BIA Regulations on Appraisal/Valuation of Indian Property
On June 10, 2016, Congress passed the Indian Trust Asset Reform Act (ITARA), and on June 22, 2016, President Barack Obama signed it into law.1 According to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, the purpose of the Act “is to reaffirm the…
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Monumental Final Decree in Santa Fe County Water Rights Suit
After 51 years of litigation, a final decree in the Aamodt case, adjudicating all water rights in the Nambe-Tesuque-Pojoaque Basin north of Santa Fe, was entered by U.S….
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Modrall Sperling Attorneys, Firm Nationally Ranked in Native American Law
Four Modrall Sperling attorneys, Lynn Slade, Walter Stern, Brian Nichols, and Deana Bennett have been nationally ranked in Native American Law by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Modrall Sperling was once again nationally ranked as a firm in Native American Law. A total…
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Trumping the National Monument Designations of Past Presidents
When a President of the United States sets aside important federal lands for conservation, the accompanying fanfare typically invokes the notion of forever. But, in light of President Trump’s Executive Order 13792, maybe these national treasures should be asking our government the…
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“Black Snakes” or Infrastructure? The Dakota Access Pipeline Litigation and the Federal Government’s Tribal Consultation Obligations
8:50 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. Santa Fe, New Mexico Modrall Sperling Shareholder and President Walter Stern, along with University of New Mexico’s School of Law Professor Jeannette Wolfley, will discuss the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline project and permitting activities of the U….
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Mineral Reservation Clause Allowing Mining Did Not Constrain Surface Owner’s Public Opposition
A New Mexico state court judge has rejected a mineral estate owner’s attempt to constrain a surface owner from publicly opposing its mining project on the basis of a strongly worded mineral reservation that expressly reserved mining rights and attendant surface rights. …
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Environmental Enforcement on Indian Lands
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Inn of the Mountain Gods, Ruidoso, New Mexico Shareholder Deana Bennett will present on the topic of environmental enforcement on Indian lands as part of the 2017 New Mexico State Bar Annual Meeting—Bench and Bar Conference. Her…
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Damon Martinez Joins Modrall Sperling
Former U. S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez has joined Modrall Sperling as Of Counsel. Martinez received his dual B. A. degrees in economics and political science, his M….
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Spencer Edelman Named Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year
Spencer L. Edelman, a Shareholder at Modrall Sperling, has been named the Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year by the State Bar of New Mexico. The honor is…
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What Can We Legally Ask Foreign Workers During the Pre-Employment Process?
Employers, both in New Mexico and throughout the United States, often have questions regarding what they can ask an applicant in connection with citizenship status and whether they can make hiring decisions based on the applicant’s status. Fortunately, the U.S. Equal Employment…
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