Stephen S. Shanor

Jack N. Hardwick is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Individuals. Jack N., who practices law in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jack N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Richard W. Hughes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Gaming Law, Native American Law and Natural Resources Law. Richard W., who practices law in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Cliff Atkinson has practiced for more than 44 years in the areas of complex commercial and tort litigation in a broad spectrum of difficult cases. He, with his good friend and now retired colleague John Thal, founded the Firm in 1992 on the principle that a small, directed, hard hitting litigation firm can deliver the highest quality of personalized services to its clients. In his many years of practice, Cliff has litigated and tried cases to verdict, judgment, or other successful resolution ...

Tyler M. Cuff is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Tyler M., who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tyler M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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...

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

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...

Walter brings more than thirty-five years of experience providing representation, advice and counsel to businesses and individuals in their dealings with Indian tribes and public land management agencies, like the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service and New Mexico State Land Office. Walter’s practice is focused on natural resources, energy and environmental law. Clients throughout the west and across the country seek Walter’s advice in matters involving transac...