Business Details
38 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Representation in Brattleboro
At Costello, Valente & Gentry, P.C, P.C., we bring decades of combined legal expertise to clients in Brattleboro, Vermont, and surrounding regions. Our attorneys have over 70 years of collective experience handling complex cases in civil litigation, criminal defense, family law, estate planning, and personal injury. We pride ourselves on accessibility, ensuring clients receive direct communication with attorneys during critical times. Our practice spans Vermont, New Hampshire, and Western Massachusetts, with a focus on achieving favorable outcomes through negotiation or trial. We represent individuals and businesses in matters ranging from real estate disputes to workers' compensation claims.Our team's deep understanding of local courts and procedures allows us to navigate legal challenges effectively. We offer free consultations for personal injury cases and operate on a contingency fee basis. Our attorneys have secured millions in recoveries for clients while maintaining a commitment to ethical representation. With offices in Brattleboro and Boston, we serve diverse client needs while maintaining personalized attention to each case. Our practice includes appellate work and notable cases like DeRosia v. Liberty Mutual Ins. Co. and Kennery v. State of Vermont.
Services
Civil Litigation
Criminal Defense
Family Law
Estate Planning
Real Estate Law
Business Law
Personal Injury
Workers Compensation
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- Our attorneys have over 70 years of combined legal experience
- We offer free consultations for personal injury matters
- Attorneys maintain direct accessibility for client communication
- Successfully recovered millions for injury victims
- Experienced in both state and federal court proceedings
Services
Civil Litigation
We represent clients in complex civil matters including breach of contract, consumer fraud, and real estate disputes. Our attorneys combine strategic negotiation with trial readiness to protect client interests. With experience in appellate courts, we handle cases from initial filing through final judgment.
Criminal Defense
Defending against charges in Vermont and New Hampshire courts, we handle DUIs, drug offenses, and domestic assault cases. Our approach examines police conduct for constitutional violations while developing strong defense strategies tailored to each client's circumstances.
Family Law
We guide clients through divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, and property division. Our attorneys prioritize minimizing family stress while protecting legal rights through negotiated settlements or courtroom advocacy when necessary.
Estate Planning
Create customized estate plans with wills, trusts, and healthcare directives. We help clients ensure their wishes are honored while minimizing probate complications and tax implications for beneficiaries.
Personal Injury
Pursue compensation for injury victims through insurance claims and litigation. Our contingency fee basis ensures access to justice while we handle complex cases involving medical malpractice, auto accidents, and premises liability.
People
Thomas W. Costello
Founding Partner
With over 35 years of legal experience, Mr. Costello established the firm's commitment to client advocacy. He specializes in civil litigation and personal injury cases, leveraging courtroom expertise to achieve favorable settlements.
James A. Valente
President
As firm president, Mr. Valente focuses on criminal defense and family law matters. His experience includes defending complex criminal cases and negotiating sensitive family law disputes with client-centered solutions.
Sharon J. Gentry
Attorney
Ms. Gentry concentrates on estate planning and probate litigation. She helps clients create comprehensive succession plans while representing beneficiaries in contested estate matters across Vermont courts.
Sarah Vangel
Attorney
Ms. Vangel specializes in real estate law and business transactions. She assists clients with property disputes, commercial contracts, and entity formation to protect business interests throughout New England.
Adam Waite
Attorney
Mr. Waite handles appellate work and complex litigation cases. His practice includes reviewing trial records for legal errors and presenting arguments before higher courts to challenge unfavorable rulings.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We handle civil litigation, criminal defense, family law, estate planning, personal injury, real estate, and business law matters across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide free consultations for personal injury cases and charge standard rates for initial legal consultations in other practice areas.
How are attorney fees structured?
Most personal injury cases work on contingency fees. Other matters use hourly billing rates with transparent cost estimates provided upfront.
What experience do you have with trials?
Our team has over 70 combined years of legal experience, including numerous jury trials and appellate arguments in state and federal courts.
Do you serve clients outside Vermont?
Yes, we represent clients throughout New Hampshire, Western Massachusetts, and other jurisdictions through pro hac vice admissions when necessary.