John A. Budagher

John A. Budagher is an experienced Albuquerque attorney with a distinguished career spanning estate planning, probate, litigation, mediation, and public service. As the founder of Budagher & Associates, John provides trusted legal counsel to individuals, families, and organizations across New Mexico. His broad experience allows him to guide clients through both complex transactions and high-stakes disputes with clarity and professionalism.

John earned his J.D. from the University of Tulsa School of Law and later completed an LL.M. in Estate Planning from the University of Miami School of Law. He also studied at the University of New Mexico. His advanced legal training in estate planning enables him to counsel clients on wills, trusts, tax strategies, and probate matters with a high level of technical skill and insight.

Throughout his career, John has served in a variety of significant legal and public roles. He has worked as an Assistant District Attorney for Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Rio Arriba Counties, and as a New Mexico State Senator representing District 10. His additional positions include General Legal Counsel for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District and the New Mexico Retiree Health Care Authority, Contract Attorney for the New Mexico Risk Management Division, and Lobbyist for statewide health care initiatives. He is admitted to practice before the State Bar of New Mexico, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, and the U.S. Tax Court.

In addition to his legal practice, John A. Budagher serves the community as a court-appointed mediator, helping parties resolve disputes outside of litigation. Fluent in English and Spanish, he provides accessible representation to a wide range of clients. With decades of experience and a record of public service, John continues to be a respected legal advocate in New Mexico.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Budagher & Tann, Attorneys at Law
• Assistant District Attorney, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Rio Arriba Counties
• General Legal Counsel, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District
• Contract Attorney, New Mexico Risk Management Division
• General Legal Counsel, New Mexico Retiree Health Care Authority

Licensed State

• New Mexico

Education

• University of Miami School of Law
  Master of Laws (LLM)
• University of Tulsa School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of New Mexico
  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Awards & Badges