Joseph A. Farnham

Joseph A. Farnham is a Vermont litigation attorney who assists clients with municipal law and labor and employment matters. He regularly represents municipalities, public officials, and municipal employees in state and federal courts. His work includes civil rights claims, personal injury and wrongful death cases, permit and regulatory compliance or enforcement matters, and disputes involving access to government proceedings and records. He also brings substantial jury trial and appellate experience to complex public-sector disputes.

Joe earned a B.S. from the University of Vermont in 1983. He later received a J.D. cum laude from Vermont Law School in 1989, where he served as Articles Editor of the Vermont Law Review. Before entering private practice, he worked as a Patrol Agent with the United States Border Patrol in Nogales, Arizona, and as Deputy State’s Attorney for Chittenden County, Vermont, from 1989 to 1995. This background gave him valuable experience in investigation, evidence, and courtroom procedure.

Joe has defended Vermont municipalities, police departments, public employees, and school officials in significant trial and appellate matters. His experience includes constitutional claims involving excessive force, failure to train and supervise, retaliatory discharge, false arrest, and malicious prosecution. He has also handled disputes concerning road maintenance, snow plowing, wrongful termination, delayed emergency response, and contractual and statutory rights. His appellate work includes arguments before the Vermont Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Joseph A. Farnham is admitted to practice in Vermont, the United States District Court for the District of Vermont, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He belongs to the American Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, Vermont Bar Association, and several county bar associations. He also volunteers with the Vermont Law School Appellate Advocacy Program and has participated in community initiatives involving education, regional planning, and recreation therapy. His courtroom background and practical judgment support clients facing complex legal challenges.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, McNeil Leddy & Sheahan P.C.
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Member, Vermont Bar Association
• Member, Chittenden County Bar Association
• Member, Franklin/Grand Isle Counties Bar Association
• Volunteer, Vermont Law School Appellate Advocacy Program

Licensed State

• Vermont

Education

• Vermont Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Vermont
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges