Labor and Employment Law
Every area of labor and employment law can be handled by the Firm. We have advised clients on issues involving employment discrimination and retaliation claims, constructive discharge, termination of employees and negotiating employment contracts. We have assisted clients in adopting and implementing personnel policies and procedures including implementing harassment policies and drug and alcohol testing policies. We have also advised clients on such issues as reductions in force and how to effectively merge work forces after business acquisitions. We handle H1B Visa issues for employers. We have experience appearing before various state fair employment practices agencies, the New Mexico Human Rights Commission, New Mexico Unemployment Compensation Appeals Bureau, OFCCP, EEOC and Department of Labor.
Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques
If litigation does arise, we provide cost-effective, aggressive and result-oriented representation. We have experience in a variety of civil litigation matters, including prosecuting and defending actions in state and federal court arising out of contract, tort and civil rights laws, including jury trial experience. Specifically, we have extensive experience litigating claims involving Title VII, ADEA, New Mexico Human Rights Act, ADEA, unemployment benefits, ADA, price fixing allegations, wage and hour, enforcement of non-compete agreements, real estate transactions, business organizations, mortgage foreclosures and condemnations, breach of fiduciary duties, theft of corporate opportunity, fraud, misrepresentation, civil RICO actions, theft of trade secrets, copyright infringement and wrongful termination claims. Our experience includes the defense of various class actions. We also have experience litigating before various federal and state administrative agencies. In addition, we recognize the merit of considering alternatives to litigation of claims in court and encourage our clients to arbitrate or mediate their claims where appropriate. Our lawyers have extensive experience in arbitration and mediation.
Business Law and Commercial Transactions
Our lawyers have spent a significant portion of their practices advising business and assisting clients in their commercial transactions. We have experience in preparing, negotiating and terminating all types of contracts, leases and other commercial and financial documents. We have prepared, analyzed and reviewed consulting, independent contractor and employment contracts, patent waiver, non-competition, health care provider, sports, confidentiality and many other types of agreements for a variety of businesses and professions including hospitals, health maintenance organizations, physicians, athletes, members of the local media, scientists and businesses whose employees use proprietary information. We are experienced in negotiating license and royalty agreements, sports sponsorship, celebrity endorsement, registering trademarks and trade names, and drafting maintenance and service contracts. We have negotiated and closed many business acquisitions, mergers and reorganizations. We have formed and advised many professional and business ventures, partnerships, corporations and limited liability companies. Finally, we have experience in challenging and defending purchasing decisions by governmental entities.
Our lawyers are also experienced in consulting with hospitals, physician and other health care providers concerning the business aspects of healthcare, including contractual and regulatory issues. We have represented hospitals and physicians in employment negotiations and agreements, staff privileges and governance issues.