Darby Stearns Thorndike Kolter & Ware LLP has its origins in Central Vermont going back to 1945 in the firm of Meaker & Adams. Richard Darby joined the practice in 1973, becoming a partner in Adams Meaker & Darby from 1975 - 1980. The firm then operated as Adams, Darby & Laundon from 1980 - 1987. With the retirement of founder Charles Adams, the firm merged with the Stowe law firm of Stearns & Thorndike which had been in existence since 1980. The firm is now in its twentieth year with offices in Waterbury and Stowe.

With eight attorneys, Darby Stearns Thorndike Kolter & Ware is one of the larger firms in Central Vermont, with the staff and resources that allow it to provide a full range of services to its clients. The firm's clients are located throughout Vermont and also include large corporations with various business activities in the State. The majority of the firm's clients are businesses and individuals located in Washington and Lamoille counties from the resort communities in the Mad River Valley north to Stowe, Morrisville and the surrounding communities.