Labor & Employment Department

Overview

Our Employment and Labor practice includes representation of clients in all manner of employment-related disputes and litigation as well as designing, implementing, and maintaining employee benefit plans. 

Examples of our work include:

• Providing day-to-day advice to clients on state and federal laws, addressing complex issues arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the New Mexico Human Rights Act, ERISA, the Whistleblower Protection Act and similar laws.
• Representing clients in EEOC investigations and conducting workplace investigations in order to ensure compliance with ever-changing requirements and to avoid litigation.
• Successfully representing clients in matters in all forums, including state and federal court, the Office of Navajo Labor Relations and the Navajo Nation Supreme Court.
• Designing and maintaining employee benefit plans that allow employers to offer tax-advantageous fringe-benefit options that attract and retain skilled managers and employees.
• Providing training to clients and their employees regarding compliance.
• Ensuring compliance with statutory personnel laws for clients with public employees.
• Assisting clients with handling of grievances brought pursuant to various Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Members

Anderson, Jennifer G. (Head of Department)

Muirhead, Megan T. (Head of Department)

Burke, Sonya R.

Garcia, Tomas J.

Harrison, Jeremy K.

Holmen, Luke W.

Indahl, Anna E.

Kern Lardy, Mia

Kittleson, Jennifer A.

Martinez, Elizabeth A.

McCormick, Zachary L.

Melendres, Arthur D.

Muirhead, Megan

Nichols, Brian K.

Nieman, Nathan T.

Noya, Jennifer A.

Pierce, Kevin D.

Roach Martin, Tiffany L.

Roberts IV, Bayard

Unklesbay, Laura M.

Walker, Alex C.

Winston, Moses B.

Clients

Albuquerque Public Schools

BHP Navajo Coal Company

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF)

City of Farmington, New Mexico

Farm Credit of New Mexico

Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold

San Juan Coal Company

The Albuquerque Academy

The Cafeteria Plan Company (employee benefits)

Industries

Business in Indian Country

Commercial & Professional Services

Construction and Design

Educational Services and Institutions

Energy

Health Care/ Senior Care Facilities

Insurance

Manufacturing

Pharmaceuticals

Railroads

Transportation

Utilities