Atty. Joan E. Drake
Joan Drake has assisted clients for over twenty years as a lawyer on utility regulation and environmental permitting matters. In utility matters, Joan represents clients on matters involving state and federal regulation of electric and gas utility rates and service, facility siting, wholesale and retail sales, utility acquisition, renewable energy and Qualifying Facilities ("QF"), electric transmission and interconnection, gas pipelines, power purchase and service agreements, and energy efficiency.
Energy Regulatory Law Attorney · Serving Albuquerque, NM
Profile Summary
About Joan E. Drake at a Glance
Joan E. Drake is a energy attorney based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, practicing at Modrall Sperling. Admitted to practice in New Mexico, State Bar of New Mexico, New Mexico, U. S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, and New Mexico, U. S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Educated at University of New Mexico (J.D., 2001) and University of California - Los Angeles (MA, 1980). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Energy Regulatory Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Administrative / Regulatory Law (2026). Serves clients in Albuquerque, NM and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Joan E. Drake
- Joan Drake has assisted clients for over twenty years as a lawyer on utility regulation and environmental permitting matters
- In utility matters, Joan represents clients on matters involving state and federal regulation of electric and gas utility rates and service, facility siting, wholesale and retail sales, utility acquisition, renewable energy and Qualifying Facilities ("QF"), electric transmission and interconnection, gas pipelines, power purchase and service agreements, and energy efficiency
- In addition to representing clients on individual matters before the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission ("PRC"), Joan monitors and updates her clients on regulatory and legislative developments of interest to energy, utility, and transmission companies doing business in New Mexico and throughout the West
- Joan also assists clients with regulatory compliance, litigation strategy, and defense of Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, and the NEPA process
- Section 404 Clean Water compliance, including Nationwide Permits, Individual Permits, mitigation, and enforcement
- and compliance with related environmental laws, including the endangered Species Act and National Historic Preservation Act
- Prior to her legal career, Joan was an environmental regulatory specialist with the U.S
- Army Corps of Engineers in Los Angeles and New England, and has many years of experience implementing federal environmental laws, including NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and other related laws
- Joan's experience at the Corps focused on large and controversial projects and enforcement matters
- Joan offers clients the unique perspective of both a seasoned regulator and a knowledgeable lawyer
- Best Lawyers in America® has recognized Joan in Energy Regulatory Law since 2017
- She presents frequently on environmental law and regulatory issues
- Joan currently serves as Chair of the Utility Service Group and Co-Chair of the Renewable Energy Service Group
Practice Areas Explained
Joan E. Drake's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Joan E. Drake handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Albuquerque.
Energy & Utilities Law in Albuquerque
Energy attorneys for oil & gas, renewables, utility regulation, and energy sector transactions.
Joan E. Drake is one of 35,985 energy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse energy attorneys in New Mexico →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Albuquerque
Practicing law in New Mexico. Legal matters in New Mexico are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Albuquerque are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New Mexico state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New Mexico brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New Mexico courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Albuquerque Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Albuquerque-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional New Mexico attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Albuquerque or all attorneys in New Mexico.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Albuquerque Choose Joan E. Drake
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Joan E. Drake's practice in the field of energy.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in New Mexico, State Bar of New Mexico, New Mexico, U. S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, and New Mexico, U. S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, Joan E. Drake can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Focused Energy Practice
Concentrating on energy means Joan E. Drake's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Albuquerque
A Albuquerque-based practice means Joan E. Drake attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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