Gerald R. Tarrant

Gerald R. Tarrant is an attorney and founder of Tarrant, Gillies & Shems in Montpelier, Vermont. His practice emphasizes electric and telecommunications law and includes environmental, Act 250, land use, zoning, municipal, and nonprofit matters. He also works in corporate, probate, real estate, and administrative law. His representation extends to trial and appellate proceedings, connecting regulatory advice with advocacy when a client’s matter becomes contested.

Tarrant earned a J.D. from the Marshall Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary in 1971. He received a B.A. in 1968 from Hillsdale College, where he majored in political science. His legal and undergraduate studies provide a foundation for analyzing statutes, public authority, and institutional decision-making. Those subjects are relevant to a practice involving utility regulation, environmental requirements, and interactions with government bodies.

Tarrant founded the firm in 1991 after working in corporate finance law, Vermont public utility regulatory law, and private practice. He is a former Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Public Service. He also advised the Legislative Commission on Act 250 from 2017 through 2019. These roles add experience with the relationship between regulation, public policy, and the practical decisions facing clients in regulated industries and development matters.

Gerald R. Tarrant has served on municipal, state, and private boards, including organizations concerned with conservation, child welfare, and clean energy. His professional service also includes leadership in the Vermont Bar Association’s Environmental Section. His practice brings together experience in government and private representation. That perspective helps clients consider the administrative processes, legal standards, and policy context affecting utilities, property projects, and other matters requiring government approval or review.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Offices of Tarrant, Gillies & Shems
• Member, Vermont Bar Association
• Chairman, Environmental Section, Vermont Bar Association (2009-Present)
• Vice Chairman, Certificate of Need Board (Hospital and Medical Expenditures)
• Board Member, Vermont Land Trust
• Board Member, Vermont Life Magazine
• Board Member, Prevent Child Abuse Vermont
• Board Chair, Clean Energy Group
• Advisor, Legislative Commission on Act 250 (Act 47) (2017-2019)

Licensed State

• Vermont

Education

• Marshall Wythe School of Law
  J.D. Degree
• Hillsdale College
  Bachelor’s Degree in Degree 1968 Political Science Major

Awards & Badges