Email: sbarela@rlattorneys.com
Phone: (505) 373-1278
After serving in the United States Army, Susan moved to New Mexico and has called New Mexico home for over 20 years. Susan graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in May 2013, achieving positions on both the Honor Roll and Dean’s List. Susan’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of New Mexico (cum laude). She began her legal profession as an Assistant District Attorney for the Office of the District Attorney 2nd Judicial District.
Susan was admitted to the State Bar of New Mexico in 2013. She has gained extensive trial experience from serving as an intern to both district and appellate court judges to representing clients in complex interstate environmental litigation before the United States Supreme Court. Susan has served as an Assistant District Attorney, an Assistant Attorney General, a Special Assistant Attorney General, and has represented clients in civil, criminal, and commercial litigation in government and the private sector.
Susan has earned Basic Mediation Training and Mediation in Practice Certifications and has participated in numerous mediations and settlement facilitations throughout New Mexico.
While in law school, Susan served on the New Mexico Natural Resources Journal and served as Vice-President of the Student Bar Association. Additionally, Susan served as a teaching assistant for the first-year legal writing course. As a 3L, Susan was recognized by the Mexican American Law Student Association with the Outstanding 3L Award.
While in the United States Army, Susan served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 864th Engineer Battalion as a combat life saver. Upon her honorable discharge, Susan was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Susan is fluent in Spanish and provides a full range of services in both English and Spanish.
Susan is professionally associated with the Albuquerque Bar Association, American Bar Association, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association, the New Mexico Women’s Bar Association, and is a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.
Susan is admitted to practice before the State Bar of New Mexico, the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
