Downs Rachlin Martin Attorneys Robert B Luce and Marc B Heath have been named senior fellows of the Litigation Council of America. Luce and Heath are both litigators practicing from DRM’s Burlington office. Both attorneys are regularly listed in publications prepared by third-party evaluators, such as Best Lawyers in America 2017 and Chambers and Partners USA.
Luce is a director at DRM where he chairs the Litigation Practice Group. Respected in the legal community for his commercial litigation skills, he represents private equity fund managers in shareholder claims, public companies in class action litigation and businesses in contract litigation. He has developed a well-regarded practice in representing the victims of traumatic brain injury and other personal injuries over many years. He currently chairs the board of directors of the Brain Injury Association of Vermont and has served on the board since 1999.
Heath is a battle-hardened trial attorney who, since 1981, has successfully represented a wide variety of clients in more than 65 jury and bench trials in both federal and state courts. Also a director at DRM, he has successfully tried multimillion dollar suits involving slate quarry damages from defective explosives, landslide damage to shopping centers, and breach of co-packing agreements for retail food manufactures. Heath’s high profile jury trial successes allow him to confidently resolve most disputes without the need for a trial, as his opponents know that he is ready and willing to try cases.
The LCA is a trial lawyer honorary society composed of fewer than one half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in LCA is highly selective and by invitation only. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation. Senior fellow status in the society is reserved for advanced commitment to and support of the LCA, Diversity Law Institute and Trial Law Institute.
The LCA is aggressively diverse in its composition. The number of fellowships has been kept to an exclusive limit by design, allowing qualifications, diversity and inclusion to align effectively, with recognition of excellence in litigation across all segments of the bar. Fellows are generally at the partner or shareholder level, or are independent practitioners with recognized experience and accomplishment. In addition, the LCA is dedicated to promoting superior advocacy, professionalism and ethical standards among its fellows.
From offices located in Vermont and New Hampshire, more than 55 DRM attorneys represent regional, national and international entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, technology businesses and Fortune 100 companies. The legal services provided by the firm include bankruptcy and business restructuring, general business, captive insurance, energy and telecommunications, health law, intellectual property law, labor and employment, litigation, real estate and land use, environmental and tax law, and trust and estate planning, plus legislative and regulatory services through the firm’s Government and Public Affairs group. DRM is the exclusive member firm in Vermont for Lex Mundi – the world’s leading network of independent law firms with in-depth experience in more than 100 countries worldwide.