Serving New Mexico
Practice Areas
I represent national non-profits, clean energy trade groups, local governments, and community groups in litigation related to climate and energy policy. In 2019, I briefed and argued two complex federal appeals related to the regulation of ozone pollution under the Clean Air Act, Clean Wisconsin, et al., v. EPA (D.C Cir., No. 18-1203) and Texas v. EPA (5th Cir., No. 18-60606). In 2018, I co-authored a petition for certiorari in NRDC v. Mexichem Fluor, Inc. (U.S., No. 18-2), a case involving regulation of high-global-warming-potential refrigerants. In addition to litigation, I work on a variety of administrative matters. In recent months, I represented the Sierra Club on New Mexico’s Methane Advisory Panel, an advisory group convened by state regulators to study options for reducing pollution from the oil and gas industry; counseled the Brazilian sugarcane ethanol industry on the Renewable Fuels Standards program; and represented a clean energy trade group before the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.
Commercial LitigationI represent clients in contract, fraud, real estate, and other civil disputes, in both New Mexico and California. In recent months, I obtained dismissal of three shareholder derivative suits arising out of the operation of a luxury car rental company; helped two different clients obtain expungement of an improper lis pendens; obtained dismissal of a $250,000 breach-of-contract claim; defeated a motion to appoint a receiver for a large cannabis dispensary; tried and won a breach-of-contract case involving the provision of web development services; and obtained a $60,000 settlement for a franchisee against its former franchisor (substantially all of the amount demanded).
Business LawI work with New Mexico businesses to draft contracts, raise capital, and identify tax savings. For example, I recently helped a start-up company prepare an exempt securities offering, drafting its private placement memorandum and securing a “no action” assurance from the New Mexico Securities Division. I later provided that company with a comprehensive overview of tax credits and deductions available for clean energy investments. I regularly create operating agreements for New Mexico limited liability companies. I have also provided enforceability opinions for commercial real estate transactions in New Mexico.