Litigation:
Experienced Trial Lawyers When Conflict Leads to Litigation

DRM’s trial lawyers represent clients in a wide range of business and personal disputes across the U.S. Using our extensive courtroom experience and concentration in specialized practice areas, we assist clients in resolving disputes through aggressive representation when litigation is required.

With a strong commitment to quality and client satisfaction, attorneys in the Litigation Group represent clients in state and federal trial and appellate courts and in mediation and arbitration proceedings. Representative matters include:

• procuring the largest federal award in Vermont history in a trade secret misappropriation suit
• establishing that federal preemption exempts railroads in Vermont from complying with Act 250 zoning laws
• completing a $100 million Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) litigation for a Fortune 50 industrial manufacturer
• filing suit on behalf of an industry leader for trademark infringement resulting in a confidential settlement for a permanent injunction and recovery of most of the client’s legal fees
• procuring insurance recovery for toxic tort claims of numerous parties in a western state

Apply the right level of resources to solve simple or complex problems.

DRM’s Litigation Group has the depth and resources to handle a wide range of legal problems from simple contract disputes to matters of the highest complexity. When appropriate, our attorneys pursue resolution of commercial disputes through alternative means such as arbitration and mediation. Responsive and flexible, DRM's Litigation Group is able to prosecute or defend on short notice.

We carefully staff litigation matters—often closely collaborating with lawyers in other practice groups--and emphasize ongoing communication with our clients. The firm's strategic investments in technology enhance our efficiency and effectiveness. DRM employs the only Summation® (advanced litigation support software) certified trainer in Vermont. We provide sophisticated commercial and personal litigation services at a cost proportionate to our clients' problems.

Areas of concentration:

Bankruptcy & Creditor's Rights Litigation

Commercial Litigation

Construction Litigation

Environmental & Toxic Tort Litigation

Insurance Coverage & Policyholder Rights Litigation

Intellectual Property Litigation

Personal Injury Claims & Defense

Product Liability

Professional Liability

Traumatic Brain Injury

Based in Vermont and New Hampshire with connections around the world

As the exclusive member firm for Vermont of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms, DRM has immediate entrée to more than 20,000 lawyers in 160 prominent and successful law firms with 560 offices in 99 countries. The firm’s association with Lex Mundi gives DRM’s clients the added benefits of:

• access to local market knowledge and experience
• relevant industry expertise
• sound business and language skills
• responsive service

Metropolitan talent with Vermont value

DRM’s New England location attracts talented lawyers and legal professionals who choose rural lifestyles in the smaller cities and towns of Vermont and New Hampshire. Our clients get the personal attention and value associated with a smaller law firm without sacrificing talent, depth or quality.

Contact Us

To explore how DRM’s Litigation group can help you meet the challenges of a commercial or personal dispute, contact Practice Group Chair Robert Luce.

A full-service New England law firm

Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC is a full-service, regional law firm. As clients’ needs expand into other areas of law, the firm’s wide range of legal concentrations and commitment to vigorous collaboration can provide seamless, cost-effective legal representation.