Rio Arriba County Lawyers

AV civil trial lawyer of 24 years. Employment & Whistleblower Litigation. Veteran New Mexico sexual harassment litigator. Serves “Time’s Up” as a member of the National Women’s Law Center Legal Network for Gender Equity, which manages the “Time’s Up” Legal Defense Fund. Former partner, with 10 years practice, in two national "Am Law 200" firms. Represents defendants and select plaintiffs. Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell in Labor and Employment, Litigation. Certified by the New Mexico Board of Legal Specialization (2005-2010, 2017-2021) and listed as a top Employment lawyer in New Mexico's Top Rated Lawyers, Southwest Super Lawyers,...

Michael Schwarz is sole practitioner in Santa Fe representing employees in employment matters. He also represents small employers in employment matters. He served as a consultative member on the Restatement (Third) of Employment Law, published in 2015 and currently serves on American Law Institutes of Principles of Government Ethics. He served on West Publishing Editorial Board.

I have practiced law in Northern New Mexico since 2000 in the areas of real estate, mediation, business, trademark, civil litigation, estate planning, family law, elder care and probate.

As someone who has helped clients navigate the judicial system over the years, I have come to greatly appreciate the art of mediation to resolve issues ranging from the technical to the emotional. Mediation allows participants to engage in meaningful dialog to find lasting solutions. The parties are in the driver’s seat at the mediation table, helping to craft mutually agreeable solutions. This process is...

Effective legal solutions often require more than just understanding “the big picture”. To prevail in the difficult, life-changing cases your advocate must take advantage of all the subtle nuances to make the winning difference. For many years now I have studied and put into practice the persuasive arts and communication skills needed to succeed in the jury trial. I pay attention to the details and take every case seriously. Diligence, common sense, sound judgment and knowledge of the law are all very important qualifications for any attorney. If you want proactive representation that is cost-effective and personally...

Karen Holmes is a licensed attorney in California and New Mexico.
Karen graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University, Bakersfield in 2000 with a Bachelors Degree in English. She worked as Production Coordinator for Pappas Teleproductions (KMPH TV) and as a Legal Assistant for Pillsbury Winthrop LLP (now Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman) before enrolling at William & Mary School of Law in 2004. As a student, she earned the Gambrell Professionalism Award and Honors in Legal Skills for excellence in legal research, writing, analysis, and trial and appellate practice. She served as Co-Chair of the school's Institute of the...

I work as a people's lawyer and represent persons with claims against insurance companies, corporations, and government agencies. Despite the rules of court that often work to conceal an insurance company's participation, I will not appear in any case where the settlement or judgment will be paid by an individual rather than the insurance company.