August 17, 2020
Sholes & Miller, PLLC is proud to announce that they are celebrating their 20th anniversary. The firm was founded on August 1, 2000 by partners Sarah E. Sholes, Esq. and Robert Irving Miller, Esq. The firm of Sholes & Miller has been providing comprehensive legal representation of families, individuals, companies, medical professionals and facilities, and other lawyers for the past twenty years in the Hudson Valley, the New York City metro area and the capital region.
Not long after being established, Sholes & Miller emerged as a pre-eminent leader in providing comprehensive representation of clients in the healthcare industry. The firm’s attorneys have represented numerous clients – from malpractice and disciplinary proceeding defense to helping hospitals and nursing homes keep their legal matters running smoothly. The dynamic combination of founding partners Sarah Sholes and Robert Miller, who have both spent their entire careers working with healthcare professionals, has made the firm a leader in providing comprehensive representation of clients in the healthcare industry.
Sarah E. Sholes has more than forty years of experience in trying complex cases to verdict in the defense of general liability and medical malpractice claims. She has won defense verdicts in the vast majority of those cases, including numerous trials in which plaintiffs’ counsel asked the jury to award multimillion-dollar damages. Ms. Sholes’ experience also encompasses all aspects of personal injury litigation, including product liability, labor law, motor vehicle, premises liability, property damage, rape, false arrest, slander cases, insurance coverage, and Title VII and Title IX sexual harassment investigations.
Before practicing law, Robert Irving Miller had a successful career in healthcare holding positions as an ICU/ER nurse, nurse administrator, hospital risk manager and administrator, and licensed nursing home administrator. Mr. Miller’s experience in both the fields of law and healthcare has made him an ideal advocate for hospitals, nursing homes, physicians and other health professionals. He stays current in the healthcare field, keeping his nursing license up-to-date. Mr. Miller is licensed to practice law in both New York and Connecticut as well as in federal courts in the Northern and Southern Districts of New York. Together, the partners’ vast experience and knowledge has been an asset in assisting clients in navigating the legal intricacies of the medical industry.
The history of Sholes & Miller is a story of growth and change. Throughout the years, the firm has grown in both size and scope. The firm currently consists of a team of seven experienced attorneys. Over the years areas of practice have expanded to include legal counsel in litigation; personal injury; labor, employment, construction and prevailing wage law; Title IX/sexual harassment; and wills, trusts and estates. Many of the firm’s individual clients – whether for estate planning, business management or other general needs – are physicians and other health professionals who liked the work of Sholes and Miller’s attorneys in an initial litigation or professional disciplinary matter and have asked to remain as clients for other purposes. In 2020, this general practice legal firm has expanded and is going strong!
Sholes & Miller will be marking their 20th year milestone with safe, virtual celebratory events since ribbon cuttings and large gatherings must be postponed for now due to the current public health crisis. As the firm remains committed to celebrating safely, plans have changed and flexibility has been required. Creative solutions include funding local food assistance programs, hosting a virtual fireworks show on social media, and celebrating using socially distanced technology.
Sholes & Miller has made a substantial monetary monetary contribution to Dutchess Outreach in honor of the firm’s 20th anniversary and in response to the pandemic’s effect on our local economy and the growing need for local food assistance. Dutchess Outreach funds two different food access resources located at the Family Partnership Center in Poughkeepsie, the Lunch Box Community Meal Program and the Beverly Closs Food Pantry. Dutchess Outreach also offers several other services, including the Mobile Fresh Market and The Dutchess Outreach Urban Farm. Dutchess Outreach’s mission states that they are an advocate and provider of hunger and relief services in order to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to fresh, healthy food, and the support they need. To find out more about how to receive services, get involved, or make a donation, visit Dutchessoutreach.org.
The team at Sholes and Miller has great memories of events they have shared throughout the years. Some of the most rewarding times have been in volunteer projects for Rebuilding Together Dutchess County, whose mission is to repair homes, revitalize communities, and rebuild lives. Team members from Sholes & Miller participated together in the rehabilitation of homes belonging to low-income, senior and disabled homeowners. While the carpentry skills of attorneys and staff run the gamut from professional to all thumbs, there can be no question as to the dedication to community by all participants involved in these important volunteer projects.
Volunteerism is an important part of the firm’s contributions to the community. Both partners, Robert Irving Miller and Sarah Sholes, serve on numerous community boards. Ms. Sholes serves as a lifetime emeritus trustee at the Anderson Center for Autism, in addition to her other volunteer positions.
The past few months have been extremely challenging for everyone due to the worldwide pandemic. Sholes & Miller is happy to offer video conferences instead of in-person meetings to ensure the health and safety of clients and staff. Socially distanced, outdoor meetings are also a simple solution to today’s problems. Sholes and Miller looks to the future as the current public health crisis is moving the use of technology to the forefront, with consultations, depositions and some court proceedings being held virtually. Sholes & Miller remains fully committed to safely and efficiently serving their valued clients for many more years to come.
