Erin Gallivan
Meub, Gallivan & Larson
65 Grove St.
Rutland, VT 05701
Map
Phone: (802) 747-0610 | Fax: (802) 747-9268
http://www.yourvtlawyer.com
We're Here To Help You
Legal Topic
Employment Law
Preferred New Clients
Debt settlement, foreclosure and workers' compensation.
Sub-Topics
Workers' Compensation
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Debt settlement, foreclosure and workers' compensation.
Sub-Topics
Debt Relief
Foreclosure
Bar Admissions
VT, Mar 1999
Bar Number: 3488
Other Court Admissions
Vermont (1999) and District of Vermont (2000).
Association Memberships
Vermont Bar Association, Vermont Association for Justice, and American Association for Justice.
Continuing Education
I attend and occasionally teach continuing legal education seminars on personal injury, workers' compensation, employment law, mediation, and trial skills. I always exceed the required number of hours because I think continuing education is critical to staying on top of the changing law and continuing to improve my skills.
Papers and Publications
I have published a few small articles in the Vermont Association for Justice (formerly Vermont Trial Attorneys) newsletter.
Example Cases
In a 2008 workers compensation case, my client was found to be permanently totally disabled by the Workers Compensation Hearing Officer as a result of a neck injury from falling off of a truck. (RG v. Verizon, Opinion No. 22-08WC (June 5, 2008). The injury was initially not catastrophic, but over time my client became more and more disabled after an initial botched neck surgery. We also represented the same client in a medical malpractice claim against the neurosurgeon who operated on his neck and secured a significant settlement in that claim.
We represented a woman in 2007 who was struck by a car crossing a crosswalk that caused her to be paralyzed. Her first lawyer told her that she would never get more than $50,000 for her case because she crossed the crosswalk when the light was green. However, with a help of an accident reconstructionist, we established that the driver that struck her had plenty of time to stop but didn't. The case settled for a very significant sum that entitled our client to get the medical care she needed for the future.
Education
Northeastern University School of Law
J.D.
Boston
MA
1998
Lehigh University
B.A.
Bethlehem
PA
1993
Number of Attorneys
4
State Licensed In
Vermont
Firm Focus and History
My firm is focused on helping injured Vermonters. We handle all personal injury cases, including car accidents, medical malpractice, pedestrian accidents and slip and fall, and all types of injuries including catastrophic injuries and death. We also handle workers' compensation claims.
Meub, Gallivan & Larson was first opened as Meub Associates in 2000 by William Meub. I have been with the firm since its inception, coming over with Bill Meub from our predecessor firm. Chris Larson joined the firm in 2007 after working for a large firm in Boston and clerking for two years for the Vermont Superior Court.
Previous Employment Summary
I clerked for Magistrate Judge Niedermeier in the U.S. Federal District Court for the District of Vermont after graduating from law school. I started working with Bill Meub in 1999 at Keyser Crowley and then went with him to Meub Associates in 2000.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
A client must understand the legal issues in their case. I spend a lot of time with clients (and prospective clients) giving them information about legal issues, but I also strongly encourage clients to educate themselves. However, I feel it is very important to also talk with a lawyer about legal issues, because every case is different and the law works differently in every case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I have entered into "limited representation" agreements with clients in non-personal injury cases, where I do not represent the client in court, but rather advise the client on legal issues, review documents outside of court and/or help clients prepare to represent themselves in the courtroom. I would not recommend this in a serious personal injury case or workers' compensation case.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I have entered into "limited representation" agreements with clients in non-personal injury cases, where I do not represent the client in court, but rather advise the client on legal issues, review documents outside of court and/or help clients prepare to represent themselves in the courtroom. I would not recommend this in a serious personal injury case or workers' compensation case.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to be a lawyer because I wanted to help people. I have found that in representing injured people I can make a huge difference in their lives. People who have been hurt by the negligence of others are usually facing multiple challenges: physical injury, emotional injury, loss of job and/or income. There are so many things to think about and it can feel overwhelming. I pride myself on not only providing superior legal representation in personal injury cases, but in helping people get through a very difficult time in their lives.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have an undergraduate degree in psychology and I worked in the social work field for several years before attending law school. I believe this education and training has given me an advantage in relating to and understanding my clients and as well as my adversaries.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
As I stated earlier, I chose to primarily do personal injury and workers' compensation cases because helping injured individuals has brought me great personal satisfaction and fulfillment.
What do you like best about your career?
I like that I am able to use my skills to help someone recover and move on from an injury that often changes their life. I have treasured the relationships I have developed with my clients, who are amazing, brave people who have overcome great challenges.
Tell us about your law firm:
There are three attorneys at the firm: Bill Meub, myself, and Christopher Larson. All three of us share the same commitment to providing superior legal services to our clients in a caring and supportive way. Bill Meub, who I've worked with for nine years, has 25 years of experience. Chris Larson, also a Vermont native, joined the firm in 2007 after graduating from Harvard Law School and clerking in Vermont Superior Court. We also have excellent support staff who have been with us for many years: Betsy Kierstead, Val Tilford and Linda Fenton.
What are your strengths and style?
My strengths are that I am very caring and respectful and honest towards my clients. I also think my analytical way of thinking is a strength as a lawyer. My style is to be very straightforward and direct with people.
Personal Interests:
My personal interests include hiking, running, cross-country skiing, dancing, movies and hanging out with my kids.
Office Manager/Assistant
Betsy Kierstead.
Fax
(802) 747-9268
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
For personal injury and workers' compensation cases we enter into contingency fee agreements. In limited situations we offer fixed-price services (preparing a simple will and DUIs, for example).
Hourly Rates
Personal injury and workers' compensation cases are done on a contingency fee basis. Please call our office for our hourly rates on other cases.
Free Initial Consultation?
We do offer a free initial consultation on all cases.
Typical Retainer
We do not charge retainers in personal injury cases. For other cases, the amount of the retainer depends on the complexity of the case.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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