Sarita Nair and Maria Montoya Chavez, both shareholders with the law firm of Sutin, Thayer & Browne, are two of New Mexico’s 40 most influential emerging leaders under 40 years of age, according to the New Mexico Business Weekly’s annual “40 Under 40” list released today.

Each year, the publication solicits nominations from the community for leaders under 40 years of age who exhibit professional leadership and exemplary community service.  Sarita and Maria were selected by a panel of judges from more than 150 nominations submitted this year.

Sutin, Thayer & Browne is one of only three businesses to have more than one member included in the list, and the only business to have two women listed.

Sarita Nair’s nomination recognized her professional accomplishments as an attorney leading the firm’s Commercial Group and her inclusion among the list of “Best Lawyers in America.”  Sarita's volunteer work is extensive, serving on boards with the Jewish Community Center, New Mexico Angels and Emerge America. She was previously the President of Emerge New Mexico. Sarita is particularly recognized for her ongoing work to promote diversity in the legal profession and the community at large through her volunteer work with minority law students, women in politics and as a diversity ambassador for the American Bar Association.

Maria Montoya Chavez has distinguished herself as a leader in the area of family law where she is a certified family law specialist. Maria has received awards for her speaking abilities at legal seminars and volunteers with several professional committees including the New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group and Board of the Family Law Section. Maria has also served on the board of Keshet Dance Company for more than 10 years, the past three as President.  Despite troubling economic times for all non-profits, Maria engaged staff and board in the development and implementation of a new strategic plan through which Keshet has now set the groundwork for the creation of its new home- the Keshet Performing Arts Center at Sawmill.

Sarita, Maria and the other honorees will be recognized at a reception on July 14th.

Sutin, Thayer & Browne is one of the state’s largest law firms with offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, providing exceptional service to New Mexico for 65 years.