Atty. John W. Day

Atty. John W. Day

John W. Day is a Santa Fe-based attorney whose legal practice spans the realms of criminal defense, civil litigation, and government misconduct/civil rights litigation.

Santa Fe Santa Fe 31 yrs experience 31 year
Call (505) 913-7760 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About John W. Day at a glance

John W. Day is a Member based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, practicing at John Day Law. They have 31+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1995. Their practice focuses on criminal defense, litigation, and civil rights. Admitted to practice in New Mexico (1995), U.S. District Court, District of New Mexico (1995), and United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (1996). Educated at University of New Mexico (J.D., 1995) and Harvard University (B.A., 1985). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of State Bar of New Mexico American Bar Association New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Serands clients in Santa Fe, NM and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • John W. Day is a Santa Fe-based attorney whose legal practice spans the realms of criminal defense, civil litigation, and government misconduct/civil rights litigation
  • Before founding John Day Law, he enjoyed a successful partnership in one of Santa Fe's most venerable and prominent law firms
  • His focus within the firm remained consistent, revolving around criminal defense, civil litigation, and government misconduct/civil rights litigation
  • John's legal acumen has found expression in courtrooms across New Mexico
  • His accomplished legal career includes the successful defense of cases encompassing a diverse range of legal matters, including national security clearance issues, white-collar offenses, homicide, violent crime, drug offenses, and more
  • He has consistently provided tailored legal representation to individuals, families, and institutions facing complex legal challenges and crisis situations, both domestically and abroad
  • John's unique background, including his prior roles as Deputy District Attorney in northern New Mexico and as an award-winning investigative reporter specializing in political corruption in the Southern United States, has enriched his legal expertise and experience
  • Rooted in the heritage of New Mexico, John's family's legacy traces back to the 19th century when they initiated cattle ranching in the state and founded the now-historic town of Dayton, New Mexico, in Eddy County
  • His academic journey includes graduating from Harvard University in 1985, where he earned a degree in history with a particular focus on New Mexico's rich past
  • He furthered his education by obtaining a Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico in 1995, solidifying his path in the field of law

Practice Areas Explained

John W. Day's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John W. Day handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

John W. Day is one of 214,271 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in New Mexico →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

John W. Day is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in New Mexico →

Civil Rights

Civil rights attorneys for discrimination, police misconduct, constitutional rights, and civil liberties cases.

John W. Day is one of 70,245 civil rights attorneys indexed nationally. Browse civil rights attorneys in New Mexico →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in New Mexico

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 Santa Fe 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 andnue, 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.

Looking for additional New Mexico attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Santa Fe or all attorneys in New Mexico.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John W. Day

Where is John W. Day's law office located?
John W. Day's law practice is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The firm is John Day Law. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John W. Day handle?
John W. Day focuses on criminal defense, litigation, civil rights. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in New Mexico.
How long has John W. Day practiced law?
John W. Day has 31+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1995.
Where did John W. Day go to law school?
John W. Day earned their education at (J.D., 1995); (B.A., 1985).
How can I contact John W. Day for a consultation?
You can contact John W. Day directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has John W. Day received?
John W. Day's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Education

J.D.
University of New Mexico
- 1995
B.A.
Harvard University
- 1985

Awards

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions

New Mexico
Admitted: 1995
U.S. District Court, District of New Mexico
Admitted: 1995
United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Admitted: 1996

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