How It All Began

In 1968, Paul Frank + Collins P.C. almost became the first law firm in modern times to open its doors without a working telephone – never mind the cellphones, personal digital assistants, and Internet that now dominate business.  That summer, New England Telephone & Telegraph was on strike.  Fortunately, one of the new partners, Joe Frank, had friends; both the utility’s general manager and installation supervisor spent Memorial Day weekend at 135 College Street, assisted by Joe, connecting the offices.  The following Monday -- June 3, 1968 -- Paul Frank + Collins P.C. opened for business.  Allan Paul was nominated by his two partners -- Joe Frank and Peter Collins -- to oversee the firm’s executive duties.  Allan remained the firm’s president for the next 26 years.

Between 1968 and 1979, Paul Frank + Collins P.C. was essentially a general practice law firm. Allan took on mostly defense litigation and estate planning, Joe focused on general litigation, and Peter did a mix of criminal work, plaintiff litigation, and real estate. As the firm evolved, the three partners took their practices in different directions, enabling the firm as a whole to assume a greater workload.  In time, Jack Sartore became the firm’s senior trial attorney, earning his reputation as one of New England’s pre-eminent litigators and becoming the firm’s first associate cum principal.

By 1979, having relocated to larger quarters on the third floor of 110 Main Street, the firm grew rapidly and took on more work in the business, banking, and insurance sectors. By 1984, while many Burlington law firms were opting to relocate to outlying suburbs and communities, Paul Frank + Collins P.C. made the decision to remain a downtown firm.  At that time, employing ten attorneys and ten staff members, the firm mounted an extensive search for a building that would not only accommodate further growth, but reflect the firm’s growing prestige and unique character. The search yielded the stately and historic Masonic Temple building at One Church Street, which the firm continues to occupy.

Now totaling 28 attorneys -- many of whom are rated by their peers to be at or near the top of their respective fields -- and 34 support professionals, Paul Frank + Collins P.C. has fulfilled a dream of Allen Paul, Joe Frank and Peter Collins.  All three still keep offices at One Church Street.  Allan Paul winters in Florida, but during the warmer months he focuses on business and estate planning.  Officially retired since 1995, Joe Frank devotes much of his time to community organizations and hiking with his wife.  Peter Collins remains active within the firm, working primarily on complex real estate matters.  An avid sailor, Peter gets away as much as possible to spend time with his wife on Lake Champlain.