Taft, formerly Sherman & Howard, is growing its Albuquerque law office with the addition of renowned public finance attorney David Buchholtz.
Buchholtz focuses his practice on public finance, government finance, economic development, financial institutions, government relations, securities, and corporate matters. He represents issuers and underwriters in government securities issues, counsels private businesses on government relations, and advises clients on public finance and economic development matters. Buchholtz previously worked with Jill Sweeney, Taft's New Mexico office lead and public finance partner, at another local firm.
"I'm excited to join Taft and contribute to the firm's continued success in Albuquerque while supporting and mentoring up-and-coming attorneys," said Buchholtz. "Having worked alongside Jill for years, I've witnessed firsthand how her leadership transformed Sherman & Howard's New Mexico practice into a premier public finance firm in the market. I'm proud to be part of that team as we grow as Taft."
"I have had the opportunity to collaborate and share clients with David in the past, so having him join the Taft team is exciting," said Sweeney. "With deep-rooted experience in New Mexico's public finance and economic development community, David will bring invaluable insight to the work we do and provide valuable mentorship to the attorneys we welcome through our office's strategic growth."
Taft's Public Finance Chair Cory Kalanick added: "David's work is well-respected across New Mexico, and we are fortunate to have him on board. His knowledge and experience, combined with the high-caliber talent of our Albuquerque team, position us to serve our clients even more effectively."
The firm's Albuquerque office also recently welcomed associate Camila Gutiérrez Writtenberry, who previously served as a summer associate and a law clerk in the firm's Public Finance group. Writtenberry advises public and private clients on financing tools that drive infrastructure development, economic development, and long-term community investment across New Mexico. She represents the New Mexico Finance Authority in its Opportunity Enterprise Programs, which provide low-cost financing for commercial development, workforce and affordable housing development, as well as for a number of public improvement districts and tax increment districts, such as Mesa del Sol and Winrock. In addition to her legal work, Writtenberry is the founder and owner of a national translation and interpretation firm that provides language access and promotes cultural competency in various industries across the country.
Since announcing the merger with Taft in Sept. 2024, public finance attorney Dan Opperman also joined the office. He focuses his practice on bond financing, economic development, securities, and new markets tax credits. Prior to joining the firm, Opperman served as the chief legal officer at the New Mexico Finance Authority.
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, Taft combined with Sherman & Howard, Denver's oldest and third-largest firm. The merger expanded Taft's footprint into the Mountain West, including Albuquerque, and added approximately 125 lawyers. In addition to Buchholtz, Writtenberry, and Opperman, Taft has welcomed 20 new attorneys in the Mountain West region since announcing the merger, furthering its strategic growth.