David R. Cooper

Practice Areas:

• Business Transactions & Commerical Law
• Energy & Utility Law
• Land Use Law
• Municipal Law
• Real Estate Law
• Telecommunications

Professional Affiliations:

• Admitted to practice in Texas, Massachusetts, and Vermont
• Member, Vermont Bar Association
• Member, Rutland County Bar Association

David has represented individuals, business entities, and municipalities in connection with federal, state, and local permitting and approval programs for over 14 years.  Although a large portion of his practice involves matters arising under Act 250, Vermont's major development statute, David also has assisted clients in connection with the Federal Clean Water Act, CERCLA, the various permitting programs under the umbrella of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, as well as local zoning and other municipal approval processes.  His practice also includes assisting with the siting and development of utility and renewable energy law projects, as well as defending landowners and businesses in connection with environmental and zoning enforcement cases.

In addition to his land use and environmental practice, David maintains an active general business practice, with a focus on setting up and advising nonprofit and tax exempt entities.  David's practice in this regard is informed by his experience as Director and Secretary of CooperRiis Healing Community, a progressively staged, multi-site healing community located in Mill Spring, North Carolina, which supports individuals with mental health challenges, emotional distress, and substance misuse issues.  David also serves as Chairman of the Rutland Redevelopment Authority.

David received his B.A. in philosophy from Pomona College in 1994 and graduated cum laude from the University of Texas School of Law in 1999.  After clerking for one year with the Second District Court of Appeals in Fort Worth, Texas, David practiced for three years at Choate, Hall & Stewart in Boston, Massachusetts, before moving to Vermont and joining the firm in 2003.