Benjamin E Thomas

Practice Areas

Appeals

Bankruptcy and Creditors' Rights

Cannabis

Commercial Litigation

Employment and Labor

Healthcare

Real Estate

Career

BENJAMIN E. THOMAS practices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, primarily in commercial litigation, employment law, creditor rights and civil rights litigation, representing businesses and individuals in a broad range of litigation and disputes.

For several years, Ben was the legal instructor for a prominent banking school, educating bankers on the basics of banking and foreclosure law. He also teaches seminars to lawyers and creditors on the entire foreclosure process. Ben has specific experience in guiding banks through the purchase of other financial institutions and transfer of loans.

Ben represents businesses in dram-shop-related personal injury litigation and routinely assists companies in a wide range of lawsuits and business disputes.

Professional Memberships

Albuquerque Business First Leadership Trust, Founding Member, 2019-present

Leadership New Mexico, 2018

Legal Instructor, Western States School of Banking, 2014-2018

Leadership Albuquerque, 2008

Boston University International Law Journal

Albuquerque Bar Association

Publications

“It’s Tuesday, So the Rules Must Have Changed,” June 14, 2022. Independent Community Bankers Association of New Mexico Human Resources and Management Virtual Conference.

“Recreational Cannabis and Employment Law,” September 17, 2021. State Bar Center, Albuquerque, NM. CLE sponsored by the Employment Law Section of the New Mexico State Bar.

“Keeping It Together by Keeping Us Together,” part of the post-COVID Community Conversation webinar “Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being,” hosted by the American Heart Association – New Mexico, August 18, 2021. Co-panelist with Nathan Cogburn, Western Sky Community Care and Jolou Trujillo-Ottino, Delta Dental of New Mexico.

“Getting Back to Business After COVID: Health, Well-Being, and Legal Considerations,” May 20, 2021. Informational webinar on the issues surrounding re-opening businesses post-pandemic. Co-hosted with Dr. Mark Epstein, True Health New Mexico CEO, and Dr. F. Kiko Torres, True Health New Mexico Chief Medical Officer.

“Employment Law, Including FMLA, and How it Relates to COVID,” March 24, 2021. Independent Community Bankers Association of New Mexico Virtual Conference.

“Preparing to Re-Open in a Pandemic: When and How to Bring Back Employees,” May 19, 2020. Independent Community Bankers Association of New Mexico Virtual Conference.

“Employment Law and Legal Ethics Regarding New Mexico Cannabis Law,” November 13, 2019, State Bar Center, Albuquerque, NM. Sponsored by the Cannabis Law Section of the New Mexico State Bar. With Tina Gooch, Sutin, Thayer & Browne, and Steven Jones, Carrillo Law Firm, co-panelists.

Presents anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training seminars for employers and prepares policies and employment contracts for businesses.

Presents banking and finance law courses for professionals in the banking and finance industry sector.

Expert in these Jurisdictions

New Mexico, 2003

United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, 2004

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2006

United States Supreme Court, 2007

Industry Sector Expertise

As chair of the firm's employment practice, Ben advises businesses with respect to employment relations and represents companies before the Human Rights Commission, the EEOC and in employment discrimination, sexual harassment and civil rights lawsuits. He regularly updates his clients on recent case law and regulatory developments as they pertain to employers. Ben conducts workplace investigations, prepares policies and employment contracts, and provides anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training seminars for his employer clients.

Ben represents financial institutions and other creditors in foreclosure actions, loan workouts and bankruptcy. With a particular emphasis in commercial loans, Ben assists clients through the entire process of loan default to recover collateral through foreclosure, as well as the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process.

Personal

Community Involvement includes:

Parker Center for Family Business, Board Member, 2021-present

Eastdale Little League, Board of Directors, 2021-present

National Dance Institute (NDI), Corporate Council, 2020-present

Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque, Board Member, 2012-2023

The Storehouse, Board Member, 2007-2020

Education

Awards