Hon. John L. Pacht, Attorney

John, one of the founders of Hoff Curtis, is known as one of the top criminal attorneys in the state. He has extensive experience in federal and state criminal law and has practiced criminal and civil litigation exclusively for over twenty years. John has represented individuals charged with a wide range of different crimes, from drug-related offenses and bank and mail fraud to sexual assault and murder. His clients are representative of all walks of life, from college students, professors and doctors to mental health workers, nurses, and bus drivers.

John's civil litigation practice has concentrated on family law. He has been sought out for complex financial cases as well as difficult parent-child contact issues and cases involving Adult Protective Services. John's strength is bringing people together and communicating a position in a persuasive, non-threatening way to negotiate favorable settlements. If a settlement is not possible, John's extensive litigation experience is an invaluable asset to his clients.

John is a member of the Vermont Trial Lawyers Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and is a past-president and founding member of the Vermont Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a member of the NORML Legal Committee and has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers® and New England Super Lawyers® by his peers. John has taught numerous trial techniques seminars as well as seminars on criminal law and ethics.

John graduated second in his class from Hofstra University School of Law in Hempstead, NY where he was Managing Editor of the Hofstra Law Review. He clerked for Federal District Court Judge Frederick B. Lacey and was an associate at Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler in New York City. After some thought, John decided to join the Legal Aid Society as a criminal defense attorney in the Federal Defender unit where he remained for five years prior to moving to Vermont in 1987.

Away from the office, John's interests and community activities are as diverse as his clients. He coaches basketball and soccer, sports his children enjoy with him, and is involved with various singing groups including Hinesburg's In Accord, an a capella ensemble. John is also an active board member with the Vermont Youth Orchestra.