About Leisa M.

Leisa M. Richards practices family law at Leisa Richards Law Office, P.C. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has been a member of the New Mexico State Bar since 2012. The firm focuses on various aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, and domestic violence cases. Leisa's experience allows her to handle the requirements of family law effectively.

She earned her J.D. from the University of South Dakota in 1997. Prior to that, she obtained a Master of Divinity from Harvard University in 1987 and a B.A. in English from Carleton College in 1981. Her diverse educational background contributes to her approach to legal issues, particularly in sensitive family matters. Most of her practice involves representing clients in custody disputes and protective order hearings.

Cases typically progress from initial consultations to negotiations and, when necessary, litigation in family court. Leisa is known for her ability to mediate disputes, aiming for amicable resolutions whenever possible. Her role as a legal director in previous positions developed her skills in managing complex cases and advocating for her clients' best interests. Before establishing her own practice, she held positions such as managing lawyer and legal director, which provided her with a solid foundation in family law. Her experience spans multiple jurisdictions, including North Dakota, South Dakota, and New Mexico. Leisa is also admitted to practice in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, which expands her ability to serve clients across state lines.

Leisa is an active member of several legal associations, including the New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. These affiliations reflect her commitment to collaborative law practices, which prioritize cooperation over conflict. She also holds memberships in the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota and the South Dakota State Bar Association. In addition to her legal practice, Leisa is involved in her community and participates in various outreach programs. Her dedication to family law and her clients is evident in her work, and she aims to provide compassionate and effective legal representation. She continues to engage in professional development to stay current with changes in family law, ensuring that her clients receive the best possible guidance.

Education

University of South Dakota

J.D. | law

1997

Harvard University

Master of Divinity | theology

1987

Carleton College

B.A. (1985) | English

1981

Languages

German (Spoken, Written)

Experience

Leisa Richards Law Office, P.C.
2012

Legal Director

Domestic Violence Resource Center (formerly Resources, Inc.)
2004

Managing Lawyer

Dakota Plains Legal Services
2000

Accepted Jurisdictions

North Dakota
8th Circuit
South Dakota
New Mexico

Court Admissions

United States District Court for the District of South Dakota U.S. District Court
North Dakota State Bar
South Dakota State Bar Association
Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court Bar
Standing Rock Tribal Court Bar

Types of Cases Handled

family law domestic violence

Legal Services Scope

Initial consultations Negotiations Litigation

Professional Associations

New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group

has membership 2011 - Current

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

has membership 2011 - Current

New Mexico State Bar

has membership 2004 - Current

United States District Court for the District of South Dakota

has membership 2001 - Current

South Dakota State Bar Association

has membership 2000 - Current

North Dakota State Bar

has membership 2001 - 2011

Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court Bar

has membership 2004 - 2006

Standing Rock Tribal Court Bar

has membership 2000 - 2005

Office Locations

Main Office

 924 Park SW Suite A Albuquerque NM 87102