General Information
Year founded:
1937
This is the year the firm (or its earliest predecessor entity) was founded.
Overview
Content is provided by the firm.
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.
Rankings
Modrall Sperling is metro ranked in 39 practice areas. Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.
Read how Best Law Firms ranks firmsMetro Rankings
Albuquerque
Tier 1 for Administrative / Regulatory Law
Tier 1 for Appellate Practice
Tier 1 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier 1 for Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation
Select Clients
- 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 Roswell
- City of Santa Fe
- 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
- Travelers
- Tri-State Generation and Transmission
- Union Pacific Railroad
- University of New Mexico
- Walgreen Co.
- Whatabrands, LLC
Highlighted Client Comments
All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
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
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.
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
Litigation - Construction
Modrall Sperling provide creative, accurate advice effectively delivered with appropriate detail for reasonable fees.
Juliana R Cobb,
Senior Corporate Counsel
– WHPacific, Inc.
Municipal Law
Modrall Sperling is the best municipal bond law firm in state of NM by far.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Energy Law
Modrall Sperling is especially competent on public land issues.
Carol Leach,
Manager, NM Government Relations
– Concho Resources
Tax Law
Modrall has broad expertise and is an important resource to me and my clients. They provide timely and competent answers and guidance.
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
Energy Law
Joan Drake of Modrall Sperling is responsive, knowledgeable, and cost-effective. Our company enjoys working with Joan and appreciates her services.
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.
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
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Don DeCandia of Modrall Sperling is widely recognized by his clients and peers as a first-rate litigator.
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
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
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.
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
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 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
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
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.
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.
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.
Commercial Finance Law
Modrall Sperling is very knowledgeable with current law and case law.
John Dowling
– Pinnacle Bank
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
Rankings
Regional Rankings
Albuquerque
Tier 1 for Administrative / Regulatory Law
Tier 1 for Appellate Practice
Tier 1 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier 1 for Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation
Tier 1 for Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
Tier 1 for Corporate Law
Tier 1 for Education Law
Tier 1 for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Tier 1 for Energy Law
Tier 1 for Environmental Law
Tier 1 for Insurance Law
Tier 1 for Litigation - Bankruptcy
Tier 1 for Litigation - Health Care
Tier 1 for Litigation - Insurance
Tier 1 for Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier 1 for Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Tier 1 for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier 1 for Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law
Tier 1 for Municipal Law
Tier 1 for Native American Law
Tier 1 for Natural Resources Law
Tier 1 for Oil and Gas Law
Tier 1 for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier 1 for Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier 1 for Public Finance Law
Tier 1 for Railroad Law
Tier 1 for Real Estate Law
Tier 1 for Tax Law
Tier 1 for Trusts and Estates
Tier 2 for Energy Regulatory Law
Tier 2 for Health Care Law
Tier 2 for Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Tier 2 for Mediation
Tier 2 for Water Law
Tier 3 for Arbitration
Tier 3 for Employment Law - Individuals
Santa Fe
Tier 1 for Environmental Law
Tier 1 for Litigation - Environmental
Tier 1 for Natural Resources Law
Tier 1 for Public Finance Law
Tier 2 for Mining Law
Tier 3 for Native American Law
Practice Areas
The below are areas of legal specialty volunteered by the firm and do not designate a specialty in which a Best Law Firms ranking is held.
- 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 has 32 lawyers recognized for individual performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in
America®.
By receiving this Best Lawyers recognition from their peers for their professional excellence, these lawyers made Modrall Sperling eligible for evaluation for Best Law Firms rankings.
For almost two decades, Best Lawyers has awarded these singular accolades, making them the foundation of our Best Law Firms awards.
Read more about our Best Lawyers process here.
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Client Comments
All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
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Awards
Awards are self-reported by firms and are not verified by the Best Law Firms rankings.
Main Location
Albuquerque,
NM
500 Fourth Street, NW, Suite 1000
P.O. Box 2168
Albuquerque, NM 87103
United States
505-848-1800
Call our Albuquerque, NM location at 505-848-1800
Get Directions
Get directions to our Albuquerque, NM location
Office Locations
Santa Fe,
NM
123 East Marcy Street, Suite 201
P.O. Box 9318
Santa Fe, NM 87504-9318
United States
505-983-2020
Call our Santa Fe, NM location at 505-983-2020
Get Directions
Get directions to our Santa Fe, NM location
Management and Personnel
President
Tim Fields