- SDKS Law

Email: ghand@shemsdunkiel.com Tel: 1(802) 860-1003 x 110

Geoffrey H. Hand joined the firm as an associate attorney in 2003 and became a partner in 2009. His practice is focused primarily on state and federal environmental litigation, renewable energy development and regulation, and land use law.  Geoff has handled permitting for several commercial-scale renewable energy projects and has litigated numerous cases before the Vermont Environmental Court, the Vermont Public Service Board, and in Federal Courts around the U.S.  He has also successfully argued cases before the Vermont Supreme Court involving Act 250, Vermont’s land use development law, and Section 248, Vermont’s energy development law.

Together with his colleagues at Shems Dunkiel, Geoff recently litigated a major climate change case against the U.S. government in federal court in California. The case, which recently settled, was the first in which a U.S. court ruled that the federal government could be sued for harm attributable to climate change.

In addition to his environmental and energy practice, Geoff also provides advice and counsel to municipal entities and non-profit groups on complex regulatory issues.

Geoff graduated summa cum laude from Vermont Law School in 2003 with a J.D. and a Masters of Studies in Environmental Law. He was also the recipient of the 2003 Maximilian W. Kempner Award for exemplifying the highest standards of competence, integrity, respect, fair mindedness, and public service.

Prior to attending law school, Geoff handled media relations and communications for an environmental advocacy organization in Boston. He has a B.A in biology and neuroscience and behavior from Wesleyan University. Geoff currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington, and is a Board Member of the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, a land trust located in Rangeley Maine.