Ralphine N. O'Rourke

Ms. Cole, a director of the firm, advises clients in immigration matters relating to employment, education, research, investment and entrepreneurial business. Employment Ms. Cole advises clients on immigration compliance for employment of international professionals in the United States. Education and Research Ms. Cole advises colleges, universities and research institutes on immigration compliance for professors, researchers, staff, F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors and campus immigration ...

Jeremy joined MSK at its inception in March 2004 and became a member of the firm in January 2007. Jeremy’s practice focuses on commercial real estate law, in which he represents developers, property owners and municipalities in the acquisition, financing, permitting, development, management, leasing and sale of a wide variety of commercial, residential, hotel, resort and office properties. Jeremy’s practice additionally includes general commercial transactional law, including enti...

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...

John F. Evers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. John F., who practices law in Burlington, Vermont, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Robert Hemley was admitted to the bar in 1971 in New York. After beginning his legal career at a Wall Street firm and serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan, he joined Gravel & Shea PC in 1976. He is based in Burlington, Vermont, where he has practiced law for decades representing individuals and businesses in complex legal matters. During his long tenure at Gravel & Shea PC, Mr. Hemley has handled a wide range of cases, including Bet-...

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...

Liam maintains a broad practice grounded in all types of real estate matters. Liam’s litigation practice focuses on property law, including disputes involving title and boundary issues, easements, adverse possession and prescriptive easements; public and private road issues; title insurance claims; land use, zoning and Act 250; construction, condemnation and tax appeals. In the course of his practice, Liam has represented landowners, developers, municipalities and neighborhood groups in...

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...