Why Gravel & Shea

Gravel & Shea prioritizes excellence, honesty, integrity and fairness with our clients, the courts and adversaries. We provide a rewarding work environment for our employees and place great importance on supporting and improving the community we live and work in. If your priorities are aligned and this sounds like an environment in which you could thrive, we’d like to hear from you!

Comprehensive healthcare

We offer health insurance coverage with a choice of plans from BCBS of Vermont or MVP. The Firm covers approx. 80% of the premium depending upon chosen plan. The HDHP (high deductible plans) have an option of a Health Savings Account (HSA). Employees who do not open HSAs have the option of a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Dental and Vision coverage can be purchased at a group rate.

Save for the future

We offer a generous 401(k) and profit sharing plan. Eligibility starts after 90 days for the automatic 3% employer 401(k) contribution and optional employee deferral. Employee must have completed one year of employment and be an active employee as of the last day of the calendar year for profit sharing contributions.

Generous paid parental leave

Four weeks of paid parental leave to focus on, and bond with, your new child. Eligibility starts after one year of employment with the firm.

Remote work flexibility

Find more work/life balance with our flexible hybrid work model, giving you the choice of working two days/week remotely.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Employees have the option of making pre-tax contributions to a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account.

Paid volunteer time

Donate your time to something you are passionate about with up to eight hours of additional paid time off to engage in volunteer work at an organization of your choosing.

Current opportunities

Law Office Finance and Operations Manager

We are a full-service mid-size law firm (20-25 attorneys) seeking an experienced law office finance and operations manager.

The manager is responsible for the overall administrative management of the firm, overseeing human resources, finance, operations and related tasks.

The qualified applicant will have management and leadership experience, combined with proven success in human resources, law firm finances and general office administration.  They are self-driven, an excellent communicator and a strategic, analytic thinker who will enthusiastically build upon our tremendous culture of providing excellent client service in a respectful, collegial work environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Human Resources Management:

  • Responsible for recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training and development of legal staff
  • Supports the onboarding, training and development of attorneys
  • Manages employee relations and development in support of the firm’s vision and values
  • Manages employee benefit programs administered by a third-party provider
  • Administers payroll and related deductions, reviews timecards

Financial Management:

  • Prepares annual budget and monthly revenue reports
  • Manages budget variances and cost control
  • Assists with client accounting, including management of the timekeeping program and accounts receivable
  • Responsible for banking and trust account maintenance and administration
  • Prepares monthly financial statements
  • Coordinates accounting for real estate and corporate closings, including preparation of wires and checks from firm’s IOLTA account
  • Supervises the firm’s bookkeeping functions, including reconciling bank statements, reviewing expenses, authorizing vendor payments
  • Assembles mid-year and year-end attorney compensation data and prepares comprehensive distribution reports for partners
  • Prepares various analyses of revenue, expenses, client origination and other financial reporting and forecasting as needed

General Administration:

  • Acts as a strategic partner to firm management to identify and analyze issues and trends in human resources, financial management and operations
  • Manage office renovations, maintenance and repair
  • Works with insurance brokers to select and maintain appropriate insurance policies
  • Manage and create operational policies

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • A bachelor’s degree in business management, finance or related field, plus at least 5 years of progressive experience, preferably in a legal or professional services environment; OR a combination of education and related working experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.
  • Proven previous experience with accurately preparing, interpreting, and communicating financial data/statements
  • Computer proficiency, technical aptitude and on-the-job experience, using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Office 365, as well as bookkeeping, timekeeping, and billing systems
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
  • Proven staff management experience
  • Experience with recruiting, hiring, performance management, and other human resource functions
  • A desire to work with a growing team of legal professionals
  • Leadership abilities necessary to analyze data and make recommendations, objectively manage complex employee relations issues and facilitate a “team player” attitude
  • Excellent communication skills

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS PREFERRED:

  • Prior experience working with NetDocs document management and Juris billing system a plus

EEO STATEMENT

 Gravel & Shea provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

 

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Estate Planning Of Counsel Position

Gravel & Shea is looking for a qualified attorney with over 5 years of experience to fill an of counsel position in a mature, diverse estate planning practice. The qualified candidate will be self-directed, comfortable with client interaction, and have substantial experience in general estate planning, estate & gift tax planning, estate & gift tax return review and preparation, probate administration and trust administration.

Experience in trust and estate litigation and tax controversy a plus. CPA or LL.M. in Taxation not required, but preferred.

We offer excellent mentorship and training, as well as leading technology, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package, including market-leading paid parental leave and a generous retirement plan.

Apply now

Estate Planning and Probate Administration Paralegal

We are seeking a paralegal for our estate planning and probate administration practice. The successful candidate will have a strong work ethic; excellent writing and communication skills; fluency in Microsoft Office programs and adaptability to technology generally; good time management skills; and the flexibility to work with multiple attorneys. Qualified candidates must have prior estate planning and trust administration experience, including drafting estate planning documents, deeds and property transfer returns, probate court filings and other trust administration duties. We care most about excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills and initiative. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), paid parental leave and profit sharing.

A qualified candidate should promptly submit a cover letter, résumé and at least one writing sample via the Apply Now tab in the job description.

Gravel & Shea PC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Headshot of Michelle N. Farkas, hiring partner and featured lawyer

Applicants can submit a cover letter and résumé by mail to:

Michelle N. Farkas, Hiring Partner
Gravel & Shea PC
P. O. Box 369
Burlington, VT 05402-0369


Equity and inclusion statement

Equity. Inclusion. They are more than just words. They are guiding principles that inspire us to be strong advocates for our employees, our clients and our community partners. They are why we strive to offer a workplace that empowers all employees to be their authentic selves, to do their best work, and to achieve their highest potential.

Learn more about Vermont Equal Pay Compact

Gravel & Shea PC is an Equal Opportunity Employer