Introduction

Since 1883, Rodey Law Firm has stood as a pillar of legal excellence in the American Southwest, serving clients across New Mexico with unwavering dedication and expertise. Founded by Bernard Shandon Rodey in the territorial days before New Mexico achieved statehood, the firm has grown from a single practitioner into one of the region’s most respected full-service law firms. Today, Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, P.A. continues to build upon its rich heritage while adapting to meet the evolving legal needs of the 21st century.

Historical Foundation and Legacy

The story of Rodey Law Firm begins in 1883 when Bernard Shandon Rodey established his legal practice in Albuquerque, New Mexico Territory. Rodey was not merely a lawyer but a visionary leader who played a crucial role in New Mexico’s path to statehood. As a territorial delegate to Congress, he championed New Mexico’s cause in Washington, D.C., laying the groundwork for the state’s eventual admission to the Union in 1912.

From that first day to the 21st century, the firm’s journey is filled with stories of leadership, technical excellence, and effective client advocacy. What began as a solo practice has evolved into a firm of more than 70 lawyers and over 70 support professionals, with offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

This historical foundation has instilled in the firm a deep understanding of New Mexico’s unique legal landscape, cultural heritage, and business environment. The firm’s longevity speaks to its ability to adapt and thrive through various economic cycles, legal reforms, and societal changes while maintaining its core values of excellence and client service.

Comprehensive Legal Services

Rodey Law Firm operates as a full-service legal institution, offering comprehensive counsel across multiple practice areas. The firm practices in commercial and tort litigation, labor and employment law, business, patent, trademark, tax, real property, development, environment, natural resources, and entertainment law.

Litigation Excellence

The firm’s litigation practice stands as one of its strongest pillars, with attorneys regularly handling complex commercial disputes, tort cases, and specialized litigation matters. The firm is nationally recognized as the preeminent New Mexico class action defense firm, demonstrating its capability to handle sophisticated, high-stakes litigation on a national scale.

Rodey’s litigators bring deep local knowledge combined with sophisticated legal strategies to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively. Their experience spans state and federal courts, administrative proceedings, and alternative dispute resolution forums.

Business and Corporate Law

The firm’s business law practice serves entities ranging from emerging startups to established corporations, providing counsel on:

• Corporate formation and governance
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Securities compliance
• Commercial transactions
• Business succession planning
• Regulatory compliance

Employment and Labor Law

Rodey’s employment law team assists both employers and employees with workplace-related legal matters, including:

• Employment litigation
• Workplace policy development
• Discrimination and harassment claims
• Wage and hour compliance
• Labor relations
• Executive compensation

Intellectual Property Protection

The firm’s intellectual property practice helps clients protect and monetize their innovations through:

• Patent prosecution and litigation
• Trademark registration and enforcement
• Copyright protection
• Trade secret counseling
• IP licensing agreements
• Technology transfer

Real Estate and Development

With New Mexico’s growing economy and development opportunities, Rodey’s real estate practice provides essential services including:

• Commercial real estate transactions
• Land use and zoning
• Construction law
• Title insurance
• Development financing
• Property disputes

Natural Resources and Environmental Law

Given New Mexico’s rich natural resources, the firm maintains a robust practice in:

• Oil and gas law
• Mining law
• Water rights representation for municipal, natural resources, renewable energy, industrial, agricultural, residential, developmental, and governmental clients
• Environmental compliance
• Renewable energy projects

Professional Recognition and Awards

Rodey Law Firm’s commitment to excellence has earned significant recognition within the legal profession. The firm’s commitment to exceptional legal representation has resulted in significant professional recognition through various awards and accolades that validate the firm’s reputation.

Super Lawyers Recognition

Super Lawyers® has named 14 Rodey attorneys to its lists of 2024 Southwest Super Lawyers, with three attorneys recognized as “Top 25 New Mexico Super Lawyers”: Leslie McCarthy Apodaca, Nelson Franse, and Ed Ricco. Previously, 21 Rodey lawyers were selected as Southwest Super Lawyers, representing only five percent of the total lawyers in New Mexico selected for this honor.

Community Service Awards

Rodey Law Firm recently received the Felipe Quintana Memorial Award of Excellence in special recognition of Charles Hughson, Kip Purcell, and Edward Ricco. This award recognizes the firm’s commitment to pro bono service and community engagement.

Industry Rankings

The firm maintains strong rankings in various legal directories and has received recognition from:

• Chambers and Partners
• Best Lawyers in America
• Martindale-Hubbell
• Benchmark Litigation

Geographic Presence and Market Position

Rodey Law Firm is a full-service law firm with offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. This strategic positioning allows the firm to serve clients throughout the state while maintaining close proximity to key government centers, business districts, and federal courts.

Albuquerque Office

The firm’s main office in Albuquerque serves as the hub for most practice areas and houses the majority of the firm’s attorneys and support staff. Located in New Mexico’s largest city and economic center, this office provides convenient access for corporate clients, litigation matters, and complex business transactions.

Santa Fe Office

The Santa Fe office positions the firm advantageously near the state capital, facilitating government relations work, regulatory matters, and legislative advocacy. This presence is particularly valuable for clients involved in state government contracting, regulatory compliance, and public policy matters.

Client-Centered Approach

Rodey Law Firm delivers excellence in law, trusted by clients for comprehensive legal counsel and dedicated advocacy. The firm’s approach centers on building long-term relationships with clients and providing practical, business-oriented solutions to complex legal challenges.

Diverse Clientele

Rodey serves a broad spectrum of clients, including:

• Fortune 500 companies
• Regional businesses
• Government entities
• Non-profit organizations
• Individual clients
• International corporations with New Mexico operations

Industry Expertise

The firm has developed particular expertise in industries that are vital to New Mexico’s economy:

• Energy and natural resources
• Healthcare
• Technology
• Tourism and hospitality
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Government contracting

Innovation and Technology

While rooted in tradition, Rodey Law Firm embraces modern technology and innovative legal practices to better serve clients. The firm utilizes advanced case management systems, electronic discovery tools, and digital communication platforms to enhance efficiency and client service.

Legal Technology Integration

The firm has invested in:

• Advanced litigation support technology
• Document management systems
• Client portal access
• Electronic billing and reporting
• Video conferencing capabilities
• Cybersecurity measures

Professional Development and Culture

Rodey Law Firm maintains an impressive roster of attorneys with diverse skill sets and industry knowledge, ready to provide top-tier legal representation. The firm is committed to professional development and maintaining a collaborative culture that attracts and retains top legal talent.

Attorney Development

The firm invests in its attorneys through:

• Continuing legal education programs
• Professional conference attendance
• Mentorship programs
• Leadership development opportunities
• Bar association participation

Support Staff Excellence

The experienced paralegals at Rodey Law Firm provide essential legal support and contribute to the firm’s success in serving clients. The firm recognizes that exceptional legal service requires a team approach, incorporating skilled paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative professionals.

Community Engagement

Beyond client service, Rodey Law Firm maintains a strong commitment to community engagement and pro bono service. The firm’s attorneys regularly participate in:

• Pro bono legal services
• Community board service
• Educational outreach programs
• Legal aid organizations
• Bar association leadership

Looking Forward

As Rodey Law Firm continues into its second century of service, the firm remains committed to its founding principles while adapting to meet future challenges. The legal profession continues to evolve with technological advances, changing client expectations, and new areas of law, and Rodey is positioned to meet these challenges with the same dedication and excellence that has defined its practice for over 140 years.

The firm’s strategic focus includes:

• Expanding expertise in emerging legal areas
• Investing in technology and innovation
• Developing new client relationships
• Strengthening existing partnerships
• Maintaining leadership in key practice areas

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Information About Rodey Law Firm

Q: When was Rodey Law Firm founded? A: Rodey Law Firm was founded in 1883 by Bernard Shandon Rodey in Albuquerque, New Mexico Territory, making it one of New Mexico’s oldest continuously operating law firms.

Q: What is the full name of the firm? A: The firm’s full legal name is Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, P.A., though it commonly operates under “Rodey Law Firm.”

Q: Where are Rodey’s offices located? A: Rodey Law Firm has offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico, providing statewide legal services throughout New Mexico.

Q: How large is the firm? A: The firm employs more than 70 lawyers and over 70 support professionals, making it one of New Mexico’s largest law firms.

Q: What type of law firm is Rodey? A: Rodey is a full-service law firm, meaning it offers comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas rather than specializing in just one area of law.

Practice Areas and Legal Services

Q: What practice areas does Rodey Law Firm handle? A: Rodey practices in commercial and tort litigation, labor and employment law, business law, intellectual property (patents and trademarks), tax law, real property, development, environmental law, natural resources, and entertainment law.

Q: Does Rodey handle personal injury cases? A: While Rodey has a strong litigation practice that includes tort litigation, the firm primarily focuses on commercial litigation and business-related legal matters rather than personal injury cases for individuals.

Q: Can Rodey help with business formation and corporate law? A: Yes, Rodey has a comprehensive business law practice that assists with corporate formation, governance, mergers and acquisitions, securities compliance, and other business-related legal matters.

Q: Does the firm handle intellectual property matters? A: Yes, Rodey provides full intellectual property services including patent and trademark prosecution, IP litigation, licensing agreements, and trade secret protection.

Q: What types of employment law services does Rodey offer? A: Rodey’s employment law practice covers workplace litigation, policy development, discrimination and harassment claims, wage and hour compliance, labor relations, and executive compensation matters.

Client Services and Approach

Q: What types of clients does Rodey represent? A: Rodey serves a diverse client base including Fortune 500 companies, regional businesses, government entities, non-profit organizations, and individual clients with complex legal needs.

Q: Does Rodey work with clients outside of New Mexico? A: Yes, while based in New Mexico, Rodey represents clients with interests throughout the Southwest and nationally, particularly in matters involving New Mexico law or business operations.

Q: How does Rodey approach client service? A: The firm emphasizes building long-term client relationships and providing practical, business-oriented solutions to complex legal challenges with a focus on comprehensive legal counsel and dedicated advocacy.

Q: Does Rodey offer free initial consultations? A: Consultation policies may vary depending on the practice area and type of legal matter. It’s best to contact the firm directly to discuss your specific situation and consultation options.

Recognition and Reputation

Q: Has Rodey received any professional recognition? A: Yes, Rodey has received significant professional recognition including multiple attorneys named as Super Lawyers, various industry awards, and recognition in legal directories such as Chambers and Partners and Best Lawyers.

Q: How many Rodey attorneys have been recognized as Super Lawyers? A: In 2024, 14 Rodey attorneys were named to Super Lawyers lists, with three recognized as “Top 25 New Mexico Super Lawyers.” Previously, 21 Rodey lawyers received Super Lawyers recognition.

Q: Is Rodey involved in community service? A: Yes, the firm has a strong commitment to community engagement and pro bono service, recently receiving the Felipe Quintana Memorial Award of Excellence for community service contributions.

Contacting Rodey Law Firm

Q: How can I contact Rodey Law Firm? A: You can contact Rodey Law Firm at 505-765-5900 for their Albuquerque office. They also maintain a website at rodey.com with additional contact information.

Q: What are Rodey’s office addresses? A: The firm has offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Specific addresses can be found on their website or by calling their main number.

Q: How do I know if Rodey is the right firm for my legal matter? A: Given Rodey’s full-service nature and long history in New Mexico, they can handle most types of legal matters. Contact the firm to discuss your specific needs and determine if they have the appropriate expertise for your situation.

Working with Rodey

Q: What should I expect during my first meeting with a Rodey attorney? A: During an initial meeting, you can expect to discuss your legal matter in detail, receive an assessment of your situation, learn about potential legal strategies, and understand the firm’s approach to handling your type of case.

Q: How does Rodey structure its fees? A: Fee structures vary depending on the type of legal matter and practice area. The firm may use hourly billing, contingency fees, flat fees, or other arrangements depending on the situation. Fee arrangements are discussed during initial consultations.

Q: Does Rodey use modern technology in its practice? A: Yes, the firm utilizes advanced case management systems, electronic discovery tools, digital communication platforms, and other modern legal technology to enhance efficiency and client service.

Q: Can Rodey handle urgent or time-sensitive legal matters? A: Yes, with more than 70 attorneys and extensive support staff, Rodey has the resources to handle urgent legal matters and can mobilize teams quickly when time-sensitive issues arise.

Specialized Questions

Q: Does Rodey handle water rights cases? A: Yes, water rights is a significant area of practice for Rodey, representing municipal, natural resources, renewable energy, industrial, agricultural, residential, developmental, and governmental clients in water rights matters.

Q: Can Rodey assist with government contracts and regulatory matters? A: Yes, particularly through their Santa Fe office’s proximity to state government, Rodey assists clients with government contracting, regulatory compliance, and public policy matters.

Q: Does the firm handle environmental and natural resources law? A: Yes, given New Mexico’s rich natural resources, Rodey maintains a robust practice in oil and gas law, mining law, environmental compliance, and renewable energy projects.

Q: Can Rodey help with real estate development projects? A: Yes, Rodey’s real estate practice handles commercial real estate transactions, land use and zoning, construction law, development financing, and related matters.