Arthur D. Melendres

Arthur D. Melendres is a shareholder at Modrall Sperling in Albuquerque whose practice concentrates on administrative law, education law, commercial matters, and municipal finance. For decades, he has advised public and institutional clients on disputes and governance issues. He serves as general counsel to Albuquerque Public Schools, advising the school board and administration on employment matters, public finance, litigation, real estate, procurement, and other legal questions affecting a large public school system.

Art earned a J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from the University of New Mexico. His education provided a foundation in law, public institutions, government, and economic analysis that supports work involving school systems, administrative agencies, public financing, and municipal matters. He is admitted in New Mexico and Texas and before federal appellate and trial courts, including the US Supreme Court.

Art serves as lead counsel on significant litigation for Albuquerque Public Schools and advises the district on a wide range of operational and legal issues. His practice also includes public finance and commercial matters, and he has served as a registered lobbyist for clients before the New Mexico Legislature. These roles require coordination among governing boards, administrators, public officials, and other stakeholders while addressing legal requirements, policy concerns, financing questions, and litigation risk.

Arthur D. Melendres has received extensive recognition from Best Lawyers in America, including multiple Albuquerque Lawyer of the Year honors in education, administrative and regulatory, and municipal law. He has earned an AV Preeminent peer rating and received the New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award. His leadership has included service as president of the University of New Mexico Board of Regents and professional organizations connected to bar, education, and public law matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Modrall Sperling Law Firm
• Member, State Bar of New Mexico
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Past President, State Bar of New Mexico, Young Lawyers Division
• Past President, Albuquerque Bar Association
• Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary and Continues to Assist on ad Hoc Basis, American Bar Association
• Member, National Association of Bond Lawyers
• Member, American Law Institute
• Member, Hispanic Bar Association
• Member, New Mexico Association of School Board Attorneys
• President, University of New Mexico (1993-1996)
• Commissioner, New Mexico Commission on Higher Education (2003-2005)

Licensed State

• New Mexico
• Texas

Education

• University of New Mexico School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of New Mexico
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science and Economics

Awards & Badges