Rodey News

Rodey Law Firm Celebrates 125 Years

April, 2008

Founded in 1883, the Rodey Law Firm celebrates its 125th year of providing outstanding legal service to our clients.

The Rodey Law Firm was founded by Bernard Shandon Rodey. Mr Rodey was admitted to practice before the District Court of Socorro County in the Territory of New Mexico on December 11, 1883. It was at this time that Bernard Rodey opened his law practice, when New Mexico was not yet a state. During his career, Mr. Rodey authored the Bill establishing the University of New Mexico. He is known to this day as the “father of the University of New Mexico”.

Charles Vigil, Rodey’s Managing Director, stated: “We are proud to have served clients in New Mexico and across the country, from the opening of Bernard Rodey’s law practice in 1883, to the present. We look forward to serving our clients for another 125 years.”

Rodey Lawyer Elected to American Law Institute

April, 2008

Andrew G. Schultz has been elected as a member of the American Law Institute. Andy is a partner in the Rodey Law Firm, where he practices in the Litigation Department and chairs the firm’s Complex and High Risk Litigation practice group. He has extensive experience in class action and civil rights litigation along with other complex procedural and appellate work.

Founded in 1923, the American Law Institute has an exclusive membership consisting of judges, practicing lawyers, and legal scholars from all areas of the United States as well as some foreign countries. Members are selected on the basis of professional achievement and demonstrated interest in the improvement of the law. As a national organization, the institute aims to assure that its membership reflects both the quality and the diverse character of a rapidly changing profession.

Rodey Lawyer Selected for New Mexico’s 40 Under 40

March, 2008

Justin Horwitz was selected by the New Mexico Business Weekly as one of New Mexico’s “40 Under 40”. New Mexico’s 40 Under 40 is the next generation of leaders who will shape the state’s future – promising young people under the age of 40 who are already making their mark in New Mexico. Mr. Horwitz is a Director practicing in the Business Department primarily in the area of public finance. He has experience in a variety of financing structures, including industrial revenue bonds, municipal bonds, and public improvement district bonds. Mr. Horwitz also advises clients in matters related to state and federal securities law and corporate governance. He received his law degree from University of Arizona College of Law in 2001.

Rodey Lawyers Listed in Super Lawyers-Corporate Counsel Edition

March, 2008

Three Rodey lawyers, Andrew G. Schultz, Robert M. St. John and Mark A. Smith, are included in Super Lawyers-Corporate Counsel Edition-2008, for their expertise in Business Litigation.

Andrew Schultz is the practice group leader for the firm’s Complex/High Risk Litigation Practice Group. He has a special interest in class action and civil rights litigation, along with other complex procedural and appellate work.

Robert St. John practices in a broad range of commercial and commercial litigation areas. He has significant experience in commercial, trust and estate and employment litigation.

Mark Smith handles various types of commercial litigation, including natural resources and disputes and transactions involving Indian tribes. He focuses particularly on issues involving cultural resources, religious freedom, land claims and economic development.

Inclusion in Super Lawyers is based on a multi-step selection process, which includes, among other things, research on background and experience, as well as stringent peer review.

Rodey Lawyer Elected to State Bar Group

March, 2008

Gina Constant, an associate at the Rodey Law Firm specializing in intellectual property law, has been elected as the Chair-elect for the New Mexico State Bar’s Intellectual Property Section. Mrs. Constant focuses primarily on patent, copyright and trademark law. She is a registered patent attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The State Bar is a professional membership organization of attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of New Mexico.

Rodey Lawyer Appointed to Advisory Board

January, 2008

John (Jack) P. Burton has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the national Institute for Energy Law. Mr. Burton is a Director in the Santa Fe office and a member of the firm’s Business Department. He handles complex, commercial disputes including class actions and nationwide discovery, arbitration and mediation as well as complex transactions involving business and property matters, mergers, acquisitions and financing.

The Institute for Energy Law, a national organization through its educational programs, scholarly publications and membership activities, serves many thousands of energy lawyers and other professionals as an important educational forum in the energy industry.

Rodey Lawyer Elected Treasurer of the Board of Directors
for the First Judicial Bar Association

January, 2008

Kurt B. Gilbert has been elected as Treasurer for the Board of Directors of the First Judicial Bar Association. Mr. Gilbert is a Director and shareholder in the Rodey Law Firm practicing in the firm’s Litigation Department. His practice focuses on representing healthcare providers, product manufacturers, insurance companies and utility companies in personal injury and complex commercial litigation.

Rodey Law Firm Elects Director

January, 2008

Justin Horwitz was elected to the Rodey Law Firm’s Board of Directors on January 23, 2008. Mr. Horwitz practices in the Business Department primarily in the area of public finance. He has experience in a variety of financing structures, including industrial revenue bonds, municipal bonds, and public improvement district bonds. Mr. Horwitz also advises clients in matters related to state and federal securities law and corporate governance. He received his law degree from University of Arizona College of Law in 2001.

Rodey Lawyer Elected to Albuquerque Bar Association Board

January, 2008

Theresa W. Parrish has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Bar Association. Ms. Parrish is a Director and shareholder in the Rodey Law Firm and also serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. She practices in the Litigation Department with an emphasis on employment law and litigation, general complex litigation, commercial litigation and professional liability.

The mission of the Albuquerque Bar Association is to promote and enhance the professionalism within the Albuquerque legal community; welcome all lawyers and provide a forum for all members of the Albuquerque legal community; educate the public about legal issues that impact the community; and be a vigorous advocate for justice.

Rodey Law Firm to Present Free Course for Business Owners

January, 2008

As part of its 125th anniversary celebration, the Rodey Law Firm is proud to present a course for business owners during 2008. The course “Court’s in Session: Legal Know-How for Business Owners” will be held in the Board Room at Rodey’s offices, 201 Third Street, NW, Suite 2200 in Albuquerque, at 7:30 a.m. The class descriptions, dates and presenters are listed below. The course is free of charge and each class includes a Continental breakfast. Seating is limited. Please contact Robin Zimberoff at rzimberoff@rodey.com or 505-768-7209 at least one week prior to each class, to reserve your place.

Rodey Attorney Admitted to American College of Trial Lawyers

October, 2007

W. Mark Mowery has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in America. The induction ceremony at which Mr. Mowery became a Fellow took place before an audience of approximately 730 during the recent 2007 Annual Meeting of the College in Denver, Colorado.

Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship.

Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. There are currently approximately 5,661 members in the United States and Canada, including active Fellows, Emeritus Fellows, Judicial Fellows (those who ascended to the bench after their induction) and Honorary Fellows.

The College strives to improve and elevate the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice and the ethics of the trial profession. Qualified lawyers are called to Fellowship in the College from all branches of trial practice. They are carefully selected from among those who customarily represent plaintiffs in civil cases and those who customarily represent defendants, those who prosecute individuals accused of crime and those who defend them. The College is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.

Mr. Mowery is a Director and Shareholder with the Rodey Law Firm, and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He practices in the firm’s Litigation Department with a special emphasis in personal injury, property damage, product liability, medical malpractice claims and general insurance defense. Mr. Mowery also has an active mediation practice.

Rodey Attorney Receives UNM Law School Distinguished Achievement Award

October, 2007

Andrew G. Schultz is one of this year’s recipients of the Distinguished Achievement Award from the University of New Mexico School of Law. He and the other award winners will be honored at the Law School’s 14th Annual Distinguished Achievement Awards Banquet on October 19, 2007. The award is given to an attorney who has contributed long and valuable service to the law school over a significant period of time.

Andy is a partner in the Rodey Law Firm, where he practices in the Litigation Department and chairs the firm’s Complex and High Risk Litigation practice group. He has extensive experience in class action and civil rights litigation along with other complex procedural and appellate work.

Andy Schultz began his legal career at the top and has continued to distinguish himself through a varied practice as a lawyer and teacher. After graduating first in the Class of 1984 at the University of New Mexico School of Law, he clerked for U.S. Appeals Court Judge Alvin Rubin, and then went on to clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Byron White. Andy remains the only UNM law graduate to clerk for a U.S. Supreme Court justice.

Since his return to New Mexico in 1986, Andy continually has shared his ever-changing expertise with the UNM School of Law, both as a visiting and adjunct professor. Over the years, he has taught many seminars and other courses, and serves as a frequent lecturer at the law school. He has been a member of the UNM School of Law Alumni Board of Directors since 1986, and served two terms as President of the Board.

If he weren't practicing law, Andy, a movie fanatic, would be a film critic. He has combined his love for movies with his legal career by frequently lecturing about law and film both at the law school and around the country.

Margaret Romero receives Don G. McCormick Prize in legal Research and Writing Award

October, 2007

Attorney Margaret Y. Romero just received word from The University of New Mexico School of Law, that her paper, Killing With Kindness (which discusses changes to the Bankruptcy Code), has been selected for the Don G. McCormick Prize in Legal Research and Writing. Margaret's paper was also awarded thesis honors. Congratulations, Margaret!

Rodey Ranked #1 in New Mexico by The Best Lawyers in
America-2008

September, 2007

Thirty-two attorneys with the Rodey Law Firm are listed in The Best Lawyers in America-2008. Rodey has the distinction of having more attorneys listed than any other law firm in New Mexico.

In addition, Best Lawyers ranks Rodey #1 in New Mexico in the following areas: Commercial Litigation, with ten Rodey attorneys listed; Corporate Law, with four Rodey attorneys listed; Medical Malpractice Law, with four Rodey attorneys listed; Personal Injury Litigation with eight Rodey attorneys listed; and in Real Estate Law with four Rodey attorneys listed. Most Rodey attorneys are listed for their expertise in more than one area of law, and some are listed for their expertise in multiple areas of law.

A very special designation goes to those lawyers who have been listed for the past twenty years. Those lawyers are:

The following Rodey lawyers have now been listed for at least ten years:

In addition, other Rodey attorneys listed in the Best Lawyers in America-2008, are:

Downtown Action Team Honors Rodey as The Best Place to Work Downtown

June 2007

The Rodey Law Firm has been selected as the Best Place to Work Downtown by the Downtown Action Team. With 80 attorneys and a staff of over 100, Rodey has been a part of the Albuquerque community since its founding in 1883, serving clients ranging from individuals to multi-national corporations on a variety of business and litigation matters. Rodey’s offices have resided in downtown Albuquerque before the area was known as “downtown”. Everyone at Rodey is excited about this award. DAT continues to do great things for downtown and our community and all of us at Rodey appreciate this honor.

Rodey Lawyers Listed in Southwest Super Lawyers

June 2007

Three Rodey lawyers, Catherine T. Goldberg, Bruce D. Hall and Edward R. Ricco, were selected by Southwest Super Lawyers 2007 as three of the Top 25 Lawyers in New Mexico. In addition, sixteen lawyers from the Rodey Law Firm are listed in Southwest Super Lawyers 2007 for their expertise and experience in particular areas of law. Bruce D. Hall – Alternative Dispute Resolution; Edward R. Ricco – Appellate Law; Andrew G. Schultz, Mark A. Smith, and Robert M. St. John – Business Litigation; Scott D. Gordon, Jeffrey L. Lowry, Theresa W. Parrish and Charles J. Vigil – Employment and Labor Law; Mark K. Adams - Energy and Natural Resources; W. Robert Lasater, Jr., - Personal Injury Defense: Medical Malpractice; R. Nelson Franse - Professional Liability: Defense; John P. Burton, Catherine T. Goldberg and John P. Salazar – Real Estate; and Donald B. Monnheimer - Securities and Corporate Finance.

Inclusion in Southwest Super Lawyers is based on a very strict, multi-step selection process, which includes, among other things, research on background and experience, as well as stringent peer review.

Rodey Lawyers Listed in Chambers USA–
America’s Leading Lawyers for Business

June, 2007

The Rodey Law Firm, along with several of its individual attorneys, has been listed in Chambers USA–America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2007. Of the five areas of law for which Chambers provides rankings, Rodey is ranked #1 in three of those areas and #2 in the other two areas. Rodey is ranked #1 in the areas of Corporate/Commercial; Litigation: General Commercial; and Real Estate and ranked #2 in the areas of Employment: Mainly Defendant; and Environment, Natural Resources & Regulated Industries.

The following Rodey attorneys were named in Chambers for their expertise and experience in these areas of law:

Chambers bases its rankings on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client.

Rodey Attorney Selected to Chair Committees for the Association of Commerce and Industry

June, 2007

Richard C. Minzner has been selected to Chair both the Ethics Reform Committee and the Government Affairs Committee for the Association of Commerce and Industry for the term July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. Mr. Minzner is also a member of ACI’s Taxation Committee and ACI’s Energy and Mining Committee, as well as serving on ACI’s Executive Committee.

Richard Minzner is a Director with the Rodey Law Firm. He practices in Rodey’s Litigation and Business Departments with an emphasis on lobbying and representation of clients before state and local governmental bodies and state taxation matters.

Charles Vigil Selected for NM Bar Distinguished Bar Service Award

June, 2007

Charles J. Vigil, President and Managing Director, has been selected to receive the New Mexico State Bar's Distinguished Bar Service Award. This particular award is given to attorneys who have contributed "long and valuable service to the State Bar over a significant period of time. It is intended to recognize long-term commitment to State Bar services and significant contributions to the legal profession."