Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani is pleased to announce the addition of two highly accomplished lateral partners, Michelle Hernandez, and Spirit Gaines, to its Albuquerque office. Their extensive trial experience and diverse practice areas strengthen the firm’s capabilities in New Mexico and beyond.
“We are excited to welcome Michelle and Spirit to our Albuquerque office,” said Laura Ackermann, Co-Managing Partner of the Albuquerque office. “Their expertise and litigation experience will be a great asset to our office, enhancing our ability to serve clients and strengthen our presence in New Mexico.”
Michelle Hernandez brings more than 25 years of extensive experience in civil litigation, appellate matters, and regulatory compliance. She has tried cases to judgment in both state and federal courts and is a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation, Appellate, Insurance, Product Liability, and Healthcare practice groups. Her work spans a broad range of industries, including healthcare, real estate, and construction, and she has represented public entities, law enforcement agencies, and schools. Michelle was part of a team that successfully overturned a $53 million nursing home verdict, one of New Mexico’s largest personal injury judgments at the time. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Michelle began her legal career as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Joseph F. Baca of the New Mexico Supreme Court. She is admitted to practice in New Mexico, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Spirit Gaines focuses her trial practice on the defense of civil lawsuits, including claims of wrongful death, general liability, trucking accidents, product liability, and insurance law. She also has significant experience in medical malpractice, employment claims, construction defect, and breach of contract disputes. Prior to her civil litigation practice, Spirit served as a prosecutor in the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office, where she handled complex criminal cases and conducted over 50 bench and jury trials. Her litigation background includes defending clients in high-stakes disputes and helping businesses navigate challenging legal matters. She is admitted to practice in New Mexico and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico
Additionally, the Albuquerque office recently welcomed Senior Counsel Jeanne Sohn and Associate Ryan Sharp. The Albuquerque team works closely with GRSM attorneys nationwide, leveraging the firm’s expansive 50-state platform to deliver comprehensive legal solutions for our clients.
Learn more about GRSM’s Albuquerque office and the exciting opportunities available in New Mexico and across the country.