Attorneys

H. John Underwood CONTACT BY PHONE: 575-258-9090 E-MAIL: junderwoodlaw@windstream.net PRACTICE AREAS: Municipal Law Business Transactions Real Estate Development Zoning and Land Use Subdivision Law Buying and Selling of Commercial and Residential Real Estate Buying and Selling of Liquor Licenses Acquisition and Processing of Water Rights Government Affairs Administrative and Regulatory Law (Insurance, Transportation, Liquor Regulation)

OVERVIEW

John has represented a number of large real estate developers in all aspects of the development process, from the purchase of the real estate, including the purchase and transfer of water rights, and obtaining the necessary subdivision approvals to the sales of lots and development of the necessary infrastructure. He has extensive experience representing clients before local public bodies as well as before the executive and legislative branches of state government. He has successfully lobbied the passage or defeat of numerous pieces of legislation and has a reputation for being able to work with all sides in obtaining necessary compromises. His practice includes representing clients before regulatory and administrative agencies of state government where he has developed a good working relationship with government officials.

John has been named a Best Lawyer in America for Government Affairs since 2008.

EXPERIENCE

Admitted to the State Bar of New Mexico, 1973
Practiced in Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1973-1981
Practicing attorney in Ruidoso, New Mexico since 1981

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts degree, University of New Mexico, 1970
Juris Doctor Degree, Creighton University School of Law, 1973

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ACTIVITIES

New Mexico Bar Association
Past President, Lincoln County Bar Association
Past President, Dona Ana County Bar Association
Past Vice-President, New Mexico Municipal Lawyers’ Association

PUBLIC SERVICE AND CIVIC ACTIVITIES

Elected, Ruidoso City Council, 1985
Elected, New Mexico State House of Representatives, 1990-1994
Former board member, New Mexico Children’s Foundation
Rotary Club International
Board of Directors, Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors, New Mexico First, 2010-2012

Zachary J. Cook CONTACT BY PHONE: 575-258-9090 E-Mail: zachjcook@gmail.com PRACTICE AREAS: General Business Practice Real Estate Transactions Zoning and Land Use Construction Lending Creditor’s Rights Criminal Law Municipal Law Licensing & Regulation

OVERVIEW

Zach has practiced in New Mexico since 2004 and has a general practice representing clients in municipal law, civil and criminal matters, and real estate matters, including the purchase and sale of real estate, construction issues and zoning issues. He represents corporate clients before state regulatory and licensing agencies in jurisdictions throughout the United States.

Zach is bilingual, speaking Spanish fluently. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Zach lived in Madrid, Spain, worked in the financial services industry and received his Masters in Business Administration. He currently serves as a legislator in the New Mexico State House of Representatives.

Bachelor of Arts, University of New Mexico, 1996
Masters in Business Administration, International Management, Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management, 1998
Juris Doctor Degree, University of New Mexico School of Law, 2003

New Mexico State Bar Association
Lincoln County Bar Association

Member, New Mexico State House of Representatives