Michael Heitz Email & Phone Number

Santa Fe, Nm, Us

Assigned oversight of six state agencies: Higher Education Dept., Public Education Dept., Dept. of Workforce Solutions, Dept. of Transportation, Dept. of Cultural Affairs, and Dept. of Tourism. Meet weekly with the respective cabinet secretaries. Liaison between Governor and the departments, coordinating policy initiatives, assisting with personnel, legal, policy issues within the departments, and part of senior staff in the Governor's office.

Providing legal advise and counsel to the Director of the State Personnel Office (SPO) regarding personnel and human resource issues; legislative impact and analysis during legislative sessions; management and supervision of litigation (both administrative, civil, and appellate) regarding disciplinary appeals, discrimination, EEOC complaints, union grievances, and all employment/labor-related complaints and lawsuits involving the SPO as well as other state agencies in which SPO has asserted jurisdiction; advice regarding the negotiation and interpretation of the collective bargaining agreements for the three public employee unions (AFSCME, CWA, and NNMTEA).

Hired as a Senior Trial Attorney in the white collar crimes unit, prosecuting complex contractor fraud, embezzlement, forgery, identity theft, and credit card fraud cases as well as other violent and non-violent felonies. Promoted to Deputy District Attorney, supervising four felony attorneys, and four misdemeanor DWI attorneys. Supervised/managed both the white collar crimes and DWI units. Moved over into prosecuting sex crimes, primarily child sex cases, as well as murders. Named the White Collar Crime Prosecutor of the Year in 2011 by the Prosecutor Section of the New Mexico State Bar. Mentored and trained other misdemeanor attorneys in the domestic violence unit. Organized and led the Anapra Food Growing Project: a community outreach program of the District Attorney's Office designed to assist residents of Anapra, NM in growing vegetables in home gardens, and in beautification of local community buildings

Private practice handling a variety of civil cases (personal injury, divorce, employment, contracts, and guardian ad litem appointments) and criminal defense primarily at the state level, but also federal. Defended both felony and misdemeanor cases including DWI, domestic violence, and drug related offenses. Member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Assoc., Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Assoc., and El Paso Trial Lawyers Assoc.

El Paso, Tx, Us

Associate in the firm handling a variety of personal injury cases including: car wrecks, medical malpractice, product liability, premises liability. Handled cases from intake, pre-suit negotiations, through the litigation process (discovery, mediation, and trial if necessary). Left to open own practice in 2003.

Began as a law clerk during law school (part time, and full time during summers). Hired as an associate with the firm upon graduation. Handled a variety of personal injury cases including: car wrecks, medical malpractice, product liability, premises liability. Handled cases from intake, pre-suit negotiations, through the litigation process (discovery, mediation, and trial if necessary). Left in order to move to El Paso, TX.

Doctor Of Law (Jd), Law

Bachelor'S Degree, Political Science And Government