Ryan Walters

Daniel E. Pick is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Daniel E. practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico Best Lawyers has recognized Daniel E. Pick since 2001. 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 Daniel E. Pick is held by other lawyers.

Susan Miller’s primary areas of interest are in water resources and environmental law, as well as insurance, tort and personal injury litigation. Susan currently serves as Chair of the Natural Resources, Energy and Environment Department and is the past Chair of Modrall Sperling’s Water Law Practice Group. She brings over 20 years of experience providing representation, advice and counsel to businesses, industries, ranchers, farmers and individuals throughout New Mexico with respe...

Emma L. Whitley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Emma L. practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico Best Lawyers has recognized Emma L. Whitley 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 Emma L. Whitley is held by other lawyers.

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...

I am a husband, father, and trial attorney—though not necessarily in that order. I began my legal career representing large international corporations in New Mexico. For more than three years, I worked alongside some of the most skilled and aggressive defense attorneys in both the state and the nation. The experience was invaluable, but I quickly realized that my passion did not lie in defending powerful corporations. I identified more with David than Goliath and felt drawn toward helpi...

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...

Meredith A. Johnstone is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law. Meredith A. practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico Best Lawyers has recognized Meredith A. Johnstone 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 Meredith A. Johnstone is held by other lawyers.

Art Melendres concentrates his practice primarily in administrative, education, commercial and municipal finance law. For more than thirty-five years, clients have sought Art’s expertise when faced with disputes involving education, administrative law, commercial law or public financing. For more than twenty-five years, Art has served as general counsel for the Albuquerque Public Schools, a school district of more than 90,000 students and 11,000 employees. He regularly advises the Schoo...

Todd A. Schwarz is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Todd A. practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico Best Lawyers has recognized Todd A. Schwarz since 2019. 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 Todd A. Schwarz is held by other lawyers.

Sonya Burke is a shareholder in the firm’s Litigation group, where she practices primarily in insurance coverage defense. She represents insurance companies and their insureds in a variety of contexts. Sonya represents professionals in professional liability matters, and has represented realtors, attorneys, and contractors. She also assists with construction and design cases, employment matters including EEOC investigations, and breach of contract litigation. Sonya has been recognized a...