Downs Rachlin Martin Recognized in 2027 Edition of Best Law Firms

Downs Rachlin Martin Sweeps Regional Law Firm Rankings

The northern New England law firm Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC (DRM) didn’t just make the list for the 2027 edition of Best Law Firms—it dominated it, securing a sweeping range of practice area recognitions across Regional Tiers 1 through 3 from Vermont, New Hampshire, and beyond. Vermont Business Magazine reported that the firm’s Burlington, Concord, and Montpelier offices were lauded for their expertise, with the Burlington office in particular earning 15 distinct Tier 1 rankings alone, covering everything from Commercial Litigation and Mergers and Acquisitions to Tax Law and Trademark Law.

This isn’t just a plaque on a wall. For businesses and individuals across northern New England, these rankings are a critical shorthand for legal excellence. The recognition comes when laws are increasingly complex, with businesses dealing with energy and telecommunications regulations, labor disputes, and intellectual property challenges. DRM’s broad recognition means a client in Burlington needing help with a construction dispute or a company in Concord managing a merger has access to a nationally vetted team right in their backyard.

The Weight of a Tier 1 Ranking

So, what does a “Tier 1” ranking actually mean? According to the methodology detailed on Best Law Firms’ own site, these distinctions are not bought or advertised. They are the result of a rigorous, peer-driven evaluation process. To even be considered, a firm must have at least one lawyer recognized in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The 2027 rankings are built from a staggering 30 million evaluations of more than 134,000 lawyers from over 25,000 firms.

This peer-review system is where DRM’s true strength shines. Think of it as a professional recommendation from the very people who would be on the other side of the courtroom or negotiating table. The firm’s Burlington office was recognized in Tier 1 for 15 practice areas, including high-stakes fields like Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Intellectual Property, and Real Estate Law. In Concord, the firm earned a Tier 1 nod for Employment Law – Management, while its Montpelier office was recognized for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants and Real Estate Law.

Downs Rachlin Martin Recognized in 2027 Edition of Best Law Firms — Photo: drm.com

“Together, those perspectives show not only which firms are standing out, but how excellence takes shape across different practice areas and markets, from highly specialized local firms to those with a national presence. That is what makes Best Law Firms both a meaningful recognition and a trusted guide to the profession.”

Valerie Smith is Senior Research Manager at Best Law Firms.

The firm’s reach extends far beyond just the top tier. In Tier 2, DRM was recognized for practices like Business Organizations, Litigation – Bankruptcy, and Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants in Burlington, as well as Litigation – Labor and Employment and Trusts and Estates in Concord. Even in the competitive Tier 3 category, the firm’s Burlington-based Criminal Defense: White-Collar practice was singled out, demonstrating a depth of expertise across the entire spectrum of legal services.

The Human Element: Lawyers, Not Just Listings

Behind these firm-wide rankings are individual attorneys whose reputations are the foundation of this recognition. Earlier this year, 24 DRM lawyers were named to the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, and 15 were included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. Three of the firm’s lawyers were even honored with the prestigious “Lawyer of the Year” designation in their respective practice areas.

DRM’s services are incredibly diverse, covering everything from bankruptcy and business restructuring to energy law, intellectual property, and even legislative support through its Government and Public Affairs group. For a small business owner in Vermont or a developer in New Hampshire, this level of integrated expertise means they don’t have to shop around for different specialists.

As noted by Best LawFirms, the number of firms receiving National Tier 1 recognition is incredibly small—just 0.48% of U.S. law firms.

A Legacy of Excellence

Since The Best Lawyers in America® was first published in 1983, it has become the definitive guide to legal excellence. The U.S. edition of Best Law Firms, first introduced in 2010, has built on that tradition by evaluating firms on a regional and national scale. For DRM, a firm with deep roots in Vermont and New Hampshire, this sustained recognition underscores its position as a cornerstone of the legal community in the region.

For the communities DRM serves, including Burlington, Concord, and Montpelier, this recognition from Best Law Firms reminds people that legal help is available locally.