James C. Gallagher, Criminal Defense Attorney in St Johnsbury, Vermont
Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Insurance · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatDowns Rachlin Martin PLLC
St Johnsbury, VT
Practicing criminal defense in St Johnsbury since 1971.
- 55+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 7
- Bar admissions
Are you James C. Gallagher?
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Quick answer
James C. Gallagher is an of counsel based in St. Johnsbury, VT. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Insurance. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- St. Johnsbury, VT
- Experience
- over 55 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General · Insurance
- Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Insurance matters from St. Johnsbury, VT.
- Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James C. Gallagher: James C. Gallagher is an of counsel based in St. Johnsbury, VT. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Insurance. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on criminal defense, general, insurance, litigation, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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Business
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Criminal Defense cases in St Johnsbury, Vermont
James takes criminal defense matters in St Johnsbury, 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 James agrees to represent you.
General cases in St Johnsbury, Vermont
James takes general matters in St Johnsbury, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in St Johnsbury, Vermont
James takes insurance matters in St Johnsbury, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in St Johnsbury, Vermont
James takes litigation matters in St Johnsbury, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in St Johnsbury, Vermont
James takes product liability matters in St Johnsbury, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James C. Gallagher — criminal defense lawyer in St Johnsbury
James C. Gallagher is an of counsel based in St. Johnsbury, VT. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Insurance. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James C. Gallagher is a lawyer practicing defense litigation, products liability, professional liability and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Tufts University in 1967, and has been licensed for 55 years. James practices at Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC in St. Johnsbury, VT.
James's approach to criminal defense cases
James C. Gallagher is a lawyer practicing defense litigation, products liability, professional liability and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Tufts University in 1967, and has been licensed for 55 years. James practices at Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC in St. Johnsbury, VT.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and insurance matters in St Johnsbury and the surrounding Vermont area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Cornell University Law School
J.D. · 1971
Tufts University
B.A. · 1967
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
New Hampshire
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1984 · ACTIVE
New York
1980 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1977 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1972 · ACTIVE
Vermont
1971 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Cornell University Law School and B.A. in Tufts University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Cornell University Law School and B.A. in Tufts University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Vermont is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Vermont (Past President and Former Member, Board of Managers), New Hampshire and American Bar Associations American Board of Trial Advocates
membership
Locations
James C. Gallagher's office in St. Johnsbury
James's primary office is at 90 Prospect Street, St. Johnsbury, VT, 05819-0099. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC
90 Prospect Street
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819-0099
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James C. Gallagher — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in St Johnsbury.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James C. Gallagher claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James C. Gallagher — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in St Johnsbury, Vermont
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James C. Gallagher
How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Vermont typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside St Johnsbury?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving St Johnsbury, Montpelier and Burlington in Vermont
James handles criminal defense matters throughout Vermont. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Vermont
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in St Johnsbury handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.