Essex Junction, VT

Richard W. Affolter

Dick Affolter received his B.A. in 1963 from DePaul University. He received his L.L.B. law degree from Cornell University in 1966. He has been practicing as a Vermont trial lawyer for 45 years. Recognized as one of Vermont’s elite lawyers, he has been AV rated in Martindale Hubbell for over 45 years. For years Dick represented doctors and hospitals charged with medical negligence. He was successful as a defense lawyer who authored a publication used by Vermont doctors to avoid malpractice claims. Years ago, Dick chose to switch teams and represent victims of medical negligence. Dick is well known and respected in the medical and insurance communities. While Dick’s role these days is of counsel and not full time practice, his expertise still provides our clients with an advantage in negotiating and resolving claims.

Michael J. Gannon

Mike received his B.A. degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton (Harpur College) in 1978. He obtained his J.D. degree from Indiana University in 1983 and served a legal clerkship in the federal courts in Indianapolis in 1983 and 1984. Mike then returned to Vermont to practice law. For the first half of his career, Mike represented insurance companies. He was principal Vermont counsel for many of the largest insurance companies. Mike now represents injured parties seeking compensation and his previous experience on behalf of insurance companies gives him unique insight into resolving cases and maximizing recovery. Mike is one of the most successful trial lawyers in the state, having had well over 100 jury trials.

Carey Rose

Carey Rose, Esq. is a Vermont Trial Lawyer with 28 years of experience, specializing in workers’ compensation, car accident, and personal injury law. She is recognized for her compassionate legal representation and aggressive advocacy for injured Vermonters, earning multiple prestigious awards.

Allegra C. Carpenter

Allegra Carpenter is an attorney with over 25 years of experience fighting for justice in serious injury cases, including truck accidents, medical negligence, and nursing home abuse. She is recognized for her innovative approach to litigation graphics and is a sought-after instructor in trial skills. Allegra is AV-Preeminent peer-review rated by Martindale-Hubbell, has been included in 'Best Lawyers in America' since 2005, and is a 'Super Lawyer' since 2014. She was also named Albuquerque Personal Injury Litigation Lawyer of the Year in 2015 and 2020.

Aili Obandja

Aili Obandja, Esq. is a Vermont Trial Lawyer with extensive trial experience, recognized with the CALI Award for Excellence in Trial Practice. She is committed to fighting for her clients' legal rights and is a member of the Vermont Professionals of Color Network.

Edward D. Fitzpatrick

Ed is a lifelong Vermont resident with extensive experience in working with landowners, developers, and handling commercial real estate and business transactions. He frequently represents buyers, sellers, developers, and lenders, and works with financial institutions. Prior to private practice, he served as deputy state’s attorney for five years and State’s Attorney for Grand Isle County for four years.

William E. Drislane

Bill serves clients in northern Vermont with estate and trust work, including estate and tax planning, settling estates and trusts, and developing instruments for economic and efficient estate transfer. He joined Bergeron Paradis & Fitzpatrick as Of Counsel in July 2025 after closing his 31-year solo practice. He is a member of the Vermont Bar Association and participates in probate, trust, and estate law sections. He clerked for Honorable Susan Fowler at the Chittenden County Probate Court and served on the Advisory Committee on Probate Rules by appointment of the Vermont Supreme Court.