Ronald A. Shems

Ronald A. Shems practices at The Law Offices of Tarrant, Gillies & Shems in Montpelier, Vermont. He represents companies, municipalities, developers, nonprofits, and individuals in environmental, energy, land-use and zoning, administrative, and appellate matters. His work includes complex permitting and proceedings in state and federal forums. He helps clients address regulatory requirements and disputes that can affect development, public resources, and the operation of essential services.

Shems earned a B.A. from Clark University in 1981 and a J.D. from Vermont Law School in 1985. He is admitted in Vermont and Maine, as well as several federal appellate courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. His legal education provides a foundation for examining statutes, administrative decisions, and the evidence needed to present environmental and regulatory issues in court.

Shems spent fifteen years at the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and four years as Chair of the Vermont Natural Resources Board. His representative work includes counsel to Washington Electric Cooperative and permitting for the Sheffield Wind Project. He has also litigated issues involving hydroelectric facilities and the Clean Water Act, drawing on experience with the relationship between state oversight and federal requirements.

Ronald A. Shems received the National Association of Attorneys General’s Best Brief Award for U.S. Supreme Court advocacy. His public and private practice experience informs work at the intersection of environmental regulation, energy, and land use. By connecting regulatory analysis with litigation and agency experience, he assists clients in evaluating requirements, presenting their positions, and responding to decisions with significant operational consequences.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Offices of Tarrant, Gillies & Shems
• Member, Vermont Bar Association
• Member, Maine State Bar Association
• Board Member, Moretown Elementary School
• Board of Trustees, Mad River Glen Cooperative
• Board Member, Vermont Environmental Consortium
• Member, Moretown Board of Civil Authority

Licensed State

• Vermont
• Maine

Education

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

Awards & Badges