David Rugh

David Rugh is a shareholder at SP&F Attorneys who advises local governments, educational institutions, and other institutional clients in Vermont. His practice includes municipal law, environmental law, land use and zoning law, and real estate. He handles permitting issues, development disputes, and transactions involving public projects. His work helps clients connect proposed improvements with the regulatory requirements and property questions that must be addressed along the way.

David earned a J.D., cum laude, from Vermont Law School in 2004 and a B.A. in American History from Northwestern University in 2001. He was a Note Editor for the Vermont Law Review and served on the Moot Court Advisory Board. His legal education developed research and advocacy skills, which are useful when assessing regulatory requirements and presenting a client’s position in contested proceedings.

David has worked on affordable and senior housing projects, flood mitigation acquisitions, contaminated property redevelopment, infrastructure improvements, and conservation ventures. Before joining the firm in 2010, he advised private clients on permitting and litigation. He also clerked for Judges Merideth Wright and Thomas S. Durkin at the Vermont Environmental Court. That background brings judicial and private practice perspectives to questions involving development and environmental regulation.

David Rugh’s professional involvement includes the Vermont Planners Association Executive Committee and bar associations at the national, state, and county levels. His work frequently concerns projects with tangible community benefits, including green space, recreation facilities, and redeveloped sites. Those projects require consideration of timing, costs, and legal obligations. He provides public and institutional clients with advice directed toward addressing those connected issues through a coordinated legal approach.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, SP&F Attorneys
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association
• Member, Vermont Bar Association
• Member and Young Lawyers Division District 1 Representative, American Bar Association (2012-2014)
• Member, Chittenden County Bar Association
• Member, Executive Committee, Vermont Planners Association

Licensed State

• Maryland
• Vermont

Education

• Vermont Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Northwestern University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges