Gary J. Coffin, Associate

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History

Prior to entering private practice, Gary J. Coffin served as a Community Prosecutor with the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, where he oversaw implementation of a $1,000,000 Department of Justice Community-Based Crime Reduction Grant in Albuquerque’s International District. In that role, he worked closely with law enforcement, community leaders, business organizations, and faith-based groups to develop strategies to reduce violent crime and improve communication between the community and the criminal justice system. He also served as a liaison between the District Attorney’s Office and the Albuquerque Police Department, facilitated public meetings, and assisted in ensuring compliance with state and federal grant requirements.

In addition to his legal practice, Gary J. Coffin is active in civic and community service. He is the Co-Founder and former Vice President of Indivisible Albuquerque, a nonprofit organization focused on civic engagement and public education. Through this work, he has organized community outreach efforts, facilitated meetings with elected officials, trained volunteers, and drafted an amicus curiae brief accepted by the New Mexico Supreme Court. Mr. Coffin also previously served on the Bernalillo County Detention Facility Management Advisory Board, where he helped oversee compliance with constitutional and legal standards at Bernalillo’s County Metropolitan Detention Center.

Before beginning his legal career, Gary Coffin served in the United States Navy as a submarine-qualified Sonar Technician. His military service continues to inform his commitment to discipline, public service, and advocacy on behalf of his clients.

Practice Areas

• State and federal court litigation
• Employment law and litigation
• Commercial litigation
• Arbitration
• Mediation
• Construction defect litigation
• Real Estate litigation
• Transactional work

With Sommer Udall Law Firm Since

• 2025

Education

• J.D., cum laude, University of New Mexico Law School
• B.A., Political Science from the University of Hawaiʻi

Bar Admissions

• United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, and all New Mexico state courts.

Awards and Accomplishments

• Michael B. Browde Award for Excellence in Constitutional Law
• At University of New Mexico School of Law, Gary graduated in the top third of his class
• While at the University of Hawaiʻi, Gary made Dean’s List and completed a senior legislative project in Washington, D.C. working to secure and protect public lands

Practicing Law Since

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Professional Associations and Memberships

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