Joseph Ronan | Norwich Tax Lawyer

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
I handled a pro bono matter for a 94 year old veteran. He had Social Security checks embezzled while he was in the hospital getting brain surgery. We were able to get a recovery from the bank involved for its failure to adequately check the signatures. This wasn’t a huge recovery but it made a real difference to the veteran.

How did you build a successful practice?
I’ve worked as a tax/executive compensation/benefits/business lawyer for over 40 years, so, as the commercial goes, “I know a lot because I’ve seen a lot.” One thing that I’ve learned is that lawyering isn’t “about me,” it’s about getting a good result for the client, setting and meeting expectations.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
I think an excellent lawyer combines several key skills: (1) expert knowledge of the law involved; (2) strong ability to listen more than talk; (3) humility in the face of life’s challenges; (4) strong communication skills. I also try to make myself available to clients on an “as needed” basis (nights and weekends if needed).

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
It depends on the matter. I do a lot of Federal tax work and local knowledge is perhaps not so important here. On the other hand, I also negotiate executive employment agreements and knowledge of local markets is critical on those matters.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
I am willing to discuss the proposed matter for something like 30 minutes and tell you whether I think I can help, what the costs would likely be and what would be involved.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
I need to understand what your issue is, why you think you need legal representation.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
I am one of the few lawyers in my area of Vermont who has extensive experience in Federal tax law. I also have a broad experience set: I’ve worked for the Federal government in Washington, D.C., as a tax associate with a regional law firm in Philadelphia, as in house tax counsel for a Fortune 50 company (Bell Atlantic, now Verizon) and then as a partner in a major international law firm, before starting my practice here in Vermont.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Helping clients to understand their choices and achieve goals in a thoughtful manner. As the song goes, you can’t always get what you want but I hope I help my clients understand what’s doable and what isn’t, and what the risks/rewards are for each alternative.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
I love literature and music. I live on a 20 acre property with my wife and family and I get a lot of satisfaction out of maintaining that property (to the extent I am able).

Are you involved in your community?
I am currently chair of the Selectboard in Sharon, VT (where I now live). I am an adjunct professor of law at Villanova Law School and do some teaching at Vermont Law School. I am on the board of a nonprofit organization. I do speaking gigs for bar associations and other organizations.

• Member | New York State Bar Association
  Member | Pennsylvania State Bar Association
  Member | Vermont State Bar Association

• AV Preeminent | Martindale-Hubbell | 2020

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