Modrall News

Samuel L. Winder Joins Modrall Sperling

Laura Turner — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Samuel L. Winder recently joined Modrall Sperling as a Shareholder in the firm’s Indian Law practice group. Mr. Winder has over 18 years experience representing the interests of Indian tribes, including serving as General Counsel to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, of which he is a member. Prior to joining Modrall Sperling, Mr. Winder was Assistant United States Attorney/Tribal Liaison for the United States Attorney’s Office, District of New Mexico.

In addition to trying many major felony cases as the Tribal Liaison for the District of New Mexico, Mr. Winder advised the United States Attorney on matters affecting Indian tribes. He served as the district’s official liaison among federal, state, and local officials on federal law matters. He has also argued several cases before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Winder’s experience also includes drafting and analyzing legislation regarding Indian affairs as Deputy Counsel to Senator John McCain.

Mr. Winder received his Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law.

Michelle A. Hernandez Named Fellow Of Litigation Counsel Of America

Laura Turner — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Albuquerque attorney Michelle A. Hernandez , of Modrall Sperling, has been selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. Ms. Hernandez is a litigator whose practice is concentrated in the areas of nursing home litigation and insurance defense. Ms. Hernandez received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1997.

The Litigation Counsel of America is a trial lawyer honorary society comprised of experienced and effective litigators throughout the United States, and represents less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in the LCA is limited and by invitation only. LCA Fellows are deemed to be among the best trial lawyers in the American bar, who have exhibited accomplishment in litigation and trial work, and have superior ethical reputations. The composition of the Litigation Counsel of America is aggressively diverse, with recognition of excellence in litigation across all segments of the bar. In addition, the LCA is dedicated to promoting superior advocacy, professionalism and ethical standards among its Fellows.

Ms. Hernandez is also active in the Hispanic National Bar Association, the New Mexico Bar Association. She is also on the Board of Directors of H. Vearle Payne American Inns of Court.

Modrall Sperling Lawyers Recognized In Southwest Super Lawyers�

Laura Turner — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Six Modrall Sperling lawyers were selected by Southwest Super Lawyers® 2007 as six of the Top 25 lawyers in New Mexico. These Modrall Sperling lawyers include: Douglas A. Baker, John R. Cooney, Kenneth L. Harrigan , Margaret L. Meister , Lynn H. Slade and Walter E. Stern III.

In addition, eighteen Modrall Sperling lawyers are listed for their expertise in a specific area of law: Ruth M. Schifani in Banking, Paul M. Fish and William R. Keleher in Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights, Duane E. Brown and Dennis J. Falk in Bonds/Government Finance, Douglas A. Baker and John R. Cooney in Business Litigation, James M. Parker in Business/Corporate, Douglas G. Schneebeck in Class Action/Mass Torts, George R. McFall in Employment & Labor, Earl J. DeBrine, Jr. and Walter E. Stern III in Energy & Natural Resources, Larry P. Ausherman and William C. Scott in Environmental, Lynn H. Slade in Native American Law, R.E. Thompson in Personal Injury Defense: General, and Dale W. Ek, Ruth M. Schifani and Margaret L. Meister in Real Estate.

Modrall Sperling Lawyers Get Conservation Easement Tax Credit Signed By Gov. Richardson

Laura Turner — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Because of the stewardship of two associate attorneys at Modrall Sperling, Gov. Richardson signed into law Conservation Easement Tax Credit (House Bill 990).

Ethan Epstein and Leslie Padilla undertook the effort to modify existing laws currently providing for tax credit for conservation easement grants. These modifications make these credits saleable and more than double the credit limits. The end result will be the conservation of more New Mexico land.

HB 990 more than doubles the tax credit available for conservation easement and allows those credits to be sold. As an example, if a rancher grants an easement to his ranch saying that his ranch can only be forever used as a ranch, that action is going to create a tax credit relative to the reduction in value of the ranch because of its limited use constraint (i.e., the easement). That credit can be sold. Typically, these credits sell for $.90 on the $1. So, if the rancher in the above example gets the maximum conservation easement credit of $250,000 for his grant, then he can expect to sell that credit inventory for $225,000. This results in the rancher getting $225,000 without changing the use of the underlying property.

There are land development implications (i.e., developers can take advantage of the higher credit limit) and estate planning uses as well (i.e., valuable land can be donated to conservation to get that value out of an estate which lowers the estate tax burden). Additionally, any business or person can benefit from this because they can buy the credits at a discount. Assuming an infinite inventory of these transferable credits, New Mexico taxpayers could expect to lower their overall tax obligation by 10% based on the market information which these credits exchange in Colorado.

Modrall Sperling Announces New Firm President

Laura Turner — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Modrall Sperling is pleased to announce that R.E. Thompson has been elected as the President of the firm effective January 14, 2007. Mr. Thompson has been with Modrall Sperling for 25 years and has extensive experience in helping businesses and others with civil litigation involving commercial disputes, products liability, class actions, malpractice, negligence, insurance and nursing homes. He also handles administrative law hearings and most recently served the firm as chairman of the Lobbying Practice Group. “R.E. has considerable experience in management as a former United States Attorney, and has served as the firm's Vice President. He also has demonstrated abilities as a consensus builder, having served previously as a New Mexico State Senator. In addition to being an outstanding lawyer, R.E. has the confidence of the firm's lawyers as a fair, experienced and knowledgeable administrator, and we look forward to working with him as our President,” said John Cooney, a former president of the firm.

“With R.E., it is always about the client and how we can serve our clients in the best way possible,” added Walter Stern, Modrall Sperling Client Service and Marketing Partner.

“One of the things I have come to appreciate is that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and built a great firm. But there is always room for improvement. In addition to expanding our service offerings to meet the needs of our clients and a growing New Mexico legal services market, my goal is to make this firm one of the best places to work for all of our employees,” said R.E. Thompson, firm President.

Mr. Thompson succeeds Douglas A. Baker, who has held the position since 2001. Mr. Baker will continue to practice in the firm’s Litigation department. “Under Mr. Baker’s leadership, the Firm streamlined its organizational structure and decision-making processes, thereby solidifying the firm’s position as a leader in providing legal services in New Mexico and the region. Doug assisted the firm in increasing gross revenues and modernizing our technological capabilities,” said Art Melendres, Modrall Sperling Executive Committee Member.

Barbara Lucero Elected President of Navajo Nation Bar Association

Laura Turner — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Modrall Sperling Law Firm announces that Barbara C. Lucero has been elected President of the Navajo Nation Bar Association . Prior to being elected its President, Lucero served as Secretary and Vice President to the Association.

Lucero, a Navajo, San Carlos Apache and Taos Pueblo Indian from the Window Rock, Arizona, area, is a Navajo Licensed Advocate practicing in the areas of commercial litigation and employment law. After passing the Navajo Nation Bar exam in 2002, Lucero became a tribal court advocate, fully licensed to practice law within the Navajo Nation under the rules of the Navajo Nation Supreme Court. She has worked on Navajo Nation tax issues, New Mexico water law issues, and various Indian demographic issues.

The Navajo Nation Bar Association is the largest bar association that directly serves an Indian Nation. Its membership totals more than 430, and is comprised of attorneys licensed and in good standing from Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, as well as tribal court advocates, non-law school but otherwise legally trained individuals, as authorized by the Navajo Nation Supreme Court.

In addition to her practice in the Navajo Nation’s courts and agencies and her service to the Navajo Nation Bar, Lucero has several years of paralegal experience at Modrall Sperling, where she works in the Litigation and Natural Resources areas. Modrall Sperling is a full-service civil law firm providing legal counsel throughout the United States. As New Mexico’s largest law firm, Modrall Sperling has the depth and breadth of experience to provide comprehensive solutions to a wide range of legal needs.

Chambers USA Recognizes Modrall Sperling as Leading Law Firm

Laura Turner — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Modrall Sperling law firm has achieved recognition in six areas of practice by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, 2006. In addition, 14 lawyers from Modrall Sperling have received the prestigious honor of being ranked as a "Leader in their Field."

Each year, The Chambers Global Guides cover all the major jurisdictions throughout the world. In each country, the leading international law firms and leading individuals are ranked in the principal areas of law. Rankings are based on thousands of in-depth interviews with clients and peers. Chambers is widely viewed among the most highly respected publications in the world that rate lawyers.

The following Modrall Sperling lawyers were rated as Leading Lawyers in their respective fields:

Larry P. Ausherman – Environmental
Douglas A. Baker – Commercial, Civil, Tort and Liability Litigation
Duane E. Brown – Public Finance
John Cooney – Oil and Gas, Natural Resources and Antitrust
Dale W. Ek – Real Estate
Kenneth L. Harrigan – Complex Business and Tort Litigation
Margaret L. Meister – Real Estate (up and coming)
Maria O’ Brien – Water Law
James M. Parker – Corporate, Federal Taxation, Healthcare and Employee Benefits
Ruth M. Schifani – Real Estate Finance
Douglas G. Schneebeck – Class Action Litigation, and Drug and Medical Devices Litigation
William C. Scott – Natural Resources
Lynn H. Slade – Native American and Utilities Law
Walter E. Stern – Natural Resources, Environmental and Native American Law

To learn more about Chambers USA research methods please visit http://www.chambersandpartners.com/usa/search.aspx

New Employment Law Alliance Poll: Nearly 45% Of U.S. Workers Say They’ve Worked For An Abusive Boss

Laura Turner — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600

New Employment Law Alliance Poll: Nearly 45% Of U.S. Workers Say They've Worked For An Abusive Boss

64% say bullied workers should be able to fight back in court

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (March 28, 2007) - The grade school bully may have grown up to become the office oppressor, according to a new nationwide poll by the Employment Law Alliance released today, which found that nearly 45% of American workers say they have experienced workplace abuse.

Stephen J. Hirschfeld, ELA'S CEO and an employment lawyer with the California-based law firm of Curiale Dellaverson Hirschfeld & Kraemer, LLP, said the poll results reflect a growing recognition that abusive bosses are more than just an annoyance, but a very real problem and that employees will increasingly demand protection, if not from employers then the courts.

George McFall , shareholder at Modrall, Sperling, Roehl, Harris & Sisk, says, "This poll shows that employers need to be concerned about abusive behavior on the part of supervisors, and should take action to curb that behavior. As a matter of common sense, abusive behavior by supervisors has a negative effect on employee morale, loyalty and productivity. From a legal standpoint, employees who feel abused in the workplace are more likely to bring claims against their employers. Even though the employment discrimination laws currently do not recognize a claim based solely on abusive behavior, such behavior directed at minority employees, disabled employees or employees who have previously made discrimination complaints will very likely result in litigation. Employees can also bring common law claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress where the abusive behavior is particularly egregious."

The poll addressed abusive behavior by supervisors not typically regarded as serious enough to warrant special legal protections afforded to racial, religious, or gender discrimination, commented Hirschfeld. "But when almost one half of the workers surveyed say they have personally been the victim of, seen or heard about some form of abusive behavior by bosses, such as being rudely interrupted or taunted about job performance in front of co-workers, it is not surprising that 64% say there should be specific legal recourse for the victims," said Hirschfeld.

He noted that the survey comes at a time when nearly one dozen state legislatures are considering laws to specifically prohibit bullying in the workplace, when a management book, The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't," by Stanford Professor Robert Sutton, Ph.D, is a best seller, when the word "mobbing" is gaining currency in the American workplace as a form of employee abuse by co-workers, and a non-profit think tank, The Workplace Bullying Institute (www.bullybusters.org), is regularly featured in national and global media as it promotes workplace victims rights.

In reacting to the poll results, Dr. Sutton, Professor of Management Science and Engineering, and Co-Director of the Center for Work, Technology, and Organization said, "This national survey adds to the growing mountain of evidence showing that abuse of power is a rampant problem in the American workplace. It is time for senior management to realize that this conduct damages their people and is costing them a fortune. Demeaned workers respond with a reduced commitment and loss of productivity, and they run for the exits to find more humane bosses. And these costs will keep escalating as more victims realize that they can fight back in court."

Hirschfeld, whose members comprise the largest international network of employment lawyers, said that an aware employer is a prepared employer when it comes to focusing on preventing incidents and avoiding costly litigation.

"Only an employer in a state of denial would ignore the poll results and not re-examine their personnel policies, supervisor-employee relations and management training", he said. "One of our Canadian members, Montreal-based lawyer, Manon Savard from Ogilvy Renault, reports a recent case, still under review, where an employer was ordered to pay $5,000 as moral damages for inflicting psychological abuse under Quebec's anti-psychological harassment law. That law provides a right to recover damages for "any vexatious behavior" that affects an employee's dignity or psychological or physical integrity".

The poll, conducted under the supervision of Dr. Theodore Reed, President of the Philadelphia-based Reed Group, was based on a survey of a representative sample of 1,000 American adults within the past two weeks. Detailed interviews were conducted with 534 full or part time workers. The confidence interval for this sample size is +/- 4.24%.

Complete poll results are posted on the ELA website, www.employmentlawalliance.com. Highlights of the poll include:

44% said they have worked for a supervisor or employer who they consider abusive.
More than half of American workers have been the victim of, or heard about supervisors/employers behaving abusively by making sarcastic jokes/teasing remarks, rudely interrupting, publicly criticizing, giving dirty looks to, or yelling at subordinates, or ignoring them as if they were invisible.
64% said that they believe an abused worker should have the right to sue to recover damages
Southern workers (34%) are less likely to have experience with an abusive boss than are their Northeastern (56%) and Midwestern (48%) counterparts.

The Employment Law Alliance is the world's largest integrated, global practice network comprised of premier, independent law firms distinguished for their practice in employment and labor law. There are member firms in all 50 U.S. states, every Canadian province and over 75 countries. For further information, including access to the survey charts and graphs, visit www.employmentlawalliance.com

James M. Parker, Esq., Appointed Chair of New Mexico Family Business Alliance (NMFBA)

Laura Turner — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0600

James M. Parker, Esq ., co-founder of New Mexico Family Business Alliance (NMFBA), has been appointed chair of the non-profit organization. The mission of the NMFBA is to provide resources to meet the leadership, succession, conflict resolution and complex legal and financial challenges facing a family and closely-held businesses.

Two Modrall Sperling Shareholders Named as Members of Lawdragon 500

Laura Turner — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Modrall Sperling announces that two of its shareholders, John R. Cooney and Ken L. Harrigan , have been named as members of the “Lawdragon 500”. Lawdragon is a legal information services company that provides rankings of lawyers and judges. The best of the best are included in quarterly guides known as the “Lawdragon 500.” Each guide has a unique focus including leading lawyers, leading litigators and leading judges. Fewer than .01 percent of all lawyers in the U.S. will be named a member of the “Lawdragon 500.” For more information visit http://www.lawdragon.com. John Cooney was named a member of Lawdragon’s list of “Top 500 Leading Lawyers in America," for his accomplishments in trial work with clients in the gas and oil industries. Ken Harrigan was identified on Lawdragon’s list of “Top 500 Leading Litigators in America.” He was singled for his long history of success in major products liability and malpractice trials.

Charles A. Armgardt publishes "New Mexico Legal Ethics"

Laura Turner — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Modrall Sperling shareholder Charles A. Armgardt recently published a paper entitled "New Mexico Legal Ethics." It has become part of the American Legal Ethics Library, which is maintained by the law school at Cornell University, and can be accessed on this site usinf the link above, as well as at http://www.law.cornell.edu/ethics.

2006 National Summit on Retirement Savings

Laura Turner — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Modrall Sperling shareholder, James M. Parker, has been selected as a delegate to the 2006 National Summit on Retirement Savings. Parker has been selected along with 200 other delegates from around the country to join Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, leaders of Congress, and leaders in business, and academia in Washington, DC, with a common goal: to encourage all Americans to evaluate and plan for their retirement security.

Building on the efforts of two previous summits, the goal of the 2006 National Summit is to overcome the obstacles to retirement savings. The delegates will focus on the savings challenges of four targeted groups that face a variety of obstacles to successful savings: new entrants in the workforce, workers nearing retirement, low-income workers, and small business employees. The summit will identify the central issues encountered by these four groups and will analyze possible strategies to assist real workers and real families in overcoming their savings obstacles.

Parker, who also served as a 2005 delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, said, “I am honored to have this opportunity to represent the interests of small business at this important conference. It is important that the small business qualified plan system remains strong. This system today covers 11.9 million employees of small businesses that employ fewer than 100 employees."

Parker is chair of Modrall Sperling's Employee Benefits, Probate and Federal Tax Group. He has over 35 years of experience in helping small businesses and individuals with employee benefits, federal taxation, estate planning and health care law. He is an officer and director of Small Business Council America, a national organization that represents the interests of private and family-owned businesses in federal income and estate tax, pension, health care and other employee benefit concerns.

Roberta Cooper Ramo Re-Elected First Vice President of American Law Institute

Laura Turner — Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Roberta Cooper Ramo , a shareholder of Modrall Sperling, has been re-elected to another one-year term as first vice president of the Counsel of the American Law Institute (ALI). The ALI Council, a group of 65 prominent judges, practicing lawyers, and legal scholars, is the governing body of the Institute. Ramo, who has been practicing law since 1972, was the first woman in history to serve as president of the American Bar Association. She concentrates her practice in the areas of mediation, arbitration, business law, real estate, probate, and estate planning.

Ramo is presently Chair of the ABA’s Asia Law Initiative Council and a member of the CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution’s National Panel of Distinguished Neutrals. She is an honorary member of the Bar of England and Wales and of Gray’s Inn and a fellow of both the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and of the American Bar Foundation.

Additionally, she is former president of the Albuquerque Bar Association, a two-time recipient of the State Bar of New Mexico’s Outstanding Contribution Award, and a recipient of the Governor’s Distinguished Public Service Award for community service in New Mexico. In February 2003, the United States Senate appointed her to co-chair a committee to review and make suggestions for change of the United States Olympic Committee. Prior to that, she initiated a national campaign to combat family violence by creating the ABA’s National Commission on Domestic Violence, and in 1995 she was appointed by then Attorney General Janet Reno and Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala to serve on the then newly created United States Advisory Council on Violence Against Women. Ramo has lectured both nationally and internationally on various legal subjects and has edited, authored and contributed to numerous books, articles and other publications. She has received honorary degrees from five universities.

The American Law Institute was founded in 1923 and is based in Philadelphia. The Institute, through a careful and deliberative process, drafts and then publishes various restatements of the law, model codes, and other proposals for legal reform “to promote the clarification and simplification of the law and its better adaptation to social needs, to secure the better administration of justice, and to encourage and carry on scholarly and scientific legal work.” Its membership consists of judges, practicing lawyers, and legal scholars from all areas of the United States as well as some foreign countries, selected on the basis of professional achievement and demonstrated interest in the improvement of the law. The Institute’s incorporators included Chief Justice and former President William Howard Taft, future Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes, and former Secretary of State Elihu Root. Judges Benjamin N. Cardozo and Learned Hand were among its early leaders.

The Institute’s restatements, model codes, and legal studies are used as references by the entire legal profession.

Jennifer G. Anderson Promoted To Shareholder

Laura Turner — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Jennifer G. Anderson was recently promoted to Shareholder at Modrall Sperling Law Firm. Ms. Anderson practices in the firm's litigation department. Her practice is concentrated in the areas of products liability, employment, and commercial litigation. She has appeared in state and federal courts, and regularly participates in arbitrations and facilitations.

Ms. Anderson received her Juris Doctor from University of Michigan Law School, where she graduated cum laude.

Sam M. Gill Joins Modrall Sperling

Laura Turner — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Sam M. Gill recently joined Modrall Sperling as an Associate. Mr. Gill's professional focus is in the firm's Litigation Department, primarily within the firm's employment, labor and education law practice areas.

Mr. Gill received his Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law. While in school, Mr. Gill was the recipient of the Lewis R. Sutin Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy.

Matthew W. Park Joins Modrall Sperling

Laura Turner — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Matthew W. Park recently joined Modrall Sperling as an Associate in the firm's Litigation Department. In his most recent professional experience, Mr. Park was a Judicial Clerk for The Honorable James M. Johnson of the Washington State Supreme Court. During law school, he served as a judicial extern for The Honorable Lynn B. Davis of the Utah Fourth District Court.

Mr. Park received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, where he was accepted into the Honors Public Relations program. He later obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California, where he was Managing Editor of the Southern California Review of Law and Social Justice and President of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy.

Mr. Park also holds a Master of Arts in Communication Law and Policy from the University of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communication, where he received High Honors for his Master's thesis.

Theresa D. Copeland Joins Modrall Sperling

Laura Turner — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Theresa D. Copeland , Associate, practices in Modrall Sperling's Litigation Department. Prior to joining Modrall Sperling, Ms. Copeland served as a judicial law clerk at the New Supreme Court to the Honorable Petra Jimenez Maes (2005-2007). While in law school, Ms. Copeland served as an extern for the United States Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico (2004).

Ms. Copeland received her Juris Doctorate from The University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, NM, where she graduated magna cum laude.

Julia Broggi Joins Modrall Sperling

Laura Turner — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Julia Broggi joined the firm as an Associate in Modrall Sperling's Litigation Department.

Ms. Broggi received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona, where she was Managing Editor of Law Journal and a Senior Writing Fellow.

Thirty-four Modrall Sperling Attorneys Rated Best In Their Specialties By The Best Lawyers In America�

Laura Turner — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The Best Lawyers in America^®has selected 34 Modrall Sperling attorneys in 28 specialties as the best in the state in their respective specialties. Modrall Sperling lawyers were judged to be the best in a diverse range of specialty areas, from natural resources law, laws governing non-profits, to commercial litigation, and employment law.

Modrall Sperling attorneys featured in The Best Lawyers in America^®are: Larry P. Ausherman, Douglas A. Baker, Stuart R. Butzier, Duane E. Brown, John R. Cooney, Timothy J. De Young, Earl E. DeBrine, Dale W. Ek, Timothy L. Fields, Paul M. Fish, Peter Franklin, Kenneth L. Harrigan, Timothy C. Holm, James P. Houghton, Karen L. Kahn, William R. Keleher, John J. Kelly, Lisa Mann, Margaret L. Meister, Arthur D. Melendres, Jennifer A. Noya, Maria O'Brien, James M. Parker, Marjorie A. Rogers, Patrick J. Rogers, Marjorie A. Rogers, Ruth M. Schifani, Douglas G. Schneebeck, Curtis W. Schwartz, William C. Scott, Lynn H. Slade, Walter E. Stern III, R. E. Thompson, and Douglas R. Vadnais.

Thedefinitive guide to the legal profession in the United States, The Best Lawyers in America^®uses a process of confidential, rigorous peer review to select top lawyers in 80 specialties across the country.

Ryan Flynn Joins Modrall Sperling

Laura Turner — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Ryan Flynn recently joined Modrall Sperling as an Associate. Mr. Flynn's professional focus is in the firm's Litigation Department.

Mr. Flynn received his Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Flynn was Law Clerk to the Honorable Stephen M. McNamee, United States District Court for the District of Arizona.

Modrall Sperling Named a Go-To Law Firm for Technology Industry by American Lawyer

Laura Turner — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Modrall Sperling has been selected as a "Go-To Law Firm for Leading Technology Companies" by American Lawyer Media for 2008. In-House Law Departments at the Leading Technology Companies, published by ALM, includes the short list of elite U.S. firms that represent the top technology companies. 2008 marks the first edition of this publication. General Counsel at technology companies were asked to identify the firms that they consider to be the best at providing legal services to the industry, in categories such as litigation, corporate transactions, intellectual property, and labor & employment. American Lawyer Media staff added to this with research of its own, to come up with the final list of honored firms.

Modrall Sperling was chosen for the work done on behalf of the following clients, and because of the firm's track record and legal expertise with regard to Litigation-related services for the following technology companies: Fujitsu Ltd., Intel Corp., and Micron Technology Inc.

Modrall Sperling responds to the needs of national, regional and local businesses and individuals with legal advice, counsel and representation in many areas of the law. Our goal is to provide the best legal services available to our clients, while maintaining a rewarding and challenging practice. To achieve this goal, we strive to provide: (1) the highest quality, cost effective legal services; (2) a broad depth of knowledge, skill and experience; (3) impeccable integrity; and (4) the perspective offered by trusted advisors.

Marte D. Lightstone Joins Modrall Sperling

Laura Turner — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Marte D. Lightstone recently joined Modrall Sperling Law Firm in the firm's Natural Resources practice group. Ms. Lightstone has over 22 years experience practicing law, primarily in the natural resources area. Prior to joining Modrall, Sperling, Roehl, Harris & Sisk, P.A., Ms. Lightstone practiced law at Miller Stratvert P.A., in Albuquerque.

Ms. Lightstone advises clients on all aspects of environmental law, oil and gas law, and tribal resource and jurisdictional issues. She also represents clients in all phases of complex commercial and environmental litigation, including the negotiation of complex settlements.

Ms. Lightstone, an active cyclist, has also been providing legal assistance in the development of the Johan Bruyneel Cycling Academy in Albuquerque and the development of a pro-level continental U.S. team registered and headquartered in Albuquerque. She also serves on the non-profit board of The Access Fund, the national advocacy organization for climbing in the United States.

Ms. Lightstone received her Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law.

Lisa Mann and Alex Walker Obtained a Defense Verdict

Lisa Mann — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Lisa Mann and Alex Walker of Modrall Sperling in Albuquerque, New Mexico recently obtained a defense verdict after a five-day jury trial on a Title VII retaliation claim. The plaintiff claimed that her employer retaliated against her by threatening to ruin her marriage, challenging her claim for unemployment benefits, spreading rumors about her, and lying to the unemployment bureau and the equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She sought unspecified emotional distress damages.

The plaintiff, along with three other former female employees, previously went to trial in 2005 on a variety of civil rights claims stemming from their employment (e.g., sexual harassment, hostile work environment, sex discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress, etc.). Those claims were tried to a jury, which trial resulted in a defense verdict. The defendant had previously been granted judgment as a matter of law on the plaintiff's retaliation claim, which was not, therefore, sent to the jury. the plaintiffs appealed the final verdict stemming from the 2005 trial. While the appeal was pending before the Tenth Circuit, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Co. v. White, 548 U.S. 53 (2006). White effectively changed the standard in the 10th Circuit in retaliation cases from an "adverse employment action" to a materially adverse action." The 10th Circuit upheld the jury verdict and the dismissal of all other claims, save for the plaintiff's retaliation claim, which was remanded for trial to a jury.

At trial, the defense showed that, for the most part, the "materially adverse actions" were taken before the defendant had any knowledge of the plaintiff's alleged protected activity, and therefore could not have been motivated by a desire to retaliate. As for the plaintiff's claims that the defendant lied in its submissions to the New Mexico Department of Labor and the EEOC, the defense offered evidence that its statements were true. The defense also offered evidence that the plaintiff's claimed emotional distress was suspect. The jury deliberated approximately two hours before returning a defense verdict.

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Modrall Sperling Lawyers Listed in Chambers USA– America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2008

Laura Turner — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0600

In addition to the firm as a whole, several Modrall Sperling attorneys are listed in Chambers USA-America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2008.

Modrall Sperling is ranked as the #1 firm in New Mexico in the following areas of law: Corporate/Commercial, Environment, Natural Resources & Regulated Industries, Litigation: General Commercial, and Native American Law. Modrall Sperling is ranked as the #2 firm in New Mexico in the area of Real Estate law.

The following Modrall Sperling lawyers are individually ranked in Chambers for their expertise and experience in these areas of law:
Ranked 1: Duane Brown - Corporate/Commercial
Ranked 1: John R. Cooney - Environment, Natural Resources & Regulated Industries
Ranked 1: Larry P. Ausherman - Environment, Natural Resources & Regulated Industries
Ranked 1: Walter E. Stern III - Environment, Natural Resources & Regulated Industries
Ranked 1: William C. Scott - Environment, Natural Resources & Regulated Industries
Ranked 1: Maria O'Brien - Environment, Natural Resources & Regulated Industries: Water Supply Litigation
Ranked 1: James Parker - Labor & Employment: Benefits & Compensation
Ranked 1: Kenneth Harrigan - Litigation: General Commercial
Ranked 1: Lynn H. Slade - Native American Law
Ranked 1: Walter E. Stern III - Native American Law
Ranked 1: William C. Scott - Native American Law
Ranked 2 : James Parker - Corporate/Commercial
Ranked 2: Douglas G. Schneebeck - Litigation: General Commercial
Ranked 2: Margaret L. Meister - Real Estate
Ranked 3: Douglas Baker - Litigation: General Commercial
Ranked 3: Ruth M. Schifani - Real Estate
Ranked "Senior Statesman:" Dale Ek - Real Estate

Chambers bases its rankings on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client.

Labor Department finalizes new Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) Regulations

Erin Langenwalter — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Labor Department finalizes new Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) Regulations

Ruth M. Schifani Named Business Lawyer of the Year

Ruth M. Schifani — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700

MODRALL SPERLING SHAREHOLDER

NAMED BUSINESS LAWYER OF THE YEAR

Listed in the book The Best Lawyers in America^® under Banking and Real Estate, Ruth M. Schifani, a shareholder and member of the Executive Committee at Modrall Sperling, New Mexico's largest law firm with offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, was named Business Lawyer of the Year by the New Mexico State Bar Association (NMSBA) Business Law Section in November.

The award is in recognition of Ms. Schifani's noted practice in the areas of real estate and business law and contributions to the New Mexico legal community. She is the Past Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Equal Access to Justice, Past President of the Albuquerque Bar Association, member of the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission, regent of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys, Past President of the YWCA of the Middle Rio Grande and President-elect of the University of New Mexico Alumni Association.

Ms. Schifani represents numerous financial institutions in public finance, real estate and asset-based secured transactions throughout New Mexico and has represented both bank and retail establishments in regulatory and consumer compliance matters. She also assists clients in real estate matters to negotiate, structure and document transactions involving the purchase, sale, exchange, development, leasing and financing of commercial real estate. In addition, she handles general corporate and business law matters.

Ms. Schifani is also listed in the publications Chambers USA 2008: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, the Client's Guide and Southwest Super Lawyers 2008.

More than Half of Modrall Sperling Shareholders Listed in Twenty-eight Practice Areas in the Prestigious 2009 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America

Walter E. Stern — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Albuquerque, NM - Thirty-six of the 48 - or more than half of all - shareholders at Modrall Sperling, the largest law firm in New Mexico, are listed in 28 areas of practice in the book The Best Lawyers in America 2009,^® (Copyright 2009, Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, S.C.), a preeminent guide to lawyers in the United States.

The listings give Modrall Sperling the distinction of being the law firm with the highest percentage of shareholders of any firm in New Mexico listed in Best Lawyers. Modrall Sperling also has the distinction of ranking in more categories of law - 28 - than any other law firm in the state, with the highest concentration of lawyers than any firm listed in the following categories: Mining Law; Municipal Law; Native American Law; Natural Resources Law; Oil and Gas Law; Railroad Law; Real Estate Law; Tax Law; and Water Law. Modrall Sperling also is the only firm with an attorney listed in the category of Education Law. More information about the listings in Best Lawyers and Modrall Sperling can be found at the URL: www.BestLawyers.com.

The listed lawyers and categories are as follows:

Listed Lawyers & Related Practice Categories

Administrative Law

John J. Kelly (Albuquerque, NM)

Arthur Melendres (Albuquerque, NM)

Patrick J. Rogers (Albuquerque, NM)

Banking Law

Dale Wallace Ek (Albuquerque, NM)

Ruth M. Schifani (Albuquerque, NM)

Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law

Paul M. Fish (Albuquerque, NM)

William Reeves Keleher (Albuquerque, NM)

Douglas R. Vadnais (Albuquerque, NM)

Bet-the-Company Litigation

Kenneth L. Harrigan (Albuquerque, NM)

Commercial Litigation

Douglas A. Baker (Albuquerque, NM)

John R. Cooney (Albuquerque, NM)

Kenneth L. Harrigan (Albuquerque, NM)

Douglas G. Schneebeck (Albuquerque, NM)

Construction Law

James P. Houghton (Albuquerque, NM)

Corporate Law

Duane E. Brown (Albuquerque, NM)

Margaret Lewis Meister (Albuquerque, NM)

James M. Parker (Albuquerque, NM)

Education Law

Arthur Melendres (Albuquerque, NM)

Employee Benefits Law

Karen L. Kahn (Albuquerque, NM)

James M. Parker (Albuquerque, NM)

Marjorie A. Rogers (Albuquerque, NM)

Energy Law

Larry P. Ausherman (Albuquerque, NM)

John R. Cooney (Albuquerque, NM)

Lynn H. Slade (Albuquerque, NM)

Walter E. Stern III (Albuquerque, NM)

Environmental Law

Stuart R. Butzier (Albuquerque, NM)

William C. Scott (Albuquerque, NM)

Government Relations Law

R. E. Thompson (Albuquerque, NM)

Health Care Law

James M. Parker (Albuquerque, NM)

Insurance Law

Lisa Mann (Albuquerque, NM)

Jennifer A. Noya (Albuquerque, NM)

Land Use & Zoning Law

John J. Kelly (Albuquerque, NM)

Mass Tort Litigation

Douglas G. Schneebeck (Albuquerque, NM)

Mining Law

Larry P. Ausherman (Albuquerque, NM)

Stuart R. Butzier (Albuquerque, NM)

John R. Cooney (Albuquerque, NM)

Walter E. Stern III (Albuquerque, NM)

Municipal Law

Duane E. Brown (Albuquerque, NM)

Arthur Melendres (Albuquerque, NM)

Native American Law

William C. Scott (Albuquerque, NM)

Lynn H. Slade (Albuquerque, NM)

Walter E. Stern III (Albuquerque, NM)

Natural Resources Law

Larry P. Ausherman (Albuquerque, NM)

Stuart R. Butzier (Albuquerque, NM)

John R. Cooney (Albuquerque, NM)

Lynn H. Slade (Albuquerque, NM)

Walter E. Stern III (Albuquerque, NM)

Oil & Gas Law

John R. Cooney (Albuquerque, NM)

Earl E. DeBrine (Albuquerque, NM)

Marte D. Lightstone (Albuquerque, NM)

Lynn H. Slade (Albuquerque, NM)

Walter E. Stern III (Albuquerque, NM)

Personal Injury Litigation

Douglas A. Baker (Albuquerque, NM)

Kenneth L. Harrigan (Albuquerque, NM)

Product Liability Litigation

Douglas A. Baker (Albuquerque, NM)

Kenneth L. Harrigan (Albuquerque, NM)

Douglas G. Schneebeck (Albuquerque, NM)

Public Finance Law

Duane E. Brown (Albuquerque, NM)

Peter Franklin (Santa Fe, NM)

Christopher P. Muirhead (Albuquerque, NM)

Railroad Law

Earl E. DeBrine (Albuquerque, NM)

Timothy L. Fields (Albuquerque, NM)

Timothy C. Holm (Albuquerque, NM)

Real Estate Law

Dale Wallace Ek (Albuquerque, NM)

James P. Houghton (Albuquerque, NM)

Margaret Lewis Meister (Albuquerque, NM)

Ruth M. Schifani (Albuquerque, NM)

Tax Law

James M. Parker (Albuquerque, NM)

Curtis W. Schwartz (Santa Fe, NM)

Trusts and Estates

James M. Parker (Albuquerque, NM)

Marjorie A. Rogers (Albuquerque, NM)

Curtis W. Schwartz (Santa Fe, NM)

Water Law

Timothy J. De Young (Albuquerque, NM)

Maria O'Brien (Albuquerque, NM)

Best Lawyers

Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Because Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 25,000 leading attorneys cast almost two million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their specialties, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."

Modrall Sperling

Modrall Sperling is one of New Mexico's major law firms with approximately 80 attorneys and offices located in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Founded in 1937 by Judge John F. Simms and Judge Augustus T. Seymour, both of whom served as New Mexico Supreme Court Justices, and James R. Modrall, the firm has been at the forefront of numerous landmark cases and precedent-setting decisions. The firm offers a full range of legal services in all major areas of practice with an emphasis on business, as well as in the concentrated areas of Health Care, Indian Law, Mining, Oil and Gas, Pipeline Services, Public Lands, Renewable Energy, Water Rights and Utility.

More than Half of Modrall Sperling Shareholders Listed in Twenty-eight Practice Areas in the Prestigious 2009 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America�

Mary Ann Shive — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Albuquerque, NM - Thirty-five of the 48 - or more than half of all - shareholders at Modrall Sperling, the largest law firm in New Mexico, are listed in 28 areas of practice in the book The Best Lawyers in America 2009,^® (Copyright 2009, Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, S.C.), a preeminent guide to lawyers in the United States.

The listed lawyers and categories are as follows:

Listed Lawyers & Related Practice Categories

Administrative Law

John J. Kelly (Albuquerque, NM)

Arthur Melendres (Albuquerque, NM)

Patrick J. Rogers (Albuquerque, NM)

Banking Law

Dale Wallace Ek (Albuquerque, NM)

Ruth M. Schifani (Albuquerque, NM)

Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law

Paul M. Fish (Albuquerque, NM)

William Reeves Keleher (Albuquerque, NM)

Douglas R. Vadnais (Albuquerque, NM)

Bet-the-Company Litigation

Kenneth L. Harrigan (Albuquerque, NM)

Commercial Litigation

Douglas A. Baker (Albuquerque, NM)

John R. Cooney (Albuquerque, NM)

Kenneth L. Harrigan (Albuquerque, NM)

Douglas G. Schneebeck (Albuquerque, NM)

Construction Law

James P. Houghton (Albuquerque, NM)

Corporate Law

Duane E. Brown (Albuquerque, NM)

Margaret Lewis Meister (Albuquerque, NM)

James M. Parker (Albuquerque, NM)

Education Law

Arthur Melendres (Albuquerque, NM)

Employee Benefits Law

Karen L. Kahn (Albuquerque, NM)

James M. Parker (Albuquerque, NM)

Marjorie A. Rogers (Albuquerque, NM)

Energy Law

Larry P. Ausherman (Albuquerque, NM)

John R. Cooney (Albuquerque, NM)

Lynn H. Slade (Albuquerque, NM)

Walter E. Stern III (Albuquerque, NM)

Environmental Law

Stuart R. Butzier (Albuquerque, NM)

William C. Scott (Albuquerque, NM)

Government Relations Law

R. E. Thompson (Albuquerque, NM)

Health Care Law

James M. Parker (Albuquerque, NM)

Insurance Law

Lisa Mann (Albuquerque, NM)

Jennifer A. Noya (Albuquerque, NM)

Land Use & Zoning Law

John J. Kelly (Albuquerque, NM)

Mass Tort Litigation

Douglas G. Schneebeck (Albuquerque, NM)

Mining Law

Larry P. Ausherman (Albuquerque, NM)

Stuart R. Butzier (Albuquerque, NM)

John R. Cooney (Albuquerque, NM)

Walter E. Stern III (Albuquerque, NM)

Municipal Law

Duane E. Brown (Albuquerque, NM)

Arthur Melendres (Albuquerque, NM)

Native American Law

William C. Scott (Albuquerque, NM)

Lynn H. Slade (Albuquerque, NM)

Walter E. Stern III (Albuquerque, NM)

Natural Resources Law

Larry P. Ausherman (Albuquerque, NM)

Stuart R. Butzier (Albuquerque, NM)

John R. Cooney (Albuquerque, NM)

Lynn H. Slade (Albuquerque, NM)

Walter E. Stern III (Albuquerque, NM)

Oil & Gas Law

John R. Cooney (Albuquerque, NM)

Earl E. DeBrine (Albuquerque, NM)

Marte D. Lightstone (Albuquerque, NM)

Lynn H. Slade (Albuquerque, NM)

Walter E. Stern III (Albuquerque, NM)

Personal Injury Litigation

Douglas A. Baker (Albuquerque, NM)

Kenneth L. Harrigan (Albuquerque, NM)

Product Liability Litigation

Douglas A. Baker (Albuquerque, NM)

Kenneth L. Harrigan (Albuquerque, NM)

Douglas G. Schneebeck (Albuquerque, NM)

Public Finance Law

Duane E. Brown (Albuquerque, NM)

Peter Franklin (Santa Fe, NM)

Christopher P. Muirhead (Albuquerque, NM)

Railroad Law

Earl E. DeBrine (Albuquerque, NM)

Timothy L. Fields (Albuquerque, NM)

Timothy C. Holm (Albuquerque, NM)

Real Estate Law

Dale Wallace Ek (Albuquerque, NM)

James P. Houghton (Albuquerque, NM)

Margaret Lewis Meister (Albuquerque, NM)

Ruth M. Schifani (Albuquerque, NM)

Tax Law

James M. Parker (Albuquerque, NM)

Curtis W. Schwartz (Santa Fe, NM)

Trusts and Estates

James M. Parker (Albuquerque, NM)

Marjorie A. Rogers (Albuquerque, NM)

Curtis W. Schwartz (Santa Fe, NM)

Water Law

Timothy J. De Young (Albuquerque, NM)

Maria O'Brien (Albuquerque, NM)

Best Lawyers

Modrall Sperling

Modrall Sperling Shareholder Named New Mexico Best Banking Lawyer of the Year

Mary Ann Shive — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Albuquerque, NM - Ruth M. Schifani, a shareholder and member of the Executive Committee at Modrall Sperling, the largest law firm in New Mexico, was named the "New Mexico Best Lawyers Banking Lawyer of the Year," by Best Lawyers, one of the oldest and most respected peer-review publications in the legal profession.

Named Business Lawyer of the Year by the New Mexico State Bar Association Business Law Section in November 2008, Schifani also is listed in the prestigious Chambers USA Directories of America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Southwest Super Lawyers, and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 2003. She is President-elect of the 120,000-member University of New Mexico Alumni Association, in addition to involvement in several other charitable and professional organizations.

Schifani represents numerous financial institutions in public finance, real estate and asset-based secured transactions throughout New Mexico and has represented both bank and retail establishments in regulatory and consumer compliance matters. She also assists clients in real estate matters to negotiate, structure and document transactions involving the purchase, sale, exchange, development, leasing and financing of commercial real estate. Additionally, Schifani handles general corporate and business law matters and is a member of the firm's renewable energy group.

Background Information

Best Lawyers

After more than a quarter of a century in publication, Best Lawyers is designating "Lawyers of the Year" in high-profile legal specialties in large legal communities, including Banking Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Corporate Law, Family Law, Personal Injury Litigation, and Real Estate Law, and only a single lawyer in each specialty in each community is being honored as the "Lawyer of the Year." The lawyers being honored as "Lawyers of the Year" have received particularly high ratings in the publication's surveys by earning a high level of respect among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

Modrall Sperling

Modrall Sperling Names Two New Shareholders

Mary Ann Shive — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Albuquerque, NM - Modrall Sperling, the largest law firm in New Mexico, has named two new shareholders. The total number of attorneys at the firm is 83.

Joan E. Drake, formerly an associate of the firm, has become a shareholder effective January 1, 2009. Ms. Drake, who joined the firm in 2001, practices in the areas of environmental and regulatory permitting, energy and utility law, renewable energy, and water law. Prior to a legal career, Ms. Drake was an environmental regulatory specialist with the Army Corps of Engineers in Los Angeles and New England. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, magna cum laude, Ms. Drake received a master's degree from UCLA and her law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law, also both magna cum laude. She is a member of the New Mexico and the American Bar Associations, and serves as Chair of the ABA's Environmental Impact Assessment Committee. She also served as Vice Chair of the Water Committee of the Association of Commerce and Industry, and participates on New Mexico First's research committee on energy matters. Ms. Drake has recently published articles and given presentations on a variety of legal issues, including environmental impact assessment, Clean Water Act permitting, and renewable energy development in New Mexico. Ms. Drake is admitted to practice in New Mexico, before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, and before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Jason C. Bousliman has become a shareholder effective January 1, 2009. Mr. Bousliman, who joined the firm in 2001, concentrates his practice in banking law, contract disputes, tort and personal injury. He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of New Mexico (UNM). While there, Mr. Bousliman served as Student Body President, captain of the track team, and as the then youngest-ever member of the UNM Board of Regents. He served as the Vice-Chair of the State Democratic Party and as a member of the New Mexico Bar Associations Ethic's Advisory Committee. Currently, Mr. Bousliman is Vice-President of the Albuquerque Bar Association and President of the UNM Alumni Lettermen's Association. He is admitted to practice in New Mexico.

Modrall Sperling is one of New Mexico's major law firms with 83 attorneys and offices located in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Founded in 1937 by Judge John F. Simms and Judge Augustus T. Seymour, both of whom served as New Mexico Supreme Court Justices, and James R. Modrall, the firm has been at the forefront of numerous landmark cases and precedent-setting decisions. The firm offers a full range of legal services in all major areas of practice with an emphasis on business, as well as in the concentrated areas of Health Care, Indian Law, Mining, Oil and Gas, Pipeline Services, Public Lands, Renewable Energy, Water Rights and Utility.

Modrall Sperling Shareholder To Be Honored Among Preeminent U.S. Lawyers

Mary Ann Shive — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0600

MODRALL SPERLING SHAREHOLDER TO BE
HONORED AMONG PREEMINENT U.S. LAWYERS

Albuquerque, NM - Paul M. Fish, a shareholder and chair of the Creditors' Right Group in the Litigation Department of Modrall Sperling, the largest law firm in New Mexico, will be honored for his distinguished accomplishments in the area of law by Best Lawyers, the prestigious lawyer-rating directory, during its 25th anniversary celebration in April.

Listed in the prestigious book The Best Lawyers in America, in the areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights as well as in Business Litigation, since 1989, Fish concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, corporate and bankruptcy law, loan workouts and foreclosure. He was also named a Southwest Super Lawyer in 2007, and is Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy. Fish is a graduate of Drake University and received his law degree from Harvard University.

The 25^th anniversary celebration, to be held in Atlanta, GA, April 23-25, will honor the distinct careers of 1,397 lawyers who have been listed in the publication since its inception in 1983.

Background Information

Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is the oldest peer-review lawyer-rating publication in the United States. Its annual publication, The Best Lawyers in America, which continues to be the only advertisement-free referral guide to the legal profession, now includes 36,126 attorneys in 78 specialties, covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

For additional information about Best Lawyers, contact Cheryl Riley at 703-683-1798 or cherylrileypr@comcast.net).

Modrall Sperling

Modrall Sperling is one of New Mexico's prominent law firms with approximately 80 attorneys and offices located in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Founded in 1937 by Judge John F. Simms and Judge Augustus T. Seymour, both of whom served as New Mexico Supreme Court Justices, and James R. Modrall, the firm has been at the forefront of numerous landmark cases and precedent-setting decisions. It offers a full range of legal services in all major areas of practice with an emphasis on business, as well as in the concentrated areas of Health Care, Indian Law, Mining, Oil and Gas, Pipeline Services, Public Lands, Renewable Energy, Water Rights and Utility Law.

Modrall Sperling Shareholder Named President of UNM Alumni Association

Mary Ann Shive — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Listed in the 2009 edition of the book The Best Lawyers in America® under Banking and Real Estate, and recently named one of 25 attorneys in "Best of the Bar," a joint effort by the State Bar of New Mexico and the New Mexico Business Weekly, Ruth M. Schifani, a shareholder and member of the Executive Committee at Modrall Sperling, New Mexico's largest law firm with offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, was elected president of the University of New Mexico (UNM) Alumni Association in June, 2009.

As president, Ms. Schifani will be responsible for leading the Alumni Association's Board of Directors, the governing body of the Association and the University's oldest support group, which exists to keep alumni, and friends of UNM involved with the school. The Association currently has approximately 143,000 members.

Ms. Schifani, a native of Albuquerque, NM, graduated from UNM, cum laude, in 1970 with a degree in English Literature. She received her law degree, cum laude, from UNM School of Law in 1976.

In April of this year, New Mexico Business Weekly named Ms. Schifani one of New Mexico's Women of Influence. She has served as past secretary/treasurer of the Board of Equal Access to Justice, past president of the Albuquerque Bar Association, member of the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission, regent of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys, and past president of the YWCA of the Middle Rio Grande.

Ms. Schifani also is listed in the publications Chambers USA 2009: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, the Client's Guide and Southwest Super Lawyers 2009.

Modrall Sperling is one of New Mexico's major law firms with approximately 85 attorneys. The firm offers a full range of legal services in all areas of practice serving business.

Modrall Sperling Shareholder Named President of Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation

Mary Ann Shive — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Walter E. Stern, a shareholder at Modrall Sperling, New Mexico's largest law firm with offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, has been named president of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation (RMMLF), effective immediately.

Chair of Modrall Sperling's Public Lands Service Group and co-chair of its Indian Law Service Group, Stern is listed in five categories in the preeminent book, "The Best Lawyers in America," including Natural Resources Law, Energy Law, Mining Law, Native American Law, and Oil and Gas Law. Mr. Stern was named president of RMMLF during its Annual Institute and Trustees Meeting held in San Francisco in July.

A noted practitioner for 25 years, Stern concentrates his practice in assisting and counseling businesses and individuals in their business, administrative and dispute resolution dealings with Indian tribes and public land management agencies, such as the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service and State Land office, with a special emphasis on natural resources, energy and environmental law. He holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is also listed in the publications Chambers USA 2009: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, the Client's Guide and Southwest Super Lawyer®.

Comprised of approximately 2,500 members, the RMMLF is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to providing scholarly research of the laws and issues affecting domestic and international mineral and water resources. Its goals are to foster and encourage a scholarly but practical study of the law and applicable regulations relating to oil and gas, mining, water, public land management, land use, conservation, environmental protection, and other related areas.

Modrall Sperling is one of New Mexico's major law firms with approximately 80 attorneys. The firm offers a full range of legal services in all areas of practice serving business.

Modrall Sperling Lists More Attorneys in

Mary Ann Shive — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Modrall Sperling, the largest law firm in New Mexico, announces that 39 of its 80 attorneys or nearly half of all its lawyers, are included in the 2010 edition of Best Lawyers® - the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession - ranking the firm number one for more attorneys listed than any other law firm based in New Mexico.

The firm also announces that five shareholders have been added to the list, four of them in Education Law, increasing its total number of attorneys listed from 34 in 2009 to 39 in 2010. The five additional shareholders and their respective listed categories are: Angelo J. Artuso, Immigration Law; Michael L. Carrico, Education Law; Max J. Madrid, Education Law; George R. McFall, Education Law; and Roberta C. Ramo, Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Ranked number one in Best Lawyers® in numerous areas of practice, the firm lists as many as five attorneys in the categories of Natural Resources and Oil & Gas, and four in the categories of Energy, Mining, Real Estate, and now Education Law.

For 27 years, Best Lawyers® has come to be regarded - by both the legal profession and the public - as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the U.S. The new 2010 Best Lawyers®, the 16th edition, is based on a rigorous national survey involving more than 2.8 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. Because of the rigorous and transparent methodology used by Best Lawyers® and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion is considered an honor. Best Lawyers® search engine now appears as the exclusive lawyers list on USNews.com, the web site of U.S. News & World Report, which receives several million visitors each month.

Modrall Sperling was founded in 1937. The firm's attorneys practice in three main departments including Transactions, Litigation, and Natural Resources. The firm has offices located in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM. For more information, visit the firm's web site at http://www.modrallsperling.com/.

Modrall Sperling Lawyers Listed in Southwest Super Lawyers

Mary Ann Shive — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Four Modrall Sperling lawyers - John R. Cooney, Kenneth L. Harrigan, Margaret L. Meister, and Lynn H. Slade - were selected by Southwest Super Lawyers 2009 among the "Top 25 Lawyers in New Mexico."

In addition, 17 Modrall Sperling lawyers were selected by Southwest Super Lawyers 2009 for their expertise and experience in particular areas of law. Only five percent of the total lawyers in New Mexico were selected for this honor, including: Larry P. Ausherman - Environmental; Stuart R. Butzier - Energy & Natural Resources; John R. Cooney - Business Litigation; Earl E. DeBrine, Jr. - Energy & Natural Resources; Dale W. Ek - Real Estate; Paul M. Fish - Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights; Kenneth L. Harrigan - Business Litigation; William R. Keleher - Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights; Marte D. Lightstone - Energy & Natural Resources; George R. McFall - Employment & Labor; Margaret L. Meister - Real Estate; James M. Parker - Business/Corporate; Ruth M. Schifani - Banking; Douglas G. Schneebeck - Class Action/Mass Torts; Lynn H. Slade - Native American Law; Walter E. Stern III - Energy & Natural Resources; and R.E. Thompson - Personal Injury Defense: General.

Modrall Sperling Has Lost A Great Friend

Kenneth Brown — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0700

We at Modrall Sperling are saddened to announce that we lost our friend and colleague Tim De Young on December 13. As a lawyer Tim embodied the very best of our profession. With the force of his intellect, his integrity and the skill with which he represented his clients, he earned the esteem of those who practiced with him and of those who opposed him. As a friend he challenged us, made us laugh, and showed us how to live life with true gusto. If wealth is measured by the quality of friendships, the love of family, and the joy with which we pursue life, Tim was truly a rich man. We are all the richer for having known him and worked with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim’s wife, Connie, and his two daughters, Alana and Elise.

Modrall Sperling Recognized for High Percentage of Women Equity Partners

Marte D. Lightstone — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Modrall Sperling has been recognized as the only New Mexico-based law firm to have one of the highest percentages of women equity partners in the U.S. among mid-sized firms. The citation appeared in the July/August 2009 issue of Diversity & The Bar, a publication of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association. Modrall is ranked 12th on the list of 13 law firms with 20 to 99 equity partners. Based on data reported as of year-end 2007 from 277 major law firms appearing in the 2009 edition of the Vault/MCAA Guide to Law Firms Diversity Programs, approximately 20 percent, or 10 out of 49, of the total equity partners at Modrall are female.

Modrall Sperling Partner Named Among 2010 Women of Influence

Susan Boswell — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Albuquerque - Marte D. Lightstone, of Modrall Sperling, New Mexico's largest law firm with offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe has been named among the 2010 Women of Influence by the New Mexico Business Weekly.

Listed in the Best Lawyers in America^® under Oil and Gas Law, and in Southwest Super Lawyers^® under Natural Resources Law, Lightstone is a member of the firm's Natural Resources and Litigation Departments, practicing in the Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, Indian Law, Environmental and Commercial Litigation Service Groups. Lightstone advises clients on all aspects of oil and gas law, tribal resource and jurisdictional issues, and environmental law, and represents clients in all phases of complex commercial and environmental litigation, including the negotiation of complex settlements.

A noted practitioner for 24 years, Lightstone served as the Chair of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association Legal Committee from 2004 to 2010, is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Indian Law Section of the State Bar of New Mexico (SBNM), and is former Chair of the SBNM Section of Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law. She has been co-chair of the Editorial Board of the SBNM and is a recipient of an Outstanding Contribution Award from the SBNM. A graduate of California State College, Lightstone received a master's from Arizona State University and earned her law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law where she has been a member and former chair of its Alumni Board and has served as an adjunct professor there on writing on Natural Resources Issues.

Also an accomplished cyclist and rock climber, Lightstone has provided legal assistance in both the development of the Johan Bruyneel Cycling Academy and in a professional cycling race to be held in Albuquerque in April 2010. She also served on the Board of Directors of The Access Fund, the national advocacy organization for climbing in the United States.

Lightstone is admitted to practice in all New Mexico Courts.

Modrall Sperling is one of New Mexico's major law firms with approximately 80 attorneys. The firm offers a full range of legal services in all major areas of practice serving individuals and businesses.