William J. Dodge and Timothy E. Copeland, Jr. Commencing as New Managers at DRM
Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC (“DRM”) is pleased to announce that Attorney William J. Dodge has been elected to serve as the firm’s Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer. He replaces Peter B. Kunin, who served as DRM’s Managing Partner for the past six years.
“Will is committed to our clients’ success, cares deeply about each and every one of our employees, and fully appreciates the important role DRM serves in our communities. Will is ideally suited to continue to build the firm’s high performing legal teams, welcoming culture, and powerful brand,” Kunin stated.
Although a new role for Will, his selection as Managing Partner reflects a continued progression of his leadership responsibilities at DRM. He has previously served as Deputy Managing Partner and is a former chair of the firm’s Regulated Entities Group. Since joining the firm in 2000, Will has worked with a variety of national, regional, and locally-based clients on complex permitting matters involving wireless telecommunications facilities, right-of-way acquisition for linear utility projects, and siting of energy generation / transmission / storage facilities. His efforts have included adoption of statutes and regulations in Vermont and New Hampshire to streamline the permitting process while maintaining appropriate environmental protections as well as achieving favorable litigation outcomes for his clients in both states. He is also involved with projects involving water quality, stormwater regulation, and hazardous materials. He previously served on the Board of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and the VT Board of Bar Examiners, and continues to serve as chair of the Essex Energy Committee.
“I look forward to continuing the tradition of professional excellence at DRM, “Dodge said. “I remain committed to the firm’s guiding principles, and look forward to working with DRM attorneys and employees to ensure we are providing the highest quality legal services to our clients.”
Dodge appointed Timothy E. Copeland, Jr. to serve as deputy managing partner. Copeland, a Labor & Employment attorney, has been with the firm since 1998. He grew up at DRM and is excited to support Will as he charts DRM’s path to continued excellence as the firm approaches its 75th year anniversary. “Tim is a world class attorney with a proven track record of significant accomplishments. I have full confidence in his judgment and leadership skills, and look forward to partnering together in advancing our shared commitment to the firm,” stated Dodge. Tim has a nationwide traditional labor law practice representing large employers in a variety of industries including manufacturing, transportation, construction, utilities, health care, and retail.
Dodge re-appointed Elizabeth Rattigan to chair the Labor and Employment Practice Group; Timothy Sampson to chair the Regulated Entities Group, which includes energy law, complex development and land use, real estate, environmental law and government affairs; Robert B. Luce to chair the Litigation Practice Group; Willemien Dingemans Miller to chair the Trusts & Estates Group; Mary Parent to chair the Business Law Practice Group; and Cathleen E. Stadecker to chair the Intellectual Property Practice Group.
