Stephen Coteus

Stephen Coteus practices at The Law Offices of Tarrant, Gillies & Shems,. He advises and represents individuals, businesses, municipalities, and state entities in civil litigation, appeals, administrative proceedings, and real estate and commercial transactions lawsuits and disputes. His subject areas include public records, education, employment, property, environmental, utility, contracts, and constitutional law. He has particular experience and interest in First Amendment and public records matters.

Coteus earned a J.D., magna cum laude, from Vermont Law School in 2014 and a B.A. in English, cum laude, from the University of Vermont in 2010. He subsequently clerked for Justice Marilyn S. Skoglund of the Vermont Supreme Court and Judge Peter W. Hall of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, building experience with judicial analysis and appellate proceedings.

Coteus first joined the firm in 2016, practiced there for five years, and then spent two years as a staff attorney at the Vermont Supreme Court. He returned to the firm in 2023. His reported matters include public records and municipal disputes. This combination of court service and private practice informs his assessment of legal arguments, administrative records, and the issues presented on appeal.

Stephen Coteus has taught Municipal Law as an Adjunct Professor at Vermont Law School. His professional activities include Vermont Bar Association membership and community board service. His practice combines litigation with advisory and transactional work, allowing clients to address a legal issue across different settings. That range is useful when a public decision or property matter may lead to both negotiation and contested proceedings.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Offices of Tarrant, Gillies & Shems
• Member, Vermont Bar Association
• Volunteer Attorney, Vermont Legal Food Hub (2020-2021)
• Board Member, Green Mountain Children’s Museum (2024-Present)
• Secretary, Board of Directors, Montessori School of Central Vermont (2021-2022)
• Board Member, Vermont Grass Farmers Association (2017-2019)
• Board Member, Royalton Community Radio (2014-2015)

Licensed State

• Vermont

Education

• Vermont Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD) Magna Cum Laude
• University of Vermont
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Cum Laude

Awards & Badges