BENJAMIN Gould
Company: Paul Frank + Collins P.C
Title: Director
Age: 39
Career Highlights: A few years ago, our firm's real estate practice had significant difficulties in retaining high-quality lawyers, and was facing an existential question of whether to continue this field of work. Although I had established a practice with our captive 
insurance group at the time, I had begun my legal career as a real estate paralegal and attorney in Massachusetts before moving to Vermont. I convinced our firm management to let me leverage my previous experience and try my hand at our real estate work before they made a decision on whether to discontinue the practice. 
Several years later, our real estate practice has been revitalized, and I have been privileged enough to represent clients in a variety of multi-million dollar transactions involving many different types of properties throughout Vermont, including resorts, office buildings, industrial subdivisions, and forestland.
Community Involvement: I am on the board of directors, and recently concluded a two-year stint as president, of the Cancer Patient Support Foundation. CPSF provides emergency financial assistance to Vermont cancer patients and their families so that they can pay medical bills, travel for treatment, and deal with other household expenses as they focus on fighting the disease.
In addition, I regularly perform pro bono services as part of my law practice. I volunteer at the rent escrow clinic at Chittenden Superior Court, representing low-income tenants in eviction cases. I have also assisted income-qualified clients with tax delinquencies and flood mitigation property buyouts, and I helped form and secure a 501(c)(3) tax exemption for a local youth soccer club aimed at underserved populations.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? My now-wife and I moved to Vermont in 2010, since the legal job opportunities where we lived in Boston were essentially non-existent at the height of the Great Recession. We thought we'd stay in Vermont for two or three years until economic conditions improved back in Massachusetts, but thanks to a great community and high quality of life, nearly a decade later here we still are!
Favorite part of your job? I love getting into the municipal land records and digging through the chain of title for a parcel of real estate -- the more complex, the better. Not only is it an intellectual exercise akin to putting together a puzzle, but it can also be a fascinating window into local history.
Most inspiring mentor and why: It's a tie between my uncle Jack, who gave me my first legal job, and Stephanie Mapes, my supervisor at PF+C when I started with the firm. Both of them have demonstrated how to run a successful, sophisticated law practice with a positive attitude and without sacrificing family life outside of the office. Both of them also gave me the space I needed to explore and develop new skills at my own initiative while resisting any temptation for micro-management.
What is the best career advice you have received? When I first started work as an attorney, I was told that every piece of work I performed, no matter how insignificant it might seem and no matter whether it was client-facing or internal, would make an impression -- good or bad.
Favorite Vermont escape: A day hike somewhere on the Long Trail, especially in the fall.
Favorite downtime activity: With two young kids, I don't get a ton of downtime, but I do always enjoy watching the New England Patriots, and lately, I've been attending the monthly trivia night at ArtsRiot in Burlington with some friends.
Favorite Social Media and why: LinkedIn is the only social media platform that I use, since it is helpful in keeping up with others' professional activities. I completely missed the boat on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. when they became popular, and at this point, I'm fine doing without them.
Where do you see Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: Justice Elena Kagan -- she was the dean while I was in law school, and I found her to be incredibly insightful yet down-to-earth and witty. I'd love to pick her brain now that she's been on the U.S. Supreme Court for a while, and I think she'd appreciate the Vermont beverages we have to offer.
What one song is on your playlist that are you ashamed to tell your best friend: We Built This City, by Starship.
