David K. Mears

David K. Mears is an attorney at Tarrant, Gillies & Shems in Montpelier, Vermont. His practice focuses on environmental, energy, brownfields, and land use law and policy at local, state, and federal levels. He also works in administrative and appellate law and nonprofit governance. He provides legal and consulting services involving regulatory challenges, public policy, and government funding opportunities connected with environmental and development concerns.

Mears earned a JD and a Masters of Studies in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School in 1991. He received a BS in Environmental Engineering Technology from Cornell University in 1985. This combination provides a foundation in both legal analysis and the technical setting of environmental matters. It supports work involving regulatory requirements, scientific issues, and the choices facing clients managing land, infrastructure, or natural resources.

Mears has more than three decades of experience addressing water quality, drinking water, hazardous waste, contaminated site cleanup, air pollution, renewable energy siting, and natural resource management. His government roles included Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and work with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. He also served in Texas government and Washington’s Attorney General’s Office, working across different regulatory systems.

David K. Mears previously led Audubon Vermont and served as Associate Dean of Environmental Programs at Vermont Law School. He continues to teach law and policy through adjunct and visiting appointments. His background combines legal practice, public administration, nonprofit leadership, and education. That range provides perspective on how environmental decisions are made and implemented, helping clients consider regulatory processes alongside the public policy and organizational factors affecting their matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Offices of Tarrant, Gillies & Shems
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Member, Washington State Bar Association
• Member, Vermont Bar Association
• Former Executive Director, Audubon Vermont
• Member, Texas state government

Licensed State

• Texas
• Washington
• Vermont

Education

• Vermont Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Vermont Law School
  Master of Studies in Environmental Law and Policy
• Cornell University
  Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Engineering Technology

Awards & Badges