Vermont Law Firm Marks a Century of Legal Service
Burlington, VT — Sheehey Furlong & Behm P.C., one of Vermont’s most respected law firms, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Founded in 1926 by renowned Burlington attorney A. Pearly Feen, the firm still bears the name of a young Feen mentee, Paul D. Sheehey. What began as a mentorship between Feen and Sheehey has evolved into a much larger firm, with offices in Burlington and White River Junction. But certain core principles instilled by Feen and Sheehey have guided the firm through every stage of its evolution.
“For 100 years this firm has operated on the belief that the best way to get work is to do good work. That’s how Pearly Feen and Mr. Sheehey practiced law, and it is still our core philosophy today. While the firm has grown over the years, we will always pursue excellence over volume.”
— Renee Mobbs, Shareholder and Managing Director
For decades, Sheehey operated as a small firm of seven to ten attorneys, earning a reputation for exceptional legal work and relying on word of mouth to attract clients. Beginning in 2013, the firm embarked on a period of strategic growth, growing to 22 attorneys as of the date of this article. The firm’s growth was driven by the changing needs of its clients.
“Sheehey serves local, regional, and national businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. To meet our clients’ growing needs, the firm has also grown in both size and capacity. Our clients need not only legal expertise, but a robust team of technically savvy professionals with the resources to tackle increasingly complex and data-driven legal challenges.”
— Arline Duffy, Shareholder and General Counsel
As it enters its second century, Sheehey continues to invest in the next generation of legal talent and technology, while maintaining the standard of excellence set by its founders. Sheehey’s attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and IT professionals provide experienced legal representation to clients across a range of practice areas including civil litigation, energy law, trusts and estates, banking law, employment law, land use and development, business law, and white-collar criminal defense, among other practice areas. The firm’s attorney roster, areas of practice, and overall reach continue to grow under new leadership, shaped by decades of mentorship.
“The lawyers who built this firm didn’t just practice law—they mentored generations of Vermont lawyers and business leaders. Today’s Sheehey has perhaps the strongest group of associate attorneys we’ve ever had, and that’s not an accident. It’s the result of a hundred years of senior attorneys investing in the next generation. We are committed to continuing that work and to mentoring and supporting the growth of the future owners of this firm.”
— Kevin Lumpkin, Shareholder
The firm’s commitment to supporting the development and growth of the next generation extends well beyond mentoring its own attorneys. Sheehey has a strong commitment to justice with attorneys devoting substantial pro bono time to various causes including fighting for the release of the wrongfully convicted and representing indigent tenants facing eviction. Current and former Sheehey attorneys have also served the community as business leaders and public servants in various capacities, including in local and state government, as federal prosecutors, and as distinguished members of the judiciary.
Sheehey’s core values have not changed from 1926 to 2026. The firm remains committed to producing the highest quality legal work, investing in the next generation, and giving back to the Vermont communities the firm calls home. As Sheehey looks ahead to its next century, these principles will continue to guide its growth.
Sheehey would like to thank its present and former shareholders, associate and of counsel attorneys, employees, clients, colleagues, and friends who have supported and continue to support the success of the firm. We hope you will join us in celebrating Sheehey’s 100 years of dedicated legal service to Vermont.
