Monaghan Safar Dwight

At Monaghan Safar PLLC, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to our clients, individuals, and businesses alike. Our commitment to providing approachable and efficient legal services has been the backbone of our practice since our inception. We are a comprehensive law firm, offering a wide range of legal services that cater to the needs of our clients. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in various states, including Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and the United States District Courts.

Our Areas of Expertise

Our firm specializes in various areas of law, including:

Environmental, Land Use & Utility

Our attorneys have extensive experience in environmental law, land use, and utility law. We represent clients in matters related to the development and permitting of projects, including those that involve environmental and regulatory approvals.

Real Estate

Our real estate attorneys have extensive experience in the negotiation and drafting of contracts, deeds, easements, and other real estate-related documents. We represent clients in residential and commercial property transactions, including purchases, sales, refinancing, and leasing.

Business

Our business attorneys provide legal services to businesses of all sizes, including non-profit organizations, in matters such as corporate governance, M&A, and business disputes.

Estate Planning & Administration

Our estate planning attorneys help individuals, couples, and families plan for the future, including drafting wills, trusts, and other essential estate planning documents. We also represent clients in estate administration, probate, and probate disputes.

Litigation & Conflict Resolution

Our litigators are experienced in handling disputes in various areas of law, including contractual, employment, and real estate matters. We believe in approaching litigation with a calculated and strategic approach, always keeping the best interests of our clients in mind.

Governmental

Our governmental attorneys have significant experience in representing municipalities, cities, towns, and other government entities in matters related to land use, zoning, and regulatory compliance.

Employment & Labor Law

Our employment and labor law attorneys provide legal services to individuals and businesses, including drafting employment contracts, handling discrimination claims, and advising on compliance with labor laws and regulations.

Family Law

Our family law attorneys help individuals navigate the complexities of family law, including divorce, separation, child custody, and property division.

Our Attorneys

Our attorneys are dedicated professionals, with a deep understanding of the law and a commitment to providing exceptional legal services. Our team includes:

Claudine Safar

Claudine has been with the firm since 2010 and practices in the areas of land use, planning, zoning, civil litigation, family law, and appellate litigation. She represents individuals, businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit entities to help them achieve their goals.

Kristen Shamis

Kristen joined the firm in 2006 and has significant experience in the firm's municipal law and business transaction practices. She also supports the firm's land use, litigation, and real estate practices.

Lori Ruple

Lori is an experienced real estate attorney who has been in private practice for over 25 years. She has extensive experience in residential and commercial property transactions, representing national lending institutions as well as businesses and individuals.

Ryan Meer

Ryan joined the firm in 2024 and is licensed in the states of Vermont and California. He has experience in commercial transactions, including lease negotiations, contract drafting, and conflict resolution.

Miles Stafford

Miles graduated magna cum laude from the University of Massachusetts and has a strong background in business and law.

Ed Adrian

Ed has over 18 years of practicing law in Vermont and has worked for private and public sector clients in areas such as civil, administrative, and criminal litigation.

Tara MacAskill

Tara is an attorney licensed in the State of Vermont, focusing on real estate law and has extensive experience in residential and commercial property transactions.

Brian Monaghan

Brian is a co-founder of the firm and has spent over a decade focusing on representing the interests of Vermont municipalities.