Brian Monaghan

Brian Monaghan is a co-founder of Monaghan Safar PLLC in Burlington, Vermont. He represents cities, towns, villages, and other municipal entities in local government matters and civil litigation. His practice also includes employment counseling, land use, and commercial real estate and financing. He advises businesses and individuals alongside municipal clients, addressing disputes and the legal questions that arise in government and workplace operations.

Brian earned a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School and a Bachelor of Science from Castleton State College. He began his legal career as a law clerk and then a staff attorney at the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. His early work with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns connects directly to his municipal practice, which addresses the obligations of local governments and the disputes they encounter when carrying out public responsibilities.

Brian’s experience includes municipal tax appeals, constitutional claims, zoning proceedings, and employment disputes. He has represented municipalities before courts and administrative bodies and assisted utilities with power purchase agreements. His commercial work includes acquisition financing and renewable energy construction financing. For employers, he drafts workplace policies and advises on hiring, leave, and employee separation, connecting ongoing counseling with the prevention and resolution of legal claims.

Brian Monaghan brings a practical understanding of local governing bodies to his representation. He has presented to bar associations and trade organizations on tax appeals, environmental issues, and real property restrictions. Municipal decisions often require consideration of public responsibilities, operational limits, and legal risk together. His work combines government and business experience to help clients address those overlapping concerns and pursue workable solutions.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder, Monaghan Safar PLLC
• Member, Vermont Bar Association
• Chair, Municipal Law Section, Vermont Bar Association (2012)
• Member, Northwest Regional Planning Commission Brownfields Commission
• Member, Easement Amendment Working Group, Vermont Legislative Study Committee (2012)
• Committee Member, Leadership Development Northwest

Licensed State

• Vermont

Education

• Vermont Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Castleton State College
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges