ROBERT STRANAHAN
Santa Fe,New Mexico
Summary
Legal and governmental affairs professional with 20 years of experience advising city departments, governing officials, and private industry clients on administrative law and public administration. Provide balanced counsel grounded in current policy, regulatory, and political developments. Collaborate with federal, state, city, and tribal leaders to support practical outcomes.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
MINORITY COUNSEL & ANALYST
HOUSE & SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Santa Fe, New Mexico
01.2003 - 01.2025
- Analyzed legislation for Judiciary Committee, preparing committee members for discussion and floor debate. Advised Hon. Joseph Thompson, House Minority Whip, on legal matters during the 2003 NM Legislature.
- Advised committee members on constitutional and statutory interpretations.
- Drafted legal opinions on pending legislation for committee review.
- Analyzed legal documents to ensure compliance with federal law.
OF COUNSEL
GALLAGHER & KENNEDY, P.A.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
04.2014 - 04.2016
- Advised Freeport McMoRan Inc., Occidental Petroleum Corporation, and Nuclear Waste Partnership LLC on natural resource litigation and regulatory compliance.
- Developed legal defense strategies for compliance issues while representing corporate clients in hearings.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research to inform case strategies and meet client needs.
PRESIDENT, ORGANIZER
THE STRANAHAN FIRM, LLC
Santa Fe, New Mexico
01.2011 - 04.2016
- Specialized as private legal counsel in natural resource law, complex government relations, and employment law. Acted as private outside counsel for Salado Isolation Mining Contractors and the Department of Energy (DOE), providing legal guidance and representation. Litigated extensively in District Courts, New Mexico Court of Appeals, and New Mexico Supreme Court, advocating for clients' interests.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to shape the firm's long-term vision.
- Directed financial management processes to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
- Oversaw client relationship management to enhance service delivery and satisfaction.
CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL
STATE LAND OFFICE
Santa Fe, New Mexico
12.2004 - 01.2011
- Oversaw and directed legal matters for New Mexico State Land Office, ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting interests of State Trust Lands and Commissioner of Public Lands.
- Advised on legal matters related to state land management policies.
- Reviewed contracts and agreements for compliance with state regulations.
- Drafted legal documents to support land acquisition processes.
SENIOR TRIAL PROSECUTOR
FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Santa Fe, New Mexico
06.2003 - 12.2004
- Oversaw felony domestic violence prosecutions in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos counties, evaluating police reports to inform prosecutorial decisions.
- Reviewed case files to prepare for prosecution of criminal offenses.
- Collaborated with law enforcement to gather evidence and witness statements.
- Conducted legal research to support trial strategies and arguments.
SPECIAL COUNSEL
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Santa Fe, New Mexico
05.2001 - 12.2002
- Special Counsel and Advisor to Governor Gary E. Johnson, handled all legal matters affecting the Governor's Office. Headed the Governor's Legislative Review Team, providing analysis, advice, and recommendations to the Governor on matters regarding proposed legislation. Analyzed executive agency budget submissions, prioritized funding allocations, and provided appropriation recommendations to optimize resource distribution. Contributed to Governor's policy team by developing, amending, and implementing policy initiatives aligned with the Governor's agenda.
- Provided legal advice on state governance and policy implementation processes.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents for compliance with state laws and regulations.
- Collaborated with government officials to develop legislative initiatives and policies.
ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL
HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Santa Fe, New Mexico
08.2000 - 05.2001
- Represented Human Services Department and State of New Mexico before administrative tribunals on program and policy implementation, ensuring compliance with legal standards. Provided legal counsel to Cabinet Secretary and department heads, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
- Provided guidance on legal compliance for human services programs and policies
- Conducted legal research on regulations impacting human services operations.
Extern Law Clerk
10th CIRCUIT US COURT OF APPEALS
Santa Fe, New Mexico
01.1998 - 01.1998
- Served as an Extern Judicial Law Clerk for the Tenth Circuit United States Court of Appeals. Assisted with appellate brief evaluation, conducted comprehensive legal research, drafted persuasive legal arguments and opinions, and developed legal memoranda and orders for Honorable Justice Paul Joseph Kelly Jr.
- Conducted legal research on case law and statutes for appellate proceedings.
- Assisted in drafting memoranda for judges and court staff.
- Reviewed case files to summarize key issues and arguments.
Education
Doctor of Jurisprudence -
St. Mary's University School of Law
San Antonio, Texas05-2000
Bachelor of Arts - English
Denison University
Granville, Ohio05-1989
Skills
- Legislative analysis
- Regulatory compliance
- Compliance assurance
- Contract drafting
- Legal research
- Policy writing
Timeline
OF COUNSEL
GALLAGHER & KENNEDY, P.A.
04.2014 - 04.2016
PRESIDENT, ORGANIZER
THE STRANAHAN FIRM, LLC
01.2011 - 04.2016
CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL
STATE LAND OFFICE
12.2004 - 01.2011
SENIOR TRIAL PROSECUTOR
FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
06.2003 - 12.2004
MINORITY COUNSEL & ANALYST
HOUSE & SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
01.2003 - 01.2025
SPECIAL COUNSEL
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
05.2001 - 12.2002
ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL
HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT
08.2000 - 05.2001
Extern Law Clerk
10th CIRCUIT US COURT OF APPEALS
01.1998 - 01.1998
Doctor of Jurisprudence -
St. Mary's University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - English
Denison University