Education
Cornell University: BS in Environmental Engineering Technology (1985)
Vermont Law School: JD and Masters of Studies in Environmental Law and Policy (1991)
Bar Admissions:
State Bars:
State of Texas Bar (1991 to Present, currently inactive status)
State of Washington Bar (1998 to 2011)
State of Vermont Bar (2005 to Present)
Federal Courts:
Supreme Court
First Circuit
Second Circuit
Fourth Circuit
Ninth Circuit
District of Vermont
Practice Areas:
Environmental
Land Use
Appellate
Non-profit governance
Administrative Law
About David K. Mears
David K. Mears is an experienced attorney whose practice focuses on helping clients solve challenges in the areas of environmental, energy, brownfields and land use law and policy at the local, state and federal levels. Working at the leading edge of environmental law in the administrative, judicial and legislative settings for over three decades, David has experience resolving issues involving water quality and watershed health, drinking water, hazardous waste management, contaminated site cleanup, air pollution, land use including brownfields redevelopment and renewable energy siting, and natural resources protection and management. David brings this experience to bear for Tarrant Gillies and Shems’ clients, providing legal and consulting services on public policy, regulatory challenges, and government funding opportunities.
He has served as a practicing attorney, public official, non-profit organization leader, and law professor. David is the former Executive Director of Audubon Vermont. Prior to joining Audubon Vermont, he served as the Associate Dean of Environmental Programs at Vermont Law School. In addition to serving as a teacher and administrator at Vermont Law School, David has held several positions in state and federal government including serving as Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. He has also served in Texas state government, the U.S. Department of Justice-Environment and Natural Resources Division, and the Washington Office of the Attorney General-Ecology Division.
David frequently teaches law and policy as an adjunct or visiting faculty member at the undergraduate and graduate level including courses and lectures at the Harvard Extension School, Vermont State University, Bennington College, and the University of Vermont.