James T. Reist

Chris Killion’s practice focuses on oil, gas, and mineral development, including issuing drilling, division order, and acquisition title opinions for oil and gas companies for properties in New Mexico and Texas, as well as representing those companies before regulatory bodies. Chris helps clients comply with state and federal regulations related to mineral development and represents clients in transactions involving purchase and sale of mineral rights. An Alabama native, Chris is licens...

Intellectual Property, Biotechnology Law Professional Recognition: New Mexico Business Weekly Who’s Who in Technology 2011 Best Lawyers in America, Biotechnology Law (2010 – present) Ethics in Business Award 2009 Quality of Life Employer Award 2009 Issued Patents: 7,109,041 and 7,018,846 Selected Work Experience: Peacock Law P.C. , Albuquerque, New Mexico, Shareholder Registered Patent Attorney working in patent prosecution in biotechnology, computer science, chemical and pharmace...

Theresa Hacsi is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. Theresa, 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 Theresa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. As a teenager, Theresa watched her father struggle with insurance companies from his hospice bed. Inst...

Meredith A. Johnstone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law. Meredith A., 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 Meredith A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Maria has practiced in the areas of Natural Resources, Environmental and Utility law for over twenty years. Her primary focus is on water resources, water quality, and related regulatory matters including National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) and Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) compliance. She represents clients from both the public and private sectors before the Office of the New Mexico State Engineer, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission federal agencies, ...

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.

Carey Bhalla is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Civil Rights Law and Criminal Defense: General Practice. Carey, 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 Carey is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mrs. Ramo was elected President of the American Bar Association in 1995-96, the first woman in history. Mrs. Ramo became the President of The American Law Institute in May 2008. Mrs. Ramo is a member of an ABA Commission reviewing the Rules of Professional Responsibility. The United States Senate appointed her to co-chair the committee to review the United States Olympic Committee. She serves on Panels for the American Arbitration Association, the CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution's Nation...

Justin Rodriguez is a nationally recognized litigation and trial lawyer who frequently handles high-stakes cases for clients such as Intel, BNSF Railway Company, and FedEx Ground. His practice ranges widely over the field of complex business and tort litigation, state Attorney General investigations, insurance litigation, and intellectual property. He has been counsel in cases involving patent infringement, securities fraud, commercial contracts, wrongful death, qui tam and antitrust. Justin ...

Alicia M. LaPado is a Senior Litigation Associate of the firm, with a practice that includes business litigation, general civil litigation, and criminal defense. Prior to becoming an associate, Ms. LaPado was employed by the firm as a law clerk where she provided support for complex civil and criminal matters, primarily in federal court. She also researched, drafted, and prepared briefs for submission in both state and federal court, as well as the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Ms. LaPado o...