Christopher D. Roy

Christopher D. Roy is a Director and Chair of the Litigation Group at Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC in Burlington, Vermont. He represents individuals and businesses in commercial and real property litigation. Much of his practice concerns permit litigation and property-related disputes. He also participates in the firm’s Complex Land Use & Development Group, collaborating with colleagues on matters involving development needs and regulatory proceedings.

Christopher earned a J.D. from Cornell Law School and an A.B. cum laude from Harvard College. His background also includes service on the Williston Selectboard and Vermont Environmental Board and as chair of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. His education and public service accompany a practice involving litigation, land use, and administrative proceedings. Service in local and regional government adds experience with the institutions involved in planning, permitting, and decisions affecting property development.

Christopher appears before the Environmental Division and Superior Courts throughout Vermont and has represented clients in more than 50 appeals. His matters include residential project permitting, hospital expansion, retail development, resort property disputes, and utility jurisdiction questions. He has also represented a charitable foundation in litigation involving former trustees. His work includes negotiation and mediation alongside trial and appellate advocacy in contested commercial and property matters.

Christopher D. Roy brings a collaborative and practical approach to litigation. His experience connects court proceedings with the government processes that affect development and property use. Resolving these disputes requires attention to permits, ownership rights, evidence, and the costs of alternative strategies. His practice helps clients consider those linked issues when pursuing development objectives, defending property interests, or addressing a business dispute through litigation or negotiated resolution.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC
• Member, Vermont Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Chair, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission
• Treasurer, Lake Champlain Quadricentennial Commission
• Board Member, Family Connection Center of Vermont, Inc.
• Board Member, Williston Elder Housing, Inc.
• Member, Williston Selectboard
• Member, Vermont Environmental Board
• Member, Burlington Planning Commission
• Game Official, USA Hockey
• Former candidate, Vermont Secretary of State

Licensed State

• Vermont

Education

• Harvard College
  A.B. Cum Laude

Awards & Badges