Overview

Modrall Sperling is headquartered in New Mexico and has offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The firm was founded in 1937 and has a long history of excellence in the state, throughout the Southwest and across the United States. With around 60 lawyers, the firm provides the highest quality of legal services with expertise in most areas of civil law. Our diverse client base includes major financial institutions, state and local governmental bodies, insurance companies, national and international corporations, energy and natural resource companies, educational institutions, private foundations, farmers, ranchers, large and small businesses and private individuals.

The firm provides innovative legal solutions in all major areas of legal practice and is fully prepared to meet both the basic and sophisticated demands of business and individual clients in a challenging economy. While we remain dedicated to serving New Mexico and the business community that built our firm, we have a solid regional and national presence in a number of practice areas.

Many Modrall Sperling practitioners have held and continue to hold key positions in the community and the legal profession. Within the firm’s current ranks are a former president, current chair, and members of the American Law Institute, a former president of the American Bar Association, a former chair of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, a former chair of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and a former president and the current president of The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law.

Modrall Sperling is committed to maintaining a diverse workplace. The firm is committed to providing equal opportunity at all times without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin, and without regard to age or disability. Our success in achieving diversity in ethnicity and gender is reflected in our staff as well as our lawyers.

Founded:
1937
Magnifying glass with star icon
Practice Areas:
44
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
31

Rankings

Regional

Albuquerque

Tier
1
Albuquerque
Administrative / Regulatory Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Appellate Practice
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Commercial Transactions / UCC Law

Select Clients

Travelers 7-Eleven Albuquerque Academy Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Albuquerque Public Schools Allstate Insurance Andeavor Arizona Public Service BakkenLink Pipeline, LLC Bank of Albuquerque BHP Billiton Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co. City of Albuquerque City of Farmington City of Rio Rancho City of Santa Fe City of Roswell Clean Line Energy Partners Continental Resources El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 Encana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc. Enel Green Power North America Enterprise Products Partners, LP EOG Resources, Inc. Farm Credit of New Mexico Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. Haverland Carter Lifestyle Group Holt-Smithson Foundation Invenergy McCune Charitable Foundation Mountain States Mutual Casualty Nacogdoches Oil & Gas New Mexico Copper Corporation New Mexico Family Business Alliance New Mexico Oil and Gas Association New Mexico State University Oklahoma Attorney General Progressive Insurance Co. Rio Grande Resources Corporation Santa Fe County State of Oklahoma SunZia Transmission, LLC Transwestern Pipeline Company, LLC Tri-State Generation and Transmission Union Pacific Railroad University of New Mexico Walgreen Co. Whatabrands, LLC

Highlighted Client Comments

These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Trusts and Estates
Based on my experience, I rate Modrall Sperling as excellent. My husband and I approached Marjorie Rogers with Modrall Sperling when we had difficulty communicating with my grandfather's attorney and the Trustee of his Estate in August of 2015. It was a complex Estate and, as it turns out, both the Trustee and the attorney were out of their depth and had made many omissions and errors while attempting to settle the Estate. Marjorie Rogers negotiated the transfer of the Estate.
Katherine Anderson
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
I work regularly with Modrall Sperling on shared ERISA clients, mostly with Karen Kahn and some with James Parker. They are very knowledgeable, easy to work with, and very professional. I can request formal researched opinions or just call anytime for a more informal bouncing off of ideas. They are my "go-to" ERISA firm.
 
Banking and Finance Law
I have had legal and business relationships with Modrall Sperling for over thirty years. And I have always been satisfied with their insight and recommendations.
John Dowling
Pinnacle Bank
Commercial Finance Law
Modrall Sperling is very knowledgeable with current law and case law.
John Dowling
Pinnacle Bank
Public Finance Law
Modrall Sperling is the go-to public finance firm in New Mexico with excellent professionals who are knowledgeable in New Mexico and federal laws related to public finance.
Paul Cassidy
Managing Director – RBC Capital Markets
Trusts and Estates
If I had to rate Modrall Sperling, it would for sure be excellent, both in professional knowledge and in customer understanding.
Patrizia Antonicelli
Oil and Gas Law
Modrall Sperling is an excellent firm for oil and gas law. Their lawyers are outstanding in all aspects of oil and gas law, including regulatory, litigation and tax.
 
Public Finance Law
Modrall Sperling is excellent. They are a very thorough and competent professional firm that always has the city's best interest in mind. They have never missed a scheduled meeting or deadline.
Monica Garcia
Finance Director – City of Roswell
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
As a result of an audit, my organization had some serious compliance and plan issues regarding our 401k and 357b programs. After a very negative experience with another firm we were referred to Karen Kahn at Modrall Sperling. She performed an in-depth legal analysis, provided timely expertise and communicated directly with the IRS on our behalf. She worked with our HR Director our controller and our executive staff. She also made a formal presentation to the MFA Board of Directors.
 
Trusts and Estates
I have been very pleased with everyone we have worked with at Modrall Sperling especially Marjorie Rogers. Her expertise in dealing with our case was exceptional. Our phone calls were usually answered by her. If she was not available, someone in her office was there for us. Since we were dealing with everything from Illinois it was so important for me to feel in the loop in Albuquerque, and Marjorie made sure of that. At the time we had to appear in court in Albuquerque she made me very comfortable.
Gail Johnsen
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Don DeCandia of Modrall Sperling is widely recognized by his clients and peers as a first-rate litigator.
 
Environmental Law
I have used Modrall Sperling for advice regarding New Mexico Water Law issues. I have found them very responsive and their legal advice was concise and useful. I would rate them excellent in Environmental Law.
 
Insurance Law
Modrall Sperling is a highly respected firm with reputable attorneys. They are one of the best defense firms in New Mexico. Jennifer Noya and Sonja Burke consistently provided cost-effective litigation strategy on assigned cases. They are thorough in coverage and case analysis. I have been very pleased with everyone I have worked with at the firm. They are professional and very easy to work with.
 
Public Finance Law
I primarily work with Peter Franklin of Modrall Sperling. Peter provides outstanding service, is always responsive, thoroughly explains issues, breaks down complex concepts to make them understandable to the non-lawyer, and provides excellent legal advice. I have worked with Peter on many different public finance issues and have been completely satisfied in all aspects.
 
Public Finance Law
Modrall Sperling is very responsive and knowledgeable regarding public financing, especially in regards to the issuance of bonds. Daniel Alsup from the Modrall Sperling Law firm is great to work with and has represented the County in various transactions with always positive results. I would recommend this firm to anyone.
Phillip Rios
Sandoval County Manager – Sandoval County, NM
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Karen Kahn’s knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to her work have helped us advise and guide our company and clients on cafeteria plans and health reimbursement account plans. She also helps us develop strategies to meet our client’s goals and is always up to date on the compliance of new regulations effecting health plans that has changed drastically over the last few years.
Krista Koss
Vice President – The Cafeteria Plan Company
Corporate Law
You will not find a more honorable, ethical, or knowledgeable corporate law attorney than James Parker with Modrall Sperling. His ability to apply the law to meet the objectives of his clients is outstanding.
 
Trusts and Estates
I have complete trust in the deep knowledge and the resulting advice of Marjorie Rogers at Modrall Sperling.
 
Health Care Law
Modrall Sperling are very professional and accommodating; excellent customer service and responsiveness. Michelle Hernandez and Gbenobah Idah are excellent to work with.
 
Energy Law
Joan Drake and her team at Modrall Sperling provide terrific support for our activities in New Mexico and set the standard for excellence in the region. They truly are a critical resource for our firm.
 
Municipal Law
Modrall Sperling is the best municipal bond law firm in state of NM by far.
 
Native American Law
The attorneys at Modrall Sperling have an excellent knowledge of Native American law and a practical results oriented approach. They are able to handle very complex matters in a thorough fashion.
 
Environmental Law
The Modrall environmental lawyers are well versed in the law, but bring commercial sensibility and an understanding of the politics and community to bear in providing timely and useful advice.
 
Mining Law
Modrall has some of the best mining lawyers in the country who understand the business, the environment, and the politics to assist in making appropriate legal judgments.
 
Native American Law
Modrall Sperling has the best Native American practice, with a strong understanding of the law and culture, and great relationships with the Navajo Nation, among others.
 
Tax Law
Modrall has broad expertise and is an important resource to me and my clients. They provide timely and competent answers and guidance.
 
Commercial Litigation
As local counsel for an international client, Modrall has been a perfect colleague in helping us represent the client in New Mexico court proceedings.
 
Energy Law
Joan Drake of Modrall Sperling is responsive, knowledgeable, and cost-effective. Our company enjoys working with Joan and appreciates her services.
 
Nonprofit / Charities Law
Modrall Sperling remains a strong support in our community and to our agency; amazing generosity and community investment.
Fr. Rusty Smith
Executive Director – St. Martin's Hospitality Center
Municipal Law
Modrall Sperling is an excellent firm with great response and very knowledgeable on bond market financing.
Phillip Rios
Sandoval County Manager – Sandoval County, NM
Water Law
Modrall Sperling has great knowledge on Water law! Honest, and would put up against anyone!
Jesus "Chuy" Reyes
General Manager – El Paso County Water Improvement District
Government Relations Practice
Marco Gonzales of the Modrall Sperling firm was a tireless and extremely effective lobbyist for us. I highly recommend Marco and his firm.
Dan Perry
Managing Member and President – Chama Troutstalkers LLC
Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Jim Parker guided us through the process of creating a business succession plan with great expertise and understanding.
John Myers
Myers RV Center
Real Estate Law
We've worked with Meg Meister at Modrall Sperling for several years. She is a stellar attorney; responsive, thoughtful and effective.
Wendy Lewis
Historic District Improvement Company
Energy Law
Modrall Sperling is especially competent on public land issues.
Carol Leach
Manager, NM Government Relations – Concho Resources
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Karen of Modrall Sperling has provided us legal advice for over ten years. Her expertise in ERISA, HIPAA, Section 125 cafeteria plans, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Health Savings Accounts and other employee benefit arenas is beyond peer, and her continuous review of rulings and actions potentially affecting our clients assures that we are always best informed. Karen’s capacity for analysis gives her the ability to parse through the voluminous language of most federal literature and locate not only the heart of the issue, but the likely consequences of a given course of action. Karen’s document preparation skills ensure that neither error nor potential misconstruction exists, and underpinning all of her skills is a patent genuine interest in the field.
Krista Koss
Vice President – The Cafeteria Plan Company
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
This firm’s integrity, values and professionalism are reflected in all aspects of Modrall's counsel and services. Their team of highly-capable attorneys not only brings their expertise but also a total commitment to the client and to every phase of their work. The attorneys and the administrative staff are always accessible and responsive; and their collective attention to detail and consistently reliable execution all combine to provide predictable success and peace of mind for the client. Modrall is a well-managed and results-focused organization that reliably delivers the best results.
Bill Knauf
Advanced Insights Group
Tax Law
Marjorie Rodgers knows her tax law, she is highly recommended, and has accomplished complex tax benefits for me and my company.
Joe Keller
AJK, LLC
Litigation - Construction
Modrall Sperling provide creative, accurate advice effectively delivered with appropriate detail for reasonable fees.
Juliana R Cobb
Senior Corporate Counsel – WHPacific, Inc.

Rankings

Regional

Albuquerque

Tier
1
Albuquerque
Administrative / Regulatory Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Appellate Practice
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Corporate Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Education Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Energy Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Environmental Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Insurance Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Litigation - Health Care
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Litigation - Insurance
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Municipal Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Native American Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Natural Resources Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Oil and Gas Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Public Finance Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Railroad Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Real Estate Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Tax Law
Tier
1
Albuquerque
Trusts and Estates
Tier
2
Albuquerque
Energy Regulatory Law
Tier
2
Albuquerque
Health Care Law
Tier
2
Albuquerque
Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Tier
2
Albuquerque
Mediation
Tier
2
Albuquerque
Water Law
Tier
3
Albuquerque
Arbitration
Tier
3
Albuquerque
Employment Law - Individuals

Santa Fe

Tier
1
Santa Fe
Environmental Law
Tier
1
Santa Fe
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
1
Santa Fe
Natural Resources Law
Tier
1
Santa Fe
Public Finance Law
Tier
2
Santa Fe
Mining Law
Tier
3
Santa Fe
Native American Law

Practice Areas

Modrall Sperling has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 39 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Antitrust Law
  • Appellate
  • Arbitration
  • Banking and Finance Law
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Construction Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Education Law
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
  • Employment Law - Individuals
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Energy Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Financial Services Regulation Law
  • Government Relations Practice
  • Health Care Law
  • Insurance Law
  • Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Litigation - Bankruptcy
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Litigation - Environmental
  • Litigation - Health Care
  • Litigation - Insurance
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Litigation and Controversy - Tax
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Mediation
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Mining Law
  • Municipal Law
  • Native American Law
  • Natural Resources Law
  • Oil and Gas Law
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
  • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
  • Public Finance Law
  • Railroad Law
  • Real Estate Law
  • Tax Law
  • Trusts and Estates
  • Water Law

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Modrall Sperling proudly has 31 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Client Comments

A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
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Awards

Modrall Sperling is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Modrall Sperling has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Modrall Sperling continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.

Offices & Contacts

Albuquerque, NM
500 Fourth Street, NW, Suite 1000
P.O. Box 2168
Albuquerque, NM 87103
United States
Santa Fe, NM
123 East Marcy Street, Suite 201
P.O. Box 9318
Santa Fe, NM 87504-9318
United States
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