Benjamin E. Thomas

Andrew J. Simons began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge William W. Bivins of the New Mexico Court of Appeals from 1992 to 1993. He then joined Sutin, Thayer & Browne APC, where he continues to practice in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His work focuses on Litigation – Bankruptcy, with an emphasis on commercial litigation, creditors’ rights, consumer law, and real estate matters. Mr. Simons has represented clients in a wide range of state and federal litigation, including: (...

Jill K. Sweeney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Public Finance Law. Jill K., who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jill K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lynn Slade serves clients’ needs addressing Federal Indian law and Native American law, energy, natural resources, environmental law, project development, complex litigation and transactions for over 30 years. In his Indian law practice, Lynn advises and counsels natural resource and energy developers, financial institutions, utilities, and other businesses in transactions and project development, including extensive involvement with renewable energy projects. He also leads litigation t...

Betsy focuses her practice on appeals and complex briefing. She has handled appeals and dispositive briefing in state and federal courts in a wide range of areas, including torts, contracts, employment, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation. She enjoys analyzing complex issues on nearly any topic and translating them into simple, persuasive language. Betsy also serves as local counsel on appellate matters and frequently advises clients on appellate trends in New Mexico. She has...

Chris Muirhead concentrates his practice in the area of public finance. For more than twenty years, numerous New Mexico municipalities and counties have relied on Chris for advice on their public financing matters such as general obligation bonds, gross receipts tax revenue bonds, utility system revenue bonds, special district financings, and economic development projects. He serves as general counsel and issuer’s counsel for the New Mexico Hospital Equipment Loan Council, a state-wide ...

Spencer Edelman’s practice is focused in the areas of creditors’ rights and commercial litigation. In his creditors’ rights practice, Spencer assists banks and other creditors in foreclosures, collections actions, and bankruptcies. This spans a variety of industries including manufacturers, dairies, hotels, multi-family housing, and commercial real estate. In 2013-14 he served as a law clerk for United States Bankruptcy Judge David Thuma. Spencer has assisted large financial...

Todd A. Schwarz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Todd A., who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Todd A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Meg Meister has served clients for over twenty-five years in the areas of real estate, business, commercial transactions and lending. She guides businesses through siting and re-locating facilities, completes sales and tax free exchanges, represents buyers and sellers in stock and asset transactions, assists with liquor license transfers, and negotiates and drafts leases and other real estate and business documents. Meg advises companies doing business on Indian lands and negotiates and struc...

Elizabeth Ashton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Elizabeth, who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian Nichols’ practice is primarily in federal Indian law and litigation, including tribal courts, with focuses on energy, natural resources, transportation and employment. His experience includes: Lead counsel in trials in federal, state, and tribal courts. Lead negotiator in labor negotiations. Advising and negotiating for clients with tribal nations. Consulting with clients doing or considering business on or with tribal nations. Brian has advised clients including BHP Billiton, Uni...