Atty. Michael Schwarz
Michael Schwarz gained his admission to the New Mexico Bar in 1980 and is a sole practitioner in Santa Fe, primarily practicing in the areas of employment and labor law. He authored the New Mexico Appellate Manual .
Civil Rights Law & More Attorney · Serving Santa Fe, NM · 46+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael Schwarz at a Glance
Michael Schwarz is a employment and civil rights attorney based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, practicing at Michael Schwarz Attorney at Law. They have 46+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1980. Admitted to practice in New Mexico (1980). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Civil Rights Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Individuals (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Serves clients in Santa Fe, NM and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael Schwarz
- Michael Schwarz gained his admission to the New Mexico Bar in 1980 and is a sole practitioner in Santa Fe, primarily practicing in the areas of employment and labor law
- He authored the New Mexico Appellate Manual
- He also authored numerous professional publications and appeared as a speaker at several continuing legal education programs in the areas of employment law and professional responsibility both at the local and national levels
- Schwarz was past chair of the Employment and Labor Law Section of the New Mexico State Bar and former president of the First Judicial District Bar Association
- He served as chair for New Mexico Supreme Court’s Standing Committee on the Rules of Professional Responsibility from 1999 through 2007 and has served on disciplinary hearing panels for over the years
- Schwarz served on the Rules of Professional Conduct Committee from 1990 through 2007 (chair 1999-2007)
- In 2008, Schwarz received the Professionalism Award from the New Mexico State Bar, which is the State Bar's highest award
- Schwarz received three certificates of appreciation from the New Mexico Supreme Court for maintaining high ethical standards of the Bar
- He further served on the Local Federal Civil Rules Committee (1997-1999)
- In 2016, Best Lawyers in America listed Michael Schwarz as Lawyer of the Year in the area of Employment Law for Individuals in Santa Fe
- He is a member of the American Law Institute
- He served on the consultative group for the Restatement (Third) on Employment and Labor Law from its inception until its completion in 2014
- He is currently serving as a consultative member on the Principles of Law on Government Ethics and the Restatement on Constitutional Torts Schwarz received his legal training at the University of New Mexico, Oxford University (England), and Cambridge University (England)
- While at Cambridge, Schwarz was a supervisor in law where he provided one on one tutoring to law students in the area of legal thinking and reasoning, tort law, and constitutional law
Practice Areas Explained
Michael Schwarz's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Schwarz handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Santa Fe.
Employment Law in Santa Fe
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
Michael Schwarz is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in New Mexico →
Civil Rights in Santa Fe
Civil rights attorneys for discrimination, police misconduct, constitutional rights, and civil liberties cases.
Michael Schwarz is one of 69,634 civil rights attorneys indexed nationally. Browse civil rights attorneys in New Mexico →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Santa Fe
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 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.
Santa Fe Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Santa Fe-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 Santa Fe or all attorneys in New Mexico.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Santa Fe Choose Michael Schwarz
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 Michael Schwarz's practice in the field of employment and civil rights.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael Schwarz brings 46+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering employment and civil rights, Michael Schwarz can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Santa Fe
A Santa Fe-based practice means Michael Schwarz attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Michael Schwarz Handles in Santa Fe
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael Schwarz has experience with under New Mexico law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael Schwarz directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Michael Schwarz Online
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Michael Schwarz's Practice Areas & Specializations
Awards & Professional Honors
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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