About Walter
Walter E. Stern III: Experienced Lawyer in Environmental Law, Energy Law and Natural Resources Law in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Overview: Walter E. Stern III has 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.
Practice Areas
- Natural Resources Law
- Energy Law
- Mining Law
- Native American Law
- Oil and Gas Law
- Environmental Law
- Litigation
- Title Matters
- Transactional Matters
- Regulatory Compliance
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
- The Endangered Species Act
- Public Land Management Agencies: U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and New Mexico State Land Office
Education & Credentials
Universities: Boston College Law School, University of California Berkeley
Education:
- Boston College Law School (JD), 1985
- University of California, Berkeley (BA), 1982
Firms
Firms: Modrall Sperling
Affiliations
- Past President (2013 – 2018) of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, a world-class continuing education provider for professionals working in natural resources development and environmental law.
- Past Member (since 1979) of the American Bar Association
- Past Member (since 1993) of the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association
- Member (since 2004) of the National Academy of Distinguished Neighbors of America
Languages
Languages: English only.
Awards & Recognitions
- In Best Attorney USA since 1995
- Topped the list of Top 25 Super Lawyers in New Mexico, 2007 and 2008 (from Law & Politics magazine)
Professional Philosophy: Walter E. Stern III believes that effective legal representation is key to navigating complex legal systems. His approach emphasizes understanding his clients' unique circumstances and leveraging the strengths of both public interest law and private sector experience.
Contact Information:
- Firm: Modrall Sperling
- Office Address: 1425 California Street, Suite 300, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +1-505-888-6060
Practice Areas
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Environmental Law, Albuquerque (2026)
- Lawyer of the Year: Natural Resources Law, Albuquerque (2025)
- Lawyer of the Year: Energy Law, Albuquerque (2023)
- Lawyer of the Year: Environmental Law, Albuquerque (2021)
- Lawyer of the Year: Natural Resources Law, Albuquerque (2020)
- Lawyer of the Year: Environmental Law, Albuquerque (2019)
- Lawyer of the Year: Energy Law, Albuquerque (2018)
- Lawyer of the Year: Environmental Law, Albuquerque (2016)
- Lawyer of the Year: Energy Law, Albuquerque (2014)
- Lawyer of the Year: Oil and Gas Law, Albuquerque (2012)
- Lawyer of the Year: Native American Law, Albuquerque (2011)
- Recognized: Energy Law
- Recognized: Environmental Law
- Recognized: Mining Law
- Recognized: Native American Law
- Recognized: Natural Resources Law
- Recognized: Oil and Gas Law
- Special Focus: Administrative
- Special Focus: Coal
- Special Focus: Energy
- Special Focus: Energy Companies
- Special Focus: Hard Minerals
- Special Focus: Litigation
- Special Focus: Minerals
- Special Focus: Mining
- Special Focus: Native American Affairs
- Special Focus: Native American Lands
- Special Focus: Oil and Gas
- Special Focus: Project Development
- Special Focus: Real Estate
- Special Focus: Regulatory
- Special Focus: Title Matters
- Special Focus: Transactional
- Special Focus: Transactions
- Special Focus: Water
- Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law (NREEL) Section of the State Bar of New Mexico Natural Resources Lawyer of the Year, 2014.
- Best Lawyers in America® in Energy Law, Environmental Law, Mining Law, Native American Law, Natural Resources Law, and Oil and Gas Law, 1995-present
- Chambers USA Directories of America's Leading Lawyers for Business, recognized Nationwide in Native American Law, 2013-present; in New Mexico in Environment, Natural Resources & Regulated Industries, and Native American Law, 2004-present
- Law Dragon 500 – New Stars New World, 2006
- Martindale-Hubbell AV® Peer Review Rated
- Southwest Super Lawyers® (derived from a lawyer survey) 2007-present; Top 25 Super Lawyers in New Mexico, 2007, 2008