In The News
The latest happenings at Butt Thornton & Baehr PC
Best Lawyers 2025 – BTB Attorneys
Butt Thornton & Baehr PC Welcomes 2024 Summer Law Clerks
Best Lawyers 2024 – 30th Edition
CONGRATULATIONS to the seven Butt Thornton & Baehr PC attorneys who received Best Lawyers (2024) recognition. This year’s 30th edition recognizes Neil Blake with a “Lawyer of the Year” ranking in Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The additional six Butt Thornton & Baehr PC attorneys have earned spots on the Best Lawyers in America® list across a range of practice areas. Agnes Fuentevilla Padilla for her work in Employment Law – Management, Monica Garcia for her exceptional work in Product Liability Litigation – Defendants. Jane Laflin for her work in Personal Injury ligation – Defendants, Michael Clemens for his work in Insurance Law; Litigation-Insurance, Jim Johansen for his work in Insurance Law; Professional Malpractice Law- Defendants and Al Green for his work in both Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions- Defendants; Product Liability Litigation- Defendants. #bestlawyers, #onestowatch, and #bestlawfirms
Congratulations to Sarah Shore on being Elected a Shareholder at Butt Thornton & Baehr PC
Butt Thornton & Baehr is excited to announce that Sarah L. Shore has been elected as our new Shareholder. Congratulations Sarah!
Ryan Sanders Presents at New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence’s Nursing Educators Conference
Butt Thornton & Baehr PC’s Ryan Sanders was a panelist at the Nursing Educators Conference put on by the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence. The Panel topic was “Nursing in Today’s Legal Environment.” The panel discussed the intersection between New Mexico law and nursing, relating to workload, patient care, staffing agencies, and the criminalization of professional negligence. Read about the panel here.
Agnes Fuentevilla Padilla and BTB’s Labor & Employment Practice Ranked by Chambers and Partners
Butt Thornton & Baehr PC congratulates Agnes Fuentevilla Padilla and the Firm’s Labor & Employment Department on their Chambers and Partners rankings. Only five New Mexico civil defense firms and seven New Mexico civil defense lawyers have received a ranking from Chambers and Partners in 2023.
https://chambers.com/law-firm/butt-thornton-baehr-pc-usa-5:65683
2023 Summer Law Clerks
Complete Defense Verdict – May 2023
Directed Verdict in Alamogordo, NM – March 2023
Butt Thornton & Baehr PC elects new officers for 2023
Butt Thornton & Baehr PC is excited to announce its election of new officers for 2023: Ryan T. Sanders has been elected President, Monica R. Garcia has been elected Vice President, Scott Stromberg has been elected Treasurer, and Charles B. Kraft has been elected Secretary. We also want to thank the outgoing officers for their exceptional service to our Firm, Michael P. Clemens, the outgoing President, Paul R. Bishop, the outgoing Vice President, and Rodney L. Schlagel, the outgoing Treasurer.
Mr. Sanders is an alumnus s of the University of New Mexico and graduated from University of New Mexico School of Law in 2008. Mr. Sanders has previously served the Firm as Secretary. Mr. Sanders practices in many areas of litigation, including trucking and transportation, professional liability, and general liability, and non-litigation matters, including commercial transactions and estate planning and probate. Learn more about Mr. Sanders here.
Ms. Garcia is an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University and graduated from University of New Mexico School of Law in 1996. Ms. Garcia has previously served the Firm as Vice President and Treasurer. Ms. Garcia is rated AV®Preeminent™, the highest possible rating, by Martindale-Hubbell® since 2012, has been repeatedly selected as a Southwest Super Lawyer, and was selected by her peers for inclusion in the 24th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Ms. Garcia practices in the areas of trucking and transportation, professional liability, products liability, consumer law, and complex civil litigation. Learn more about Ms. Garcia here.
Mr. Stromberg is an alumnus of the University of New Mexico and graduated from University of New Mexico School of Law in 2010. Mr. Stromberg is a graduate of the Firm’s law clerk program and has practiced his entire career with Butt Thornton & Baehr PC. Mr. Stromberg practices in the area of workers’ compensation and general liability. Learn more about Mr. Stromberg here.
Mr. Kraft is an alumnus of the University of New Mexico and graduated from University of New Mexico School of Law in 2013. Mr. Kraft is serving his second consecutive term as the Firm’s Secretary. Mr. Kraft practices in the areas of trucking and transportation, medical malpractice, general liability and cannabis law. Learn more about Mr. Kraft here.
BTB Attorney Sarah Shore Argues Before the New Mexico Supreme Court
BTB attorney Sarah Shore argued on behalf of her clients Indigenous Lifeways, New Mexico Social Justice & Equity Institute and the Three Sisters Collective in front of the New Mexico Supreme Court. Sarah’s group of non-profit clients challenged a voter-approved constitutional amendment that changed the way the State’s Public Regulation Commission was staffed.
New Mexico court denies challenge of regulatory reforms
https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/new-mexico-court-denies-challenge-of-regulatory-reforms/
ALFA International Friday Feature – Ryan T. Sanders
Today’s #FridayFeature is Ryan Sanders, an attorney with ALFA International (ALFAI) member firm Butt Thornton & Baehr PC in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ryan is an ALFAI contact partner, is on ALFAI’s Construction and Transportation Practice Group Steering Committees, and is a member of ALFAI’s Corporate Transactions Practice Group. Last week, Ryan spoke at a Transportation Regional Seminar in Phoenix, Arizona. We hope you enjoy Ryan’s feature! #ALFAI #ALFAInternational #GlobalLegalNetwork #LocalRelationshipsWorldwide #TransportationLaw
Tell us how you like to spend your free time. Do you have any unique hobbies?
I am an avid outdoorsman. I hike, fish, hunt, camp regularly in the warmer months (more than 30 nights in 2021), and ski in the winter. Every year, one of my favorite activities is to hike up Sandia Ski Area near Albuquerque on a full moon night in late January or early February and ski down.
What is your motto when it comes to how you approach your work?
I like to tell young lawyers; you know more than you think you know. Sure, we all understand the importance of thoroughly researching an issue before opining on the matter. But be comfortable and confident in your decisions and the advice you give your client.
What occupation would you choose to pursue if you could no longer be a lawyer?
If I could no longer be a lawyer, I would go into civil engineering or architecture. Or, if it were financially feasible, I would be a full-time student, acquiring as many advanced degrees as possible.
What is the best career advice you’ve been given?
Before I became a lawyer, a former New Mexico Supreme Court justice I worked with closely told me, “Ryan, you are too smart to be a [another profession I planned to enter]. You should go to law school.” I can honestly say that was the initial push towards becoming an attorney. So my takeaway is don’t sell yourself short, don’t be afraid to take a risk.
How would you describe ALFAI to someone unfamiliar with the association?
ALFAI is a collaborative network of upstanding law firms working with industry-leading clients to support each other’s collective success.
Jason Patton elected As a Shareholder
Congratulations to Jason Patton, who have been elected as a Shareholder at Butt Thornton & Baehr PC
Jason is a 2016 graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law. He practices in the areas of construction law and litigation. He has extensive experience in both commercial and residential construction, and currently holds a GB-98 contractors license, which covers both commercial and residential general construction.
ALFA International Friday Feature – Monica R. Garcia
ALFA International – The Global Legal Network
September 24 at 9:22 AM ·
ALFA International (ALFAI) is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting Hispanic/Latinx attorneys who are making an impact across our network. Today’s #FridayFeature is Monica Garcia, vice president and shareholder with ALFAI member firm Butt Thornton & Baehr PC in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is an ALFAI contact partner and currently serves on the steering committee of the Product Liability & Complex Torts and Women’s Initiative Practice Groups. We hope you enjoy Monica’s feature!
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
I appreciate the opportunity it brings to highlight and recognize Hispanic heritage, history and culture. And not just for the focus on Hispanic heritage, but also for the education and exposure to these aspects. I believe it is important we take advantage of the ability to expand our knowledge of the Hispanic culture, whether it be in attending a lecture, sharing stories about our Hispanic experience, or participating in an event that highlights the culture. Personally, it causes me to reflect on my own family and the experiences my ancestors and family members have had in their journey to, and in, the United States. Most importantly, it reminds me of the need to not just celebrate, but to maintain, the Hispanic culture.
Tell us about someone who inspires you, whether it be a family member or a well-known public figure.
My Grandmother and Mother have always inspired me. My Grandmother, who just recently passed at the age of 99, was a tough, hard-working woman. She was committed to her family and religion while maintaining her own identity without any apologies. She was a force to be reckoned with, especially in the kitchen; she called the shots there. My Mother’s calm but firm guidance has always been an inspiration to me and something I strive to use in my own life, personally and professionally.
What is your favorite ALFA International memory?
There is no way I can identify a favorite ALFA International memory because I have too many wonderful memories of my experiences at ALFAI events. Not just in attending memorable presentations, but also in connecting with fellow ALFAI attorneys and clients at the events; whether it has been over a meal, watching a game at a ballpark or hanging out by a pool.
What was your first concert or best concert you’ve ever attended?
The best concert I have ever attended was the Rolling Stones. Mick Jagger did not disappoint.
To learn more about Monica’s practice, click here: bit.ly/3i6Kd1o
Jim Johansen – NMDLA’s 2021 Outstanding Civil Defense Lawyer of the Year
Awards Ceremony
NMDLA will hold an awards ceremony at the Annual Luncheon to recognize the outstanding achievements of the Defense Lawyer of the Year and the Young Lawyer of 2021.
Outstanding Civil Defense Lawyer of the Year
James H. Johansen
Butt Thornton & Baehr PC
James H. Johansen is a shareholder with Butt Thornton & Baehr PC and former DRI New Mexico State Representative and past President of the New Mexico Defense Lawyers Association. Jim was a member of the Board of Directors of the NMDLA from 1994 to 2010. He also served as President of the firm from 2002 through 2006 and was selected as a Southwest Super Lawyer in 2015 and 2019 and rated AV®Preeminent™, the highest possible rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, Jim frequently lectures on insurance coverage issues.
Charles Kraft Named as Shareholder
Congratulations to Charles B. Kraft on his election as a shareholder of Butt Thornton & Baehr PC!
Mr. Kraft is an alumnus of the University of New Mexico and graduated from University of New Mexico Law School in 2013. Mr. Kraft represents clients in the areas of Medical Negligence, Medical Liability, Trucking and Transportation, Professional Liability and General Litigation.
Our Commitment to Equality and Social Justice
Recent events in the United States have highlighted the fact change is necessary to address and bring an end to the injustices that exist in our society. The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others, reflect the systemic racial bias and injustice that continue to plague our communities and our country. These incidents, as well as numerous others, have caused pain, grief, anger, and anxiety for many; many of whom live and work among and with us.
While Butt Thornton & Baehr PC has always embraced diversity, equity and inclusion, it is not enough. BTB must live and promote these important goals in our larger community. Racism, intolerance and hate have no place in our society, yet are still all too prevalent today. As a firm, BTB recognizes the value diversity and inclusion bring to our business and community and believes all of us are better as a team when there is a commitment to principles of inclusion, equality, and justice.
As members of the legal community, we are in a unique position to promote equality and social justice. BTB has a heightened responsibility to ensure a more diverse, inclusive and safe community, both in the firm and outside the firm. BTB is committed to using the talents and skills of its team to seek needed change in our society. This includes working collectively and collaboratively to be better and ensuring we pursue ways to make an immediate difference. To do so, each of us must talk to each other, listen to each other, and support each other when it comes to these important issues. As a firm comprised of unique and valuable individuals, we will continue to examine how we can use our collective talents to assist in reaching these goals, seek needed change, and become part of the solution.
BTB remains optimistic that, together, we can create a more just and inclusive society.
Congratulations to the Butt Thornton & Baehr PC 2021 Best Lawyers in America Recipients
Congratulations to Al Green, Jr., Neil Blake, Agnes Fuentevilla Padilla, Monica Garcia, Michael Clemens, James Johansen, Jane Laflin, and Sherrill Filter who have been recognized in the 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Best Lawyers is a peer-reviewed publication which uses confidential peer-review surveys to recognize outstanding attorneys. Butt Thornton & Baehr attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2021 Best Lawyers in America in the following areas:
Al Green, since 2017, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions-Defendants and Product Liability Litigation-Defendants
Neil R. Blake, since 2017, Medical Malpractice Litigation-Defendants
Agnes Fuentevilla Padilla, since 2018, Employment Law-Management (business law and employment/labor law)
Monica Garcia, since 2018, Product Liability Litigation-Defendants
Michael Clemens, since 2016, Insurance Law and Litigation-Insurance
James Johansen, since 2017, Insurance Law and Professional Malpractice Law-Defendants
Jane Laflin, since 2019, Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants
Sherrill Filter, since 2019, Corporate Law
ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2020 TOP CEOS
August 24, 2020; Albuquerque Journal Business Outlook names the top CEOs in New Mexico for 2020. The top CEO for legal services is Agnes Fuentevilla Padilla.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — If leadership is best learned under pressure, 2020 has been a master course unto itself.
Honorees of the Journal’s 2020 Top CEOs, like community leaders in every sector, have had to adjust on the fly not once this year, but again and again. They’ve had to find new ways to relate to and communicate with their employees, their clients, their suppliers, their neighbors. They’ve faced an economy in turmoil, and managed staff who have been preoccupied with the same worries so many of us have been experiencing in recent months: What if my elderly parent gets sick? What if I get laid off? How am I supposed to do my job and be a homeschooling parent at the same time? Who are these geniuses who keep buying up all the toilet paper?
Honorees who spoke to writer Glen Rosales for this edition shared that flexibility has been absolutely essential in leading through crisis, as has accepting that the pre-COVID way of doing business is over, at least for now.
Meanwhile, recipients of this year’s major awards – for Excellence, Leadership, Progress and Mentorship – described doubling down on what set their organizations apart. That includes investing in care for their clients (or patients), in their up-and-coming team members, and in their quality of product.
Honorees from this year’s program were nominated over a several-week period, and lead businesses in the healthcare, food service, nonprofit, public relations, business services, construction, hair and beauty, health and wellness, legal, real estate and STEM industries.
All have plenty of challenges left to face for the rest of this year, and in the years to come. So for now, press pause on all the pandemic-related strife and take a moment to join the Journal in congratulating this year’s Top CEOs – and the staff members they lead.
Our Commitment to Equality and Social Justice
Recent events in the United States have highlighted the fact change is necessary to address and bring an end to the injustices that exist in our society. The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others, reflect the systemic racial bias and injustice that continue to plague our communities and our country. These incidents, as well as numerous others, have caused pain, grief, anger, and anxiety for many; many of whom live and work among and with us.
While Butt Thornton & Baehr PC has always embraced diversity, equity and inclusion, it is not enough. BTB must live and promote these important goals in our larger community. Racism, intolerance and hate have no place in our society, yet are still all too prevalent today. As a firm, BTB recognizes the value diversity and inclusion bring to our business and community and believes all of us are better as a team when there is a commitment to principles of inclusion, equality, and justice.
As members of the legal community, we are in a unique position to promote equality and social justice. BTB has a heightened responsibility to ensure a more diverse, inclusive and safe community, both in the firm and outside the firm. BTB is committed to using the talents and skills of its team to seek needed change in our society. This includes working collectively and collaboratively to be better and ensuring we pursue ways to make an immediate difference. To do so, each of us must talk to each other, listen to each other, and support each other when it comes to these important issues. As a firm comprised of unique and valuable individuals, we will continue to examine how we can use our collective talents to assist in reaching these goals, seek needed change, and become part of the solution.
BTB remains optimistic that, together, we can create a more just and inclusive society.
BUTT THORNTON & BAEHR WELCOMES SUMMER LAW CLERKS CATHERINE GONZALEZ, STEPHANIE SCHNEIDER, AND JOEL LOBO
Butt Thornton & Baehr is proud to announce that Catherine Gonzalez (2L), Stephanie Schneider (2L), and Joel Lobo (1L), all three being students at the University of New Mexico School of Law, have joined the firm for the summer as Law Clerks.
BUTT THORNTON & BAEHR PARTICIPATES IN SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PRO BONO CLINIC
On June 6, 2018, Butt Thornton and Baehr participated in the annual Second Judicial District Pro Bono Legal Clinic. The Clinic, organized by New Mexico Legal Aid, is held on the first Wednesday of every month at the Second Judicial District Courthouse in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Thanks to the assistance of eight attorneys, one paralegal, and three law clerks from Butt Thornton and Baehr, more than twenty-five individuals received assistance at the June Clinic.
Many thanks to Rod Schlagel, Sherrill Filter, Neysa Lujan, Ryan Sanders, Marc Shuter, Arslan Umarov, Charles Kraft, Allison Beaulieu, Debra Weber, Catherine Gonzalez, Stephanie Schneider, and Joel Lobo for volunteering their time and expertise for this important event. Special thanks to Debra Weber, Butt Thornton and Baehr paralegal, for assisting with the screening of clients and performing conflict checks.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2018 BUTT THORNTON & BAEHR SUPER LAWYERS
Each year Super Lawyers recognizes attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice. The selection includes third-party validation of the lawyers’ professional accomplishments.
Butt Thornton & Baehr 2018 Southwest Super Lawyers include:
Agnes Fuentevilla Padilla: Employment & Labor
James H. Johansen: Insurance Coverage
W. Ann Maggiore: Medical Malpractice Defense
S. Carolyn Ramos: Transportation
Raul P. Sedillo: Transportation
Butt Thornton & Baehr 2018 Southwest Rising Stars include:
Felicia C. Boyd: General Litigation
Scott Stromberg: Medical Malpractice Defense
Neysa E. Lujan: Workers’ Compensation
Ryan T. Sanders: Civil Litigation Defense
BUTT THORNTON & BAEHR ELECTS A NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Butt Thornton & Baehr PC is proud to announce its election of new directors: Agnes Fuentevilla Padilla has been elected President, Monica R. Garcia has been elected Vice President, M. Scott Owen has been elected Treasurer, and Paul R. Bishop has been elected Secretary. We also wish to thank Neil R. Blake for his exceptional service as President of our firm for the last several years.
Ms. Padilla is an alumnus of the University of New Mexico and graduated from University of New Mexico School of Law in 1992. Prior to her election as President, Ms. Padilla served as Butt Thornton & Baehr’s Vice President. Ms. Padilla is a certified employment law specialist, has been selected as a Southwest Super Lawyer every year since 2007, and practices in the areas of employment litigation, governmental and civil rights litigation, and complex civil litigation.
Ms. Garcia is an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University and graduated from University of New Mexico School of Law in 1996. Prior to her election as Vice President, Ms. Garcia served as Butt Thornton & Baehr’s Treasurer. Ms. Garcia has been rated AV®Preeminent™, the highest possible rating, by Martindale-Hubbell® since 2012, has been repeatedly selected as a Southwest Super Lawyer, and was selected by her peers for inclusion in the 24th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Ms. Garcia practices in the areas of trucking and transportation, professional liability, products liability, consumer law, and complex civil litigation.
Mr. Owen is an alumnus of Michigan State University and graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2006. Prior to his election as Treasurer, Mr. Owen served as Butt Thornton & Baehr’s Secretary. Mr. Owen has been repeatedly selected as a Southwest Super Lawyer Rising Star and practices in the areas of worker’s compensation and complex civil litigation.
Mr. Bishop is an alumnus of Purdue University and graduated from University of New Mexico School of Law in 2005. Mr. Bishop practices in the areas of sports and recreation, trucking and transportation, professional liability, medical liability, and complex civil litigation.
NORM AND JANE GAGNE, FEATURED IN THE ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL, SHARE THEIR AFFINITY FOR TRAIL RUNNING
Not the least of his accomplishments, Norm Gagne has competed in the La Luz Trail Run for twenty-one straight years. The La Luz Trail Run, deemed one of the “12 Most Grueling Races in North America” in 2001, features a 9-mile course with over 4,000 vertical feet of climb, finishing at an altitude of 10,678 feet. Most impressively, Norm and Jane Gagne not only run the race annually, but also run with their son, making the race a family tradition of sorts.
BUTT THORNTON & BAEHR PARTICIPATES IN MAKING STRIDES OF ALBUQUERQUE IN SUPPORT OF THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
On October 28, 2017, Butt Thornton & Baehr attorneys, staff, friends, and family participated in Making Strides of Albuquerque, an annual five mile fundraising walk and celebration which supports Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a division of the American Cancer Society. Participants celebrated the strides made in the fight against breast cancer, expressed a shared determination to continue that fight, and raised a significant amount of money among the teams of participants. We look forward to joining in and contributing to next year’s event!
BUTT THORNTON & BAEHR WELCOMES NEW ASSOCIATE ATTORNEYS FELECIA CANTWELL, SARAH SHORE, AND MICHELLE TIMM
Felecia Cantwell attended the University of New Mexico School of Law where she obtained her juris doctorate in 2017. Prior to joining Butt Thornton & Baehr, Felecia was a college professor and served as a department chair at the New Mexico State University, Carlsbad campus. While attending law school, Michelle worked for Butt Thornton & Baehr PC as a law clerk. Felecia looks forward to the practice of law and holds interests in the areas of insurance bad faith, professional liability, and construction law.
Sarah Shore attended the New York University School of Law where she obtained her juris doctorate in 2009. Sarah began her legal career serving as a law clerk for the Honorable Robert Kirsch of the Superior Court of Union County, New Jersey, and then for the Honorable Stanley R. Chesler of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Sarah most recently was a litigator for New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services and served as a Director of the Board of Restore NYC, a nonprofit organization. Sarah looks forward to focusing her practice in the areas of environmental and toxic torts, complex civil litigation, and appeals.
Michelle Timm attended the University of New Mexico School of Law where she obtained her juris doctorate in 2017. Prior to joining Butt Thornton & Baehr PC, Michelle gained valuable experience as a legal assistant working in the areas of personal injury, worker’s compensation, and domestic relations. While attending law school, Michelle worked for Butt Thornton & Baehr PC as a law clerk. Michelle looks forward to the practice of law and holds interests in the areas of employment law, domestic relations, and complex civil litigation.
W. ANN MAGGIORE PUBLISHES ARTICLE WHICH EXAMINES THE USE OF FORCE ON PERSONS EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY
W. Ann Maggiore’s article, “Use of Force on Persons in Medical Emergencies,” examines the growing issue concerning the legal bounds of subduing a violent person by the use of force when that violent person may be mentally ill or cognitively impaired. In her article, Ms. Maggiore discusses the recent case of Estate of Corey Hill v. Miracle and its potential application to those employed in the Emergency Medical Services field.
Ms. Maggiore is a shareholder at Butt Thornton & Baehr and practices in the fields of medical malpractice defense, professional liability defense, heath care law, and civil rights defense.
“Use of Force on Persons in Medical Emergencies” can be accessed by clicking this link.
Please join us in congratulating the BTB attorneys who were recognized as the 2025 Best Lawyers in America®: Neil Blake (medical malpractice law), Michael Clemens (insurance law), Monica Garcia (products liability litigation), Al Green (mass tort litigation/class actions and product liability litigation), Jim Johansen (insurance law and professional malpractice law), Charles Kraft (personal injury litigation), Jane Laflin (personal injury litigation), Agnes Fuentevilla Padilla (employment law), Ryan Sanders (personal injury litigation), and Sarah Shore (appellate practice)!
We are additionally honored to announce that Agnes Fuentevilla Padilla received the 2025 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for employment law in Albuquerque! Congratulations Agnes, and well earned! 👏 hashtag#BestLawyers2025