Joel Newton

David focuses on government finance law, economic development and state tax incentive law, financial institutions law, government relations, securities law and corporate matters. Additionally, he represents issuers and underwriters in connection with the issuance of government securities. David has served as lead bond counsel to the New Mexico State Board of Finance, the New Mexico Finance Authority and the University of New Mexico and continues to serve in that capacity for the City of Albuq...

Donald F. Kochersberger is a Member of the firm and has been with BLSW since 2005. His practice emphasizes complex litigation matters, including shareholder, member and partner disputes, contracts, business tort, unfair practices, restrictive covenant and non-compete agreements, employee theft and misconduct cases, and customer and vendor disputes. Mr. Kochersberger has served as counsel for a number of local, regional and national companies, as well as individuals engaged in business dispute...

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...

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

Karen Kahn concentrates her practice in ERISA and employee benefits law. For more than thirty years she has advised clients and drafted documents for defined contribution plans including 401(k) and 403(b) plans, ESOPs, traditional defined benefit pension plans, cash balance plans, Section 125-cafeteria plans, HSAs and HRAs, welfare plans including health insurance plans, wrapper plans, severance plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Karen provides legal counsel to more than 25...

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.

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 develo...

Donna M. Connolly is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Native American Law. Donna M., who practices law in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Donna M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Doug Vadnais has more than 30 years of transaction and litigation experience in diverse business matters, real estate, and the protection and exercise of creditors’ rights. He has represented the entire spectrum of clients from individuals to Fortune 500 companies, and brings to each a pragmatic, practical approach to problem solving, with the aim of effecting an efficient and advantageous resolution for the client. Clients include both buyers and sellers of commercial and residential r...

Tomas Garcia is a shareholder in Modrall Sperling’s Litigation group, and serves on the Executive Committee. He is also chair of the firm’s Recruiting Committee. His practice includes a variety of commercial, healthcare, torts/personal injury, and transportation litigation. He has experience representing business professionals in corporate disputes, health care facilities and medical professionals in negligence and regulatory matters, manufacturers and distributors in product defe...