James G. Bruce

James C. Brockmann is a board-certified water law specialist whose practice focuses on water law and related areas of water quality, water rights and utility law.Mr. Brockmann has worked in the Midwest and greater Southwest, with clients ranging from individual states and municipalities, to oil, gas and renewable-energy companies. His experience includes suits involving the apportionment of water from the North Platte River and upstream diversions of the Arkansas River, as well as Alamogordo&...

Paula G. Maynes is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employment Law - Management. Paula G. practices law in Santa Fe, New Mexico Best Lawyers has recognized Paula G. Maynes since 2013. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Paula G. Maynes is held by other lawyers.

Kurt A. Sommer is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Kurt A. practices law in Santa Fe, New Mexico Best Lawyers has recognized Kurt A. Sommer since 2005. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Kurt A. Sommer is held by other lawyers.

Vanessa’s practice is focused on tax, estate planning, closely-held business matters, and non-profit law. Vanessa represents taxpayers in federal and state audits and appeals, presenting the client’s position to achieve a favorable outcome. Her expertise covers the full range of tax issues businesses face, including reporting requirements, tax treatment of fringe benefits, worker classification, and compliance with Section 409A. Vanessa also prepares voluntary disclosures for indi...

Jay F. Stein is a board-certified water law specialist whose practice focuses on water law and related areas of water quality and utility law.Mr. Stein has served clients—including water utility companies, municipalities, and oil and gas companies—in New Mexico, Kansas, Wyoming, Nebraska, Texas, California and Mexico. Prior to co-founding Stein & Brockmann, P.A., he served as counsel to the New Mexico State Engineer and Interstate Stream Commission for nine years. Mr. Stein no...

Michael Schwarz gained his admission to the New Mexico Bar in 1980 and is a sole practitioner in Santa Fe, primarily practicing in the areas of employment and labor law. He authored the New Mexico Appellate Manual . He also authored numerous professional publications and appeared as a speaker at several continuing legal education programs in the areas of employment law and professional responsibility both at the local and national levels. Schwarz was past chair of the Employment and Labor Law...

Sarah Stevenson is a shareholder in the Natural Resources Department and a litigator representing public entities and private businesses. Her natural resources experience focuses on water law, including water adjudications and interstate water compacts, and Native American law, including natural resource development projects on Native American land. She has advised clients developing projects on Native American land on issues regarding indigenous rights, jurisdiction, and contract formation. ...

Don DeCandia brings over 25 years of experience to his primary practice areas of products liability, tort and personal injury, and ERISA litigation. He has litigated complex commercial cases and class actions and has a depth of experience in appellate work. Don believes that listening and attention to detail are key components of a successful practice. He maintains close communications with client contacts to ensure that informed judgment guides key decisions. Don has achieved the highest rat...

Joleen Youngers is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Joleen practices law in Santa Fe, New Mexico Best Lawyers has recognized Joleen Youngers since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Joleen Youngers is held by other lawyers.

Richard W. Hughes is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Gaming Law, Native American Law and Natural Resources Law. Richard W. practices law in Santa Fe, New Mexico Best Lawyers has recognized Richard W. Hughes since 2007. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Richard W. Hughes is held by other lawyers.