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Should Your Family Trust Finance Your Next Commercial Build?

In Estate & Probate by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

Commercial real estate development often feels like the ultimate wealth-building frontier. The vision is compelling: raw land transformed into a bustling retail center, an office complex, or a multi-family housing unit, generating passive income for generations. For business owners and families with significant assets locked in a family trust, the temptation to use those funds to purchase land for a …

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Do You Owe Your Law Firm a 1099? A Guide for Businesses

In Business Tips by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

Tax season often brings a flurry of paperwork, and for business owners, keeping track of reporting requirements is crucial. One area that frequently causes confusion is payments made for legal services. You might assume that because your law firm is a corporation, you don’t need to send them a Form 1099. However, the rules for legal services are unique. Understanding …

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Don’t Let Fine Print Sink Your Business

In Business Tips, Contracts by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

A compelling offer can make it easy to overlook the details. For business professionals, this is a daily reality. Whether it’s a partnership agreement, a client contract, or a major purchase, the headline figures are designed to catch your eye. But the real value—and the real risk—is often buried in the fine print. A high-profile recruitment campaign from the Department …

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Probate in New Mexico: Myths vs. Reality

In Estate & Probate by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

Navigating the loss of a loved one is a profoundly difficult experience. Amid the grief, families must also address the legal process of settling the deceased’s affairs, a process known as probate. In New Mexico, many people hold mistaken beliefs about probate that can lead to costly errors, family disputes, and unnecessary stress. Understanding the reality of probate and the …

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Gen AI and Copyright: Navigating the New IP Frontier

In Business Tips by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

Generative artificial intelligence has exploded from a niche concept into a mainstream business tool. Companies are using AI to draft marketing copy, design products, write code, and create stunning visual art. This technology promises unprecedented efficiency and innovation. However, it also opens a legal Pandora’s box, leaving creators and businesses grappling with fundamental questions about copyright law. Who owns an …

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Navigating New Mexico’s Worker Classification Landscape

In Department of Labor (DOL), Employment Contract, Employment Law, Worker's Compensation by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

New Mexico’s economic landscape is dynamic, with thriving tourism, a growing tech sector, and countless small businesses forming the backbone of local communities. However, this growth brings complexity, particularly concerning state labor laws. Ongoing debates around worker classification, minimum wage adjustments, and mandatory benefits create a challenging environment for business owners. Misinterpreting these laws isn’t just a simple mistake; it …

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Celebrating Excellence: Our Platinum Level 2026 NM Family Friendly Business Award

In Business Tips by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

We are thrilled to announce that our law firm has been recognized as a Platinum Level 2026 NM Family Friendly Business! This prestigious designation highlights our unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace that supports employees and their families, ensuring a thriving and balanced environment for all. What is the NM Family Friendly Business Award? The NM Family Friendly Business Award®, organized by Family …

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What to Do When ICE Targets Your Workplace

In Employment Law by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

An investigation or raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can be a disorienting and stressful experience for any business owner. Your primary concerns likely split between protecting your employees and safeguarding your business operations. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is the first step toward navigating this challenging situation. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach for business owners. …

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Business Law Southwest Celebrates Triple Recognition in 2026 Best Lawyers® Awards

In Business Tips by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

Business Law Southwest Celebrates Triple Recognition in 2026 Best Lawyers® Awards Business Law Southwest has achieved a remarkable milestone in legal recognition, earning prestigious accolades across three separate categories in the 2026 Best Lawyers® awards. The firm’s dedication to legal excellence has been validated through its inclusion in Best Law Firms®, while three of its attorneys have received individual honors …

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The Hidden Risks of Registering Your Car in Another State to Dodge Sales Tax

In Business Tips by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

When buying a vehicle, you might be tempted to register it in another state where sales tax rates are lower—or even non-existent. This is especially true with the popular “Montana LLC loophole,” which has gained attention in recent years. By setting up a limited liability corporation (LLC) in Montana—a process that’s quick and inexpensive—car owners can register high-end or luxury …