Arthur D. "Art" Melendres

Arthur D. 'Art' Melendres: Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Since 1985, Art Melendres has focused his practice on administrative, education, commercial, and municipal finance law, providing legal expertise for clients facing disputes in education, administrative law, commercial law, or public financing.

Practice Areas

• Administrative/Regulatory Law
• Educational Law
• Municipal Law

In his 25+ years as general counsel for the Albuquerque Public Schools, Art has advised and represented more than 90,000 students and 11,000 employees on a wide range of issues including employment matters, public finance, litigation, real estate, and procurement. He serves as lead counsel in all significant litigations involving the Albuquerque Public Schools.

Education Law

Art has been recognized as Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America® multiple times for his expertise in Education Law. His achievements include:

• Lawyer of the Year: 2019, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Best Attorney USA)
• Lawyer of the Year: 2016, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Education Law, Best Attorney USA)
• Lawyer of the Year: 2014, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Administrative/Regulatory Law, Education Law and Municipal Law, Best Attorney USA)

In recognition of his service to his community and legal field, Art Melendres has received:

• New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award in 1996
• Best of the Bar – General Counsel by New Mexico Business Weekly in 2010

Art’s accolades also include:

• AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated from Martindale-Hubbell (the highest rating possible)

Municipal Law

In his 20+ years of lobbying at the New Mexico Legislature, Art has represented clients in a variety of municipal matters and was named to the Board of Regents for the University of New Mexico. He served as President of the Albuquerque Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of New Mexico, and New Mexico Association of School Board Attorneys.

Art’s approach is characterized by:

• A dedication to his clients’ success in education and municipal law
• A commitment to thorough legal representation and advocacy for public institutions and individuals alike

Languages

Art Melendres is fluent in English.

Firms:

• Modrall Sperling (Current Firm)

Affiliations:

• New Mexico Bar Association
• New Mexico Association of School Board Attorneys
• Bugherd Law Group

Art Melendres has been recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2008.