Robert J. Johnston

Robert J. Johnston

 

ROBERT J. JOHNSTON is a firm shareholder and a member of the firm’s commercial group. Robert’s practice concentrates on public finance and New Mexico tax law, including corporate income tax, gross receipts tax, and property tax. Robert also represents clients in liquor licensing and general business and corporate matters.

In his public finance practice, Robert provides advice on taxable and tax-exempt financings for public, private, and government clients and contractors. He also advises companies on local economic development incentives, including industrial revenue bonds.

In his tax practice, Robert advises taxpayers in all aspects of New Mexico tax law. He assists taxpayers in responding to assessments and audits by the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, and he represents taxpayers in refund claims, administrative tax protest proceedings before the New Mexico Administrative Hearings Office, and tax litigation and appeals.

Robert also has experience handling regulatory and administrative law matters before the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, including obtaining approvals for large capacity electric generation plants and associated transmission lines as well as general regulatory litigation.

Admissions

  • New Mexico, 2016
  • Arizona, 2017
  • United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, 2016

Education

  • University of New Mexico Law School, 2016, J.D., Law
  • Eastern New Mexico University, 2013, B.S., Political Science, History, magna cum laude

Publications & Speeches

  • Electronic Signatures and Negotiating Vendor Contracts” April 14, 2022. Independent Community Bankers Association of New Mexico Strategic IT/Operations Conference. Co-presented with Isaac A. Leon, Sutin, Thayer & Browne
  • Council on State Taxation (COST) Fifty State Tax Developments Summary Update, New Mexico, co-authored annually with Suzanne Wood Bruckner, Sutin, Thayer & Browne
  • Corporate Practice of Medicine: A 50 State Survey, Second Edition, New Mexico chapter (American Health Lawyers Association), 2020. Co-authored with David H. Johnson and Jesse D. Hale, both with Sutin, Thayer & Browne

Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, Tax Law, 2021-present
  • Southwest Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2020-present
  • Dean’s Award for Significant Contribution to the Law School Community, University of New Mexico School of Law, May 2016
  • University of New Mexico School of Law Merit Award Scholarship
  • University of New Mexico School of Law Dean’s List
  • Phi Kappa Phi National Academic Honor Society
  • Eastern New Mexico University Dean’s List
  • Eastern New Mexico University Class of 2013 Outstanding Student in Political Science
  • Chicago-Kent College of Law Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholar, 2012

Professional & Community Involvement

  • National Association of Bond Lawyers, 2018-present
  • Alliance of Alcohol Industry Attorneys and Consultants, 2022-present
  • Leadership Albuquerque, Class of 2023
  • New Mexico Chamber of Commerce – Tax Policy Committee, 2018-present
  • State Bar of New Mexico, Tax Law Section – Board of Directors, 2021-present
  • Attorney Coach, Albuquerque High School Mock Trial Team, 2018-2022
  • New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association
  • State Bar of New Mexico, Young Lawyers Division – Law Student Mentorship Program
  • American Bar Association

Representative Experience

  • Successfully acquired emergency relief from the NMPRC for LightStar Renewables in the Community Solar bidding process
  • Successfully obtained location and right of way approval from the NMPRC for a large capacity (300MW) wind powered electric generation plant and associated transmission line
  • Regularly represents clients in formal hearings before the Independent Hearing Office on various tax issues
  • Represents the New Mexico Finance Authority on various matters
  • Represented a local two-year post-secondary educational institution in the issuance of multiple series of its taxable education technology notes pursuant to the College District Tax Act
  • Represents business clients in industrial revenue bond transactions
  • Regularly represents clients in business matters ranging from day-to-day operational issues to mergers and acquisitions
  • Represents clients in all aspects of New Mexico liquor licensing and compliance, including the sale and acquisition of liquor licenses, compliance and planning, as well as administrative citations
Skip to content