
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
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Media Contact: Susan McKinsey, 277-1989
April 11, 2006
University of New Mexico Acting President David Harris has announced the appointment of Patrick Apodaca as university counsel following a national search to fill the position. He begins his UNM duties May 15.
Apodaca comes to UNM from the Albuquerque law firm of Keleher & McLeod, P.A., where he has practiced since 1984. In addition to his legal experience in the private sector, Apodaca served in local, state and federal positions.
As the university's senior legal officer, Apodaca will work directly with the president and Board of Regents, providing legal advice on a wide range of institutional issues. He will also be responsible for managing the University Counsel Office, including planning, organizing and supervising the work of staff attorneys and legal support staff, developing and managing budgets and selecting and overseeing the work of outside counsel.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Patrick join the University of New Mexico. He is an outstanding attorney with a great educational background and has an impressive record of public service.” Harris said. Harris also noted Apodaca's familiarity with New Mexico culture as an additional strength along with his many years of law practice in New Mexico.
Harris thanked Robert Bienstock and Scott Sauder for serving as interim university counsel and also extended his appreciation to the search committee.
Apodaca noted that the position represents a unique professional opportunity to apply his combined private and public sector experience to provide legal counsel to the Board of Regents and president in an increasingly complex legal environment. Apodaca added that the prompt and cost-effective delivery of superior legal services will be a priority for his office.
"I am honored by the appointment as UNM's chief lawyer and enthusiastically look forward to working with the talented lawyers and staff of the counsel's office in serving the University community,” Apodaca said.
Apodaca has practiced law since 1975. In private practice, his areas of concentration included business, real property and financing transactions, large corporate acquisitions, and contracts. He also has extensive experience advising boards of directors and senior management on a broad range of corporate matters. He has served on Keleher & McLeod's Executive Committee, participating in the firm's management, budgeting,
personnel matters, policy formulation, and strategic planning. Apodaca's extensive public sector experience includes service as associate counsel to President Jimmy Carter, independent counsel for the City of Albuquerque and as member of the State of New Mexico Investment Council.
A member of the American Law Institute, Apodaca received a J.D. from Harvard University and a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University, cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.
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The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.
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