January 16, 2007

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.