Lawyer pledges to serve RR, settles in new office

RIO RANCHO — A lawyer has found her home in Rio Rancho and pledges to serve the community in the best way she can.

Laurie McFarland, a longtime Rio Rancho resident, first started in her new office located across from Stapleton Elementary School in November but finally felt settled enough to celebrate June 3.

“I have to begin by thanking some people who aren’t here: my mother, who lives in the Denver area, and my father, who we lost last July. Without their support, there would be no law firm here,” she said.

She also thanked her husband.

“Jared has always supported my creative side and been behind me when I’ve started a business. However, in the past when I have started a business, Jared has often secured a job elsewhere, and so we’ve had to move. So I do want to remind you, Jared, this time the cat and I are not moving,” she said.

She also told the Observer that despite moving regularly, she always felt Rio Rancho was her home since first buying a house in 2007. During her speech, she said she passed the bar exam in New Mexico.

“I’m grateful to have resettled our lives here. In November of last year, with just a laptop and a large amount of hope, after all one lawyer can only do so much to change her community, but what has happened is that I’ve had the good fortune to connect with so many great people who have helped me begin to grow this business in truly meaningful ways,” McFarland said.

She added that when she opened, she was one of the few law offices available in Rio Rancho.

“... and the only one specializing in estate planning because of the initial success of this business. I’m now studying for my LLM, my masters of law, in elder law and estate planning so I can continue to increase the value of services I bring to this community,” she said.

McFarland also said that residents she has already helped are grateful they don’t have to drive as far to get services. Part of her goal is to help as many Sandoval County residents that she can.

“I live and work here in Rio Rancho in Sandoval County, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I enjoy what I do, and I hope to help others for many years to come,” she said.

For more information, visit mcfarlegal.com.