How much does it cost to hire Dennis for a business case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dennis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Dennis offer a free consultation?

Dennis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dennis's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Dennis's current terms during booking.

How long do business cases in Vermont typically take?

Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Dennis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Dennis take my case if I'm outside Woodstock?

Dennis is licensed in Vermont. Matters governed by Vermont law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Dennis will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Dennis?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Dennis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Dennis accepting new business clients right now?

Dennis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Dennis O. Shillen, Business Attorney in Woodstock

Quick answer

Dennis O. Shillen is a partner based in Woodstock, VT. The practice focuses on Business, Car Accidents, and Dog Bites. Dennis has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shillen Mackall Seldon Spicer & Fraas. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.

Based in: Woodstock, VT
Experience: over 46 years
Known for: Business · Car Accidents · Dog Bites

Handles Business, Car Accidents, and Dog Bites matters from Woodstock, VT.
Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Dennis takes on

Dennis concentrates on business, car accidents, dog bites, education, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dennis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Woodstock, Vermont

Dennis takes business matters in Woodstock, Vermont. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dennis agrees to represent you.

Car Accidents cases in Woodstock, Vermont

Dennis takes car accidents matters in Woodstock, Vermont. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dennis agrees to represent you.

Dog Bites cases in Woodstock, Vermont

Dennis takes dog bites matters in Woodstock, Vermont. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dennis agrees to represent you.

Education cases in Woodstock, Vermont

Dennis takes education matters in Woodstock, Vermont. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dennis agrees to represent you.

General cases in Woodstock, Vermont

Dennis takes general matters in Woodstock, Vermont. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dennis agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Dennis O. Shillen — business lawyer in Woodstock

Dennis O. Shillen is a partner based in Woodstock, VT. The practice focuses on Business, Car Accidents, and Dog Bites. Dennis has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shillen Mackall Seldon Spicer & Fraas. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.

Dennis O. Shillen was born in Coral Gables, Florida, where he first developed a passion for championing the rights of the underprivileged and those seriously injured by others’ negligent actions. That commitment—shaped by his background, education, and years of practice—has guided his work since he became an attorney in 1980. Concentrating exclusively on personal injury law, Mr. Shillen has advanced the rights of tens of thousands of injured victims and secured millions of dollars in compensation on their behalf. In every case he advocates for maximum recovery and pursues the best possible results for his clients.

Working with Dennis on a business matter

Dennis O. Shillen was born in Coral Gables, Florida, where he first developed a passion for championing the rights of the underprivileged and those seriously injured by others’ negligent actions. That commitment—shaped by his background, education, and years of practice—has guided his work since he became an attorney in 1980. Concentrating exclusively on personal injury law, Mr. Shillen has…

Who Dennis represents

Dennis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, car accidents, and dog bites matters in Woodstock and the surrounding Vermont area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Howard University School of Law
J.D. · 1980
Florida International University
B.A. · 1975

Jurisdictions

Dennis's state bar admissions

Vermont
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1984 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1980 · ACTIVE
Florida
1980 · ACTIVE

Dennis studied at J.D. in Howard University School of Law and B.A. in Florida International University.

Law school and academic background

Dennis completed J.D. in Howard University School of Law and B.A. in Florida International University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dennis runs in Vermont is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Dennis has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Dennis O. Shillen's office in Woodstock

Dennis's primary office is at 21710 Maxham Meadow Way, Suite 2A, Woodstock, VT, 05091. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Shillen Mackall Seldon Spicer & Fraas

21710 Maxham Meadow Way, Suite 2A

Woodstock, VT 05091

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Dennis O. Shillen — 4.9/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Dennis. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Woodstock.

4.9

9 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Dennis O. Shillen claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Dennis O. Shillen — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Dennis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Dennis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dennis's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Dennis will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Woodstock, Vermont

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Dennis

Dennis discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Dennis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Dennis's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Dennis O. Shillen

How much does it cost to hire Dennis for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dennis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Dennis offer a free consultation?
Dennis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dennis's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Dennis's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Vermont typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Dennis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Dennis take my case if I'm outside Woodstock?
Dennis is licensed in Vermont. Matters governed by Vermont law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Dennis will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Dennis?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Dennis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Dennis accepting new business clients right now?
Dennis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Vermont residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Dennis O. Shillen. Each link opens the full answer thread.

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What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
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Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota
Can My Business Be Impacted By A Personal Lawsuit Against Me In Pennsylvania?
I’m facing a personal lawsuit in Philadelphia, and I’m concerned about the potential impact on my small business. My business and personal finances are intertwined. Can my business
1 verified answer · Business · Pennsylvania

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Woodstock, Montpelier and Burlington in Vermont

Dennis handles business matters throughout Vermont. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

Dennis O. Shillen, Business Attorney in Woodstock, Vermont

Quick answer