×
Go back to Martindale-Avvo ➔

Shillen Mackall Seldon Spicer & FraasPartner
Dennis O. Shillen
Pro

Dennis O. Shillen

4.8
51 reviews

21710 Maxham Meadow Way, Suite 2A, Woodstock, VT 05091

Personal Injury, Accidents, Animal Attacks and 47 more

About Dennis O. Shillen

Dennis O. Shillen was born in Coral Gables, Florida, where he first developed a passion for championing the rights of the underprivileged and those seriously injured by others’ negligent actions. That commitment—shaped by his background, education, and years of practice—has guided his work since he became an attorney in 1980. Concentrating exclusively on personal injury law, Mr. Shillen has advanced the rights of tens of thousands of injured victims and secured millions of dollars in compensation on their behalf. In every case he advocates for maximum recovery and pursues the best possible results for his clients.

 

Dennis O. Shillen (Woodstock, Vermont) View website

Awards

Gold Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 6 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.2 or higher.
Champion Badge Gold
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Dennis O. Shillen got this award in 2021

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Dennis O. Shillen got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for Dennis O.

Have you consulted or hired this lawyer?

Leave a review about your experience with this lawyer.

Write a Review

Overall Rating
4.8
See All Reviews
51
4.9
Lawyers.com
9
4.7
Martindale
27
5.0
Avvo
15
Showing 1-9 of 9 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
89%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
11%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
4.8
Automobile Accidents
Posted by anonymous
December 10, 2025
Hired Attorney

I hired Dennis Shillen to represent me in a Vermont auto claim. It was a really hard time for me and my family and the only thing that made it better was Shillen Mackall Seldon & Spicer Law Office. I spoke to several injury lawyers in the area like Sabbeth Law and Harding Mazzotti, but no one compared to the level of dedication I received from Dennis. Dennis and his team are not only promoting justice, but they also truly become family. If you get hurt, there is no one better to call than this law office.

 
Automobile Accidents
Posted by Daniel
November 18, 2025
Hired Attorney

What started as a simple injury case from a motor vehicle accident in another state, became unusually complicated. Dennis handled everything, especially the complications, with utmost professionalism and careful attention to detail. One could not find a better or more trustworthy attorney. The entire staff was excellent, throughout.

General Practice
Posted by Erin
November 18, 2025
Hired Attorney

All of my experiences with Dennis have been positive! He truly cares about his clients, and getting them the justice they deserve. He also cares about the community he lives in. I highly recommend SMSS!

Workers Compensation
Posted by Justin
November 18, 2025
Hired Attorney

I was involved in a work related injury few years back and Dennis Shillen has been working with me as my legal council. I must say that Dennis puts his best foot forward and in fact was able to guide me with the best approach of handling this situation to win my case. Dennis Shillen is a fantastic lawyer and will represent you much like he did me. Dennis Shillen in my opinion is a battle tank heading straight against the defense attorney and does not like to back down. Although my injuries still are aching me every day I was able to get financially back on my feet again. Anyone that has doubts I’m telling you from firsthand that he will not want back down .

 
Workers Compensation
Posted by Mary
November 17, 2025
Hired Attorney

I had a great experience working with this firm. My initial contract was with Briana. She guided me through the process with compassion and efficiency. Briana is incredibly good at her job. I immediately felt that I had made the right choice by having this firm pursue my case. Mr. Mackall's attention to detail and genuine interest in establishing the best outcome for me gave me confidence. I felt heard. The agreement he negotiated exceeded my expectations. I am thrilled! I felt that Briana and Jim made this process easy and eliminated the stress and dread of my having to resolve this on my own.

 
Response from Dennis O.
November 17, 2025
Mary, thank you so much for such a thoughtful review. I am so glad we were able to help you feel heard!!
Personal Injury
Posted by anonymous
October 30, 2025
Hired Attorney

Dennis Shillen is one of the most talented and skilled attorneys in Vermont and New Hampshire. Nobody cares about their clients more than Dennis. He is dedicated to being there when people need him most. Shillen Mackall Seldon & Spicer Law Office is the best firm and I would pick them over and over again.

Response from Dennis O.
October 30, 2025
Thank you for your kind words. We have a terrific team here and really pride ourselves in helping injured people.
Personal Injury
Posted by anonymous
February 23, 2017
Hired Attorney

I contacted Atty Dennis Shillen because he took on GMC on behalf of my daughter & won! My best friend has a TBI & upon hiring Dennis we learned how & why GEICO was going to pay, with the assurance that it would be in less than a year and it was! Dennis handled GEICO with finesse & there were no games or hassles allowed, as taking advantage of a person with a TBI would have been "the thing to do." Although Atty Shillen will most definitely win your lawsuit, it's not about winning: It's about YOU!

 
Workers Compensation
Posted by anonymous
May 20, 2016
Hired Attorney

When I got hurt at work I didn't know what to do. I saw Dennis on TV and decided to give him a call, little did I know what a great decision that would be! Dennis and his staff were so helpful and answered all of my questions... and I had A LOT! They were able to get my claim settled much faster than I expected! I would recommend Dennis to ANYONE who gets hurt at work!

 
Workers Compensation
Posted by anonymous
May 07, 2013
Hired Attorney
From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Personal Injury 7
    • Automobile Accidents
    • Boating Accidents
    • Dog Bites
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Sexual Abuse
    • Slip and Fall
    • Wrongful Death
  • Whiplash
  • Workers Compensation
  • Black Lung
  • Other 39
    • Accidents
    • Animal Attacks
    • Aquatic Injuries
    • Automobile Negligence
    • Bicycle Accidents
    • Bodily Injury
    • Brain Injury
    • Bus Accidents
    • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    • Catastrophic Injury
    • Commercial Vehicle Liability
    • Cumulative Trauma
    • Electrical Injury
    • Electromagnetic Field Litigation
    • Head Injury
    • Motor Vehicle Accidents
    • Neurolaw
    • Pedestrian Injuries
    • Personal Injury Appeals
    • Personal Injury Arbitration
    • Personal Injury Mediation
    • Plaintiffs Personal Injury
    • Power Line Contact Injury
    • Psychological Injury
    • Rental Vehicle Litigation
    • Repetitive Stress Injury
    • School Bus Accidents
    • Severe Burns
    • Spinal Injury
    • Subway Accidents
    • TMJ Dysfunction
    • Third Party Wrongful Death
    • Tourist Injuries
    • Transfusion Associated AIDS
    • Traumatic Brain Injury
    • Unintended Acceleration
    • Workers Compensation Arbitration
    • Workers Compensation Appeals
    • Industrial Insurance

Practice Details

  • Languages
    English
  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Free initial consultation
    Contingency Fee: 33% - 40%
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Partner
    Firm Name
    Shillen Mackall Seldon Spicer & Fraas
  • Pro Bono Services

    Non-Profit Involvement: Zack's Place Developmental Center, The Homestead, The Mertins House, Woodstock Hockey and Skating Association, Pentangle Council on the Arts, Woodstock Boy Scouts, Woodstock Rotary Club, Woodstock Free & Accepted Masons.

  • Additional Links
    https://www.promotingjustice.com/

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1980, Florida
    1980, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
    1984, U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
    1985, U.S. Supreme Court
    1989, Vermont
    Memberships
    American Association for Justice
    Florida Bar Association
    Vermont Trial Lawyers Association
    Vermont and Florida Bar Associations
    Vermont Association for Justice
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Howard University School of Law
    Class of 1980
    J.D.
    cum laude
    Other Education
    Florida International University
    Class of 1975
    B.A.
    with honors
  • Personal Details & History
    Hobbies & Interests
    Music - Sailing

Activity

Email Dennis O. Shillen

Case type is required.
I am is required.
First name is required.
Last name is required.
A valid zip code is required.
Country is required.
State is required.
A valid city is required.
A valid email address is required.
A valid phone number is required.
Message is required.
0/1000 characters

By clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms and Privacy Policy. You also consent to be contacted at the phone number you provided, including by autodials, text messages and/or pre-recorded calls, from Lawyers.com and its affiliates and from or on behalf of attorneys you request or contact through this site. Consent is not a condition of purchase.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Emails sent through this site do not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent though this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. See Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Thank you! Your message has been successfully sent.

For your records, a copy of this email has been sent to test@test.com.

Summary of Your Message
Case Type:
I am a/an:
First Name:
Last Name:
City:
Zip Code or Postal Code:
State:
Country:
Phone Number:
Message:
Return to Profile Reset Form

Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney admitted to the bar in more than one state?
    Yes, Dennis O. Shillen is admitted to practice in Florida and Vermont.
  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    Dennis O. Shillen is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and United States Supreme Court.
  • Does this attorney maintain a professional presence on any social networks?
    Yes, Dennis O. Shillen has a professional profile on facebook and LinkedIn.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Dennis O. Shillen has a 4.7 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, Dennis O. Shillen has a 4.9 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Attorney information displayed in this FAQ section is based upon information the lawyer has included on their profile, in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals.

These FAQs include information about a lawyer's background, but do not evaluate their knowledge of the law, past performance on individual cases, personality, or communication skills.

It is solely the responsibility of lawyers and law firms to ensure that any information they provide complies with all applicable laws and rules of professional conduct.

You should be aware that the information we rely upon may not be comprehensive, or frequently updated.

Always research the lawyer further to get a better understanding of their license credentials, disciplinary status, background, and experience.

Lawyers.com Client Reviews

Martindale-Hubbell® Client Review Ratings™ display reviews submitted by individuals who have either hired or consulted the lawyers or law firms.

The Client Review Rating score is determined through the aggregation of validated responses. People who submit reviews are either individuals who consulted with the lawyer/law firm or who hired the lawyer/law firm and want to share their experience of that lawyer or law firm with other potential clients. Reviewers can be anyone who consults or hires a lawyer including in-house counsel, corporate executives, small business owners, and private individuals.

Martindale-Hubbell validates that a reviewer is a person with a valid email address. As part of the review process, respondents must affirm that they have had an initial consultation, are currently a client or have been a client of the lawyer or law firm identified, although Martindale-Hubbell cannot confirm the lawyer/client relationship as it is often confidential. The content of the responses is entirely from reviewers.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome and Martindale-Hubbell accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of any review. For more information on Martindale-Hubbell Client Review Ratings, please visit our Client Review Page

Martindale Peer Reviews

Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ are the gold standard in attorney ratings, and have been for more than a century. These ratings indicate attorneys who are widely respected by their peers for their ethical standards and legal expertise in a specific area of practice.

The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings process is the gold standard due to its objectivity and comprehensiveness. Lawyers solicited for peer reviews include both those selected by the attorney being reviewed and lawyers independently selected by Martindale-Hubbell. All reviewers are verified as attorneys through Martindale-Hubbell’s extensive attorney database. Only attorneys practicing at least three years and receiving a sufficient number of reviews from non-affiliated attorneys are eligible to receive a Rating.

What are the different Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings?*

• AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

• Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

• Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Lawyers who have received peer reviews after 2009 will display more detailed information, including practice areas, summary ratings, detailed numeric ratings and written feedback (if available). Details for individual reviews received before 2009 are not displayed.

Attorneys that receive reviews from their peers, but not a sufficient number to establish a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating, will have those reviews display on our websites.

For more information on Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings™, please visit our Ratings Page on Martindale.com and our Frequently Asked Questions

Avvo Client Reviews

Ratings and reviews are feedback from people who have either consulted an attorney about an issue (but may not have hired the attorney) or people who hired an attorney as a current or former client and provided their feedback to our sister site, Avvo.com.