Walter brings more than thirty-five years of experience providing representation, advice and counsel to businesses and individuals in their dealings with Indian tribes and public land management agencies, like the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service and New Mexico State Land Office. Walter’s practice is focused on natural resources, energy and environmental law.

Clients throughout the west and across the country seek Walter’s advice in matters involving transactions, disputes and consultations with Indian tribes and other Native American groups. In addition, clients look to Walter when pursuing federal lands leasing, development, and related permitting and environmental compliance efforts under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”), Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act, and related federal statutes.

Walter also is actively involved in community and professional non-profit organizations. He has served as President of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, a world-class continuing education provider for professionals working in the areas of natural resources development and environmental law. Walter is currently Chair of the Albuquerque Community Foundation, where he has been actively involved as a Trustee since 2014 and served as Chair of the Impact Investment Committee for three years. In addition, Walter is a past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Albuquerque Academy, an independent day school.

Nationally recognized in Native American Law by Chambers USA, Walter has also received top recognition in the area of Environment, Natural Resources & Regulated Industries in Chambers’ New Mexico review.  As reported in Chambers, Walter’s clients describe him as “outstanding,” and peers view him as a “great litigator.”  He has been listed by Best Lawyers in America® since 1995 and named “Lawyer of the Year” in Albuquerque seven times: in Natural Resources Law, 2020; Environmental Law, 2016 and 2019; Energy Law, 2014 and 2018; Oil and Gas Law, 2012; and Native American Law, 2011. Walter has achieved the AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Super Lawyers in New Mexico by Southwest Super Lawyers®, and as Best of the Bar in Native American Law by the New Mexico Business Weekly. He is a Past President (2013 – 2018) of the firm.

Modrall Sperling

Our attorneys have experience and perspective that extend back to the early days of environmental law and regulation. We have handled significant litigation, permitting, strategic risk management, and compliance issues under federal and New Mexico environmental laws, as well as environmental regulations and ordinances of local and Indian origins. Having decades of experience in this area has given us the perspective that fostering positive relations with client personnel, environmental regulators, governmental attorneys, technical consultants, non-governmental entities and the broader community is paramount, whether the regulated economic activity is confined to New Mexico, is regional or is national in scope or setting.

We assist clients with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes such as “major federal action” and “federal handles” determinations, identification of and coordination with third-party consultants, preparation of scope of work and related documents, evaluation of applicability of categorical exclusions, environmental assessment versus environmental impact statement reviews, consideration of cumulative impacts, and fulfillment of public participation requirements.

Much of our environmental practice has been an outgrowth of our representation of natural resources companies, including those in oil and gas, mining, ranching and agriculture. We have had lead responsibility in numerous matters concerning environmental regulation of natural resources development, both before agencies and in court. Our attorneys also have managed complex litigation or handled matters involving a broad range of other economic activity that includes manufacturing, railroads, and many other enterprises.