Trials, Post-Conviction Relief, Civil Rights,
Antitrust, Class Actions
Zach served as a law clerk to Justice Pamela B. Minzner of the New Mexico Supreme Court before joining the firm in 2001. He represents clients on appeal and at the trial level in a wide variety of criminal and civil cases in federal and state courts. As part of his appellate practice, Zach co-authored a merits brief in Gonzales v. O Centro Espirita Beneficente Uniao do Vegetal, 126 S. Ct. 1211 (2006). The United States Supreme Court decided the case unanimously in favor of the firm’s clients, a church and its members who are seeking to prevent the government from interfering with their religious practices. He has also briefed and argued an appeal involving the constitutionality of the state felony sentencing statute on behalf of amicus curiae New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Zach has represented those accused of white-collar crimes, drug possession and trafficking, violent crimes, and providing material support to terrorist organizations. His civil rights experience has been primarily in the areas of religious freedom, police misconduct, and election litigation. In class action lawsuits, he has represented the victims of price fixing and other illegal business practices. The New Mexico Supreme Court recently appointed him Chair of its Uniform Jury Instructions Criminal Committee.
Education
Vassar College, B.A. 1995 (Honors, Phi Beta Kappa)
University of New Mexico School of Law, J.D. 2000 (Magna Cum Laude, Order of the Coif,
Thesis Honors, Alumni Writing Prize, Clinical Honors, Julia Raymond McCulloch
Memorial Award for Constitutional Law, Jerrold J. Walden Award for Overall Academic
Performance)
Professional Activities
Chair, Criminal Uniform Jury Instruction Committee
Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member, American Trial Lawyers Association and New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association
