insurance defense with decades of courtroom success in Vermont.
Kaveh S. Shahi
Partner
Focuses on insurance law and catastrophic injury cases. Brings expertise in appellate practice and complex litigation, serving Vermont clients with strategic legal solutions developed through decades of courtroom experience.
Thomas P. Aicher
Partner
Specializes in outdoor recreation liability and product injury cases. Represents major industry associations with deep knowledge of sports-related injury defense and risk management strategies for resort operators.
Joel P. Iannuzzi
Partner
Litigation specialist since 1984 with focus on employment law and construction defect cases. Provides practical legal solutions combining trial experience with settlement negotiation expertise for Vermont businesses.
Ellie Gebarowski-Shafer
Associate Attorney
Brings contemporary legal perspective to the team with focus on emerging litigation trends. Supports complex case strategies while maintaining client-centered approach in all legal matters.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We focus on litigation defense including personal injury, professional malpractice, employment law, insurance disputes, product liability, and recreation industry liability cases.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide complimentary initial consultations to evaluate your case and discuss potential legal strategies without upfront costs.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our attorneys combine over 160 years of litigation experience with recognitions in Best Lawyers, Chambers, and Super Lawyers for Vermont legal excellence.
Do you handle cases outside Vermont?
While based in Vermont, we represent clients in federal courts and throughout the Northeast region for various litigation matters.
What makes your firm different?
We combine decades of courtroom experience with specialized expert networks and personalized client service to deliver effective legal defense strategies.
How do you handle complex litigation cases?
We employ strategic case analysis, expert witness collaborations, and tailored defense plans to address complex legal challenges effectively.
