Richard Windish, Partner
rwindish@hayes-windish.com

Richard Windish's practice concentrates on the litigation, negotiation and resolution of civil disputes involving businesses, individuals, and insurance carriers. He is routinely engaged by insurance companies to defend their insureds in a variety of matters involving bodily injury, property damage, and economic disputes. Richard has represented both corporate and private litigants in various courts throughout the State of Vermont. He has handled complex environmental claims involving water pollution, toxic torts, and underground contaminant releases, for which he has litigated coverage on behalf of both carriers and insureds. In addition, Richard has extensive experience handling workers' compensation claims to formal hearing and through appeal, and he has tried cases in both federal and state court. Richard also lectures to statewide professional groups and provides consulting, educational, and training services to the insurance industry.

Richard also has a vibrant general civil practice in the Upper Connecticut River Valley area, where he represents businesses and individuals in a variety of transactional and litigated matters.

Education
La Salle University, Bachelor of Arts with Honors, 1991
Vermont Law School, Juris Doctorate, 1994

Bar admissions
Vermont Supreme Court, 1994
New Hampshire Supreme Court, 2006
United States District Court for the District of Vermont, 1995
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 1999

Professional Associations
American Bar Association
Defense Research Institute
Vermont Bar Association (Board Member, 1997-2000 and Chair, 1999, Young Lawyers' Section; Member, 1998-99, Board of Bar Managers)
Vermont Claims Association
Delta Sigma Pi Professional Fraternity, Epsilon Sigma Chapter (Chapter President, 1990-91)

Public and Community Service
Richard is a member of The Green Mountain Club, Inc., where he has served on the Board of Directors since 1996. Richard was the GMC President from 2006-2009, and a member of the Brattleboro Section and several key committees. Richard regularly performs trail maintenance and shelter renovations on the Appalachian and Long Trails, where he has logged hundreds of hours as a volunteer.

Personal
Richard’s other interests include his family, outdoor chores, live music, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, adventure travel, and kayaking. He lives in Reading, Vermont with his wife Pam and three daughters, Kelsey, Emma and Vera.