The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides policy guidance, legal advice and representation to the Cabinet Secretary, Division Directors, and Department personnel.

This work includes:

• The development of legal strategies that further the Department’s mission and goals;
• Legal advocacy and representation of the Department in both administrative and judicial proceedings;
• Regular interaction with other agency attorneys, including the Attorney General’s office, and attorneys representing entities regulated by the Department to negotiate, or litigate if necessary, the resolution of legal issues in support of the Department’s goals;
• Reviewing contractual commitments entered into by the Department;
• Assisting Divisions with personnel matters, including providing advice and direction on disciplinary actions and representing the department in State Personnel Office hearings; and,
• Spearheading the Department’s bill analysis and legislation review and development process on all matters affecting the Department for the Cabinet Secretary and Division Directors to help further Department goals and understand the effect of pending legislation on the Department.

OGC Personnel:

Ben Shelton, General Counsel, 505-487-6648, [email protected] 

Gabriiel Wade,  Deputy General Counsel (MMD, Parks, Forestry), 505-470-6356, [email protected]

Jesse Tremaine, Legal Director (OCD), 505-231-9312, [email protected] 

Chis Moander, Assistant General Counsel (OCD), 505-709-5687, [email protected]

Chelsea Fox, Assistant General Counsel (Forestry), 505-607-4813 [email protected]

Christy Trevino, Assistant General Counsel (OCD) 505-709-5687,  [email protected]

Denise Zendel, Contracts Analyst, 505-690-2047, [email protected]

Sara Griego, Law Clerk, 505-476-3211, [email protected]