Natural Resources Law
Anthony J. "T.J." Trujillo
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2021 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
T.J. practices governmental affairs law, administrative law, environmental and natural resources litigation, and general commercial litigation. His experience includes a variety of legal matters including issues related mining, oil and gas, agriculture, water rights, water quality, energy, employment law and civil rights. T.J. serves as a lobbyist for clients on state and local issues, including activities dealing with drafting legislation, testifying before legislative committees, and developing advocacy strategies for clients on legislative and regulatory matters.
Overview
- The University of Arizona, J.D., graduated 2000
- Western New Mexico University, M.B.A., graduated 2000
- The University of Arizona, B.S.B.A., graduated 1995
- New Mexico, 2000
- Association of Commerce and Industry, Environment Committee - Vice-Chair
- Dairy Producers of New Mexico - Member
- New Mexico Amigos - Member
- New Mexico Mining Association, Legislative Committee - Member
- New Mexico Oil & Gas Association, Government Affairs Committee - Member
- New Mexico Tax Research Institute - Member
- Permian Basin Petroleum Association - Member
- U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
- New Mexico, 2000
- Association of Commerce and Industry, Environment Committee - Vice-Chair
- Dairy Producers of New Mexico - Member
- New Mexico Amigos - Member
- New Mexico Mining Association, Legislative Committee - Member
- New Mexico Oil & Gas Association, Government Affairs Committee - Member
- New Mexico Tax Research Institute - Member
- Permian Basin Petroleum Association - Member
- The University of Arizona, J.D., graduated 2000
- Western New Mexico University, M.B.A., graduated 2000
- The University of Arizona, B.S.B.A., graduated 1995
- U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Natural Resources Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Administrative / Regulatory Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Energy Regulatory Law
- Environmental Law
- Government Relations Practice
- Litigation - Environmental
- Litigation - ERISA
- Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
- Tax Law
Awards:
- Chambers USA®, 2017-2020
- Best Lawyers in America®, Natural Resources Law, 2021
- Doc Weiler/Marvin Watts Award for Professionalism, New Mexico Mining Association, 2015
News & Media
Case History
Q&A
T.J. primarily practices government relations, administrative law, environmental law, and natural resources law. T.J. serves as a lobbying for clients on a variety of state and local issues, and he uses his legal background to draft legislation, testify before legislative committees, and develop advocacy strategies for clients on legislative and regulatory matters. his expertise in administrative/regulatory law has been the driving force behind his nearly two-decide lobbying practice.
The most common question I get asked is: "Why does government have so many rules and regulations?" My response: "Call your legislators and tell them to take back some of their power."
One of the most interesting matters I dealt with this past year centered on explaining to legislators and lawyers what the difference is legally between a "tax" and a "fee." It is amazing how frequently state statutes label something as a fee but it really is an illegal tax.
I spend most of my time appearing before hearing officers and decision makers for boards, commissions, agencies, and legislative committees. In these forums, it is very challenging because the underlying rules governing the processes are very loose when compared to a courtroom.
My father and mother spurred my interest in the practice areas, and they have a lifetime advocating before state and local governments.
T.J. loves to travel internationally with his wife and three sons, spend time relaxing at his lake house where he serves as the official driver of the boat while his sons wake surf, and lose golf balls.
Your browser is not fully compatible with our automatic printer friendly formatting.
Please use the print button to print this profile page.