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Michael Schwarz

Santa Fe, NM recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2009
Michael Schwarz Attorney at Law

1 Best Lawyers award

Awarded Practice Areas

Civil Rights Law Employment Law - Individuals

Biography

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 Section of the New Mexico State Bar and former president of the First Judicial District Bar Association. He served as chair for New Mexico Supreme Court’s Standing Committee on the Rules of Professional Responsibility from 1999 through 2007 and has served on disciplinary hearing panels for over the years. Schwarz served on the Rules of Professional Conduct Committee from 1990 through 2007 (chair 1999-2007).

In 2008, Schwarz received the Professionalism Award from the New Mexico State Bar, which is the State Bar's highest award. Schwarz received three certificates of appreciation from the New Mexico Supreme Court for maintaining high ethical standards of the Bar. He further served on the Local Federal Civil Rules Committee (1997-1999).

In 2016, Best Lawyers in America listed Michael Schwarz as Lawyer of the Year in the area of Employment Law for Individuals in Santa Fe.

He is a member of the American Law Institute. He served on the consultative group for the Restatement (Third) on Employment and Labor Law from its inception until its completion in 2014. He is currently serving as a consultative member on the Principles of Law on Government Ethics and the Restatement on Constitutional Torts

Schwarz received his legal training at the University of New Mexico, Oxford University (England), and Cambridge University (England). While at Cambridge, Schwarz was a supervisor in law where he provided one on one tutoring to law students in the area of legal thinking and reasoning, tort law, and constitutional law.

Michael Schwarz Attorney at Law

1 Best Lawyers award

Overview

  • New Mexico, 1980

  • National Employment Law Association - Member
  • American Law Institute - Member
  • New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association - Member

  • New Mexico - Supreme Court
  • New Mexico, 1980
  • National Employment Law Association - Member
  • American Law Institute - Member
  • New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association - Member
  • New Mexico - Supreme Court

Client Testimonials

Mr. Schwarz recently represented me in a labor dispute. He understood my claim and handled the matter competently and efficiently. He was prompt and always answered my emails or calls. The outcome of the dispute was favorable to me. I highly recommend Mr. Schwarz for employment or contractual issues.

Edward Alderete (Self Employed)

Santa Fe, NM

Best Lawyers" in America certainly describes Michael Schwarz. I speak from over 30 years of legal practice in multiple civilian and military jurisdictions. Not only is he professional. learned and competent, but also compassionate and - if the situation demands - a real bulldog. How do I know all of this? He was my attorney in complex litigation where we were compelled to take on a huge government entity. I often felt we were in a David and Goliath fight to the death - and we were - but, just as in the original, David prevailed. I could not have been more satisfied with his representation. The result he achieved was EXACTLY what I ask for at the beginning of our grueling two year battle. An attorney who is always available, always returns phone calls and always keeps his clients in the loop. Five out of Five Stars!

Damian Horne (De Oppresso Liber Law PC)

Santa Fe, NM

As a client of Mr. Schwarz, I truly cannot express the vast amount of knowledge and understanding Mr. Schwarz has had regarding many areas of the law. In my book, he is a "Masterful Lawyer" and a role-model for other lawyers. Mr. Schwarz is a phenomenal communicator and is very quick to the punch on responding to any question, issue, or concern I may have. I can vouch that many folks throughout various communities have the upmost respect for the professionalism and expertise Mr. Schwarz has and displays. Beyond belief, Mr. Schwarz is and should be acknowledged for being a one of a kind "Top Lawyer" for the experience, effectiveness, and leadership he provides for his clients.

Billy Merrifield

Espanola, NM

Michael Schwartz is aTRUE CHAMPION, indeed a gift, a blessing to "best practice" law. It is evident he takes pride in raising the bar for those in the workplace whom have disconnected from "doing what is right & just." I was humbled and honored to have had him on my team. He advocated & accomplished for me in one week what I had been stressing about for months. He is articulate, to the point and has a reputation in his field of work that everyone who meets him, will admire. I hope others will recognize the qualities he brings to the table as a lawyer, but most importantly as a human being. His human side reminds me of the quote, "We make a living by what we earn, we make a life by what we give." His advocacy gave me hope, to believe that people can rise above and do what is right. Michael Schwartz's reputation, track record, courage & integrity, give us, his clients, a voice when our own is muted. Thank you, for giving me the gift of hope again! I promise to try my best to do for others what you have modeled for me.

Mary Louise Romero-Betancourt (Communities in Schools)

Santa Fe, NM

Mr. Michael Schwarz has represented members of my family or me on several occasions. Myself, being in Law Enforcement, military and public service for over 35 years, I have come to witness the work ethic and commitment to clients Mr. Schwarz has exhibited. There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Michael Schwarz is one of the finest lawyers in this great nation of ours. I have and will continue to recommend anyone who is need of legal counsel to Michael Schwarz. He has no fear of taking on the most difficult cases and has the knowledge and expertise to handle any case. Michael genuinely cares about his clients and the outcome of their cases.

James Lujan (Lujan Towing)

Espanola, NM

Michael Schwarz did not only represent me as my attorney, but he and I gained a solid trust in each other. He is extremely smart and knows employment law much better than anyone we dealt with during my case. He could site cases and precedents, which had been presented to the Supreme Court of the United States, from memory. He blew the lawyers away with his knowledge of the law. He worked countless hours on my case and never released anything without me first approving it and checking it for accuracy. He is very detail orientated and understands the legal system better than any of the attorneys we faced. We settled my case, and I got my good name back plus a substantial settlement; however, had we gone to court, there was no doubt in my mind we would have won because of Michael and his firm. I consider him not only my lawyer but my friend, working closely with him for almost four years. Would I recommend him? Yes. Without reservation. He is a true professional.

Johnny Martinez (United States Forest Service and United State Air Force Retired)

Albuquerque, NM

Mr. Schwarz and I met over a workplace problem I was facing. From the moment we began talking he was straightforward about what he could and could not do for me in regard to my situation. He reviewed the materials I sent him and he provided me excellent counsel about how to approach my problem. His advice was invaluable to bettering my workplace and the situation I was involved in. He spent time reviewing my concern prior to our meeting, provided me with reference materials to use, and met with me for only an hour's fee. Mr. Schwarz provided excellent guidance and support. I would recommend anyone seeking advice or clarity on an employment issue or workplace situation meet with him to discuss their concerns. I owe him many thanks for his help.

Nicole Thomas

Santa Fe, NM

Recently I was represented in a legal action by Michael Schwarz. From our very first meeting to the last I was impressed by Michael’s knowledge, honesty, professionalism and integrity. Always doing exactly what he said and explaining each step, he was a pleasure to work with.

Kelly Day

Santa Fe, NM

Having been a client of Michael Schwarz, I found his professional knowledge, ethics, and sensitivity to client to be remarkable. He consistently kept me involved and informed in every aspect of the legal process, patiently answering questions and providing laymen explanations to sometimes complicated legal jargon and law as it applied to my case. His initiation of and his response to generated and received correspondence was always timely. He was available at all times to my every question, request, and concern. I never felt hurried regardless of the length of time needed to address my issues, even though it was clear that his client load was substantial. Mr. Schwarz would be my first choice to represent me in any legal need. If he could not represent me, he would be the first I would seek for advice in selecting an alternative attorney. Mr. Schwarz is that rare attorney who brings extraordinary competence with client understanding. He sets the highest example of legal representation and should serve as the model attorney for the legal community.

Wayne Darnell

Santa Fe, NM

Michael Schwarz is an outstanding attorney. In our experience, his level of professionalism has assisted us through our many business needs. Michael has been patient and kind with both my staff and me, but most importantly, he has educated us with his wisdom. Michael has been and will continue to be a major asset to our business legal needs. Thank you, Michael Schwarz!

Randy Montoya (Sante Fe Spa)

Santa Fe, NM

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2016 - Employment Law - Individuals
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Employment Law - Individuals, Santa Fe (2016)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Civil Rights Law
  • Employment Law - Individuals
Special Focus:
  • COVID-19
  • Employment
  • Individuals
Awards:
  • Holds an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell
  • New Mexico State Bar Professionalism (2008)
  • Listed in Super Lawyers of the Southwest 2007-2014, 2018

Additional Information

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Case History

Cases
  • MIMICS vs Village of Angel Fire
Illegal search by building inspector violating the Fourth Amendment; Violation of First Amendment right to political association.
  • Nava vs. City of Santa Fe
Retaliation against police officer based on sex under the New Mexico Human Rights Act

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