Velarde & Yar
Velarde & Yar is an Albuquerque law firm built on decades of experience in bankruptcy and energy law, delivering practical, high-stakes legal counsel to individuals and businesses across New Mexico.
Gerald “Jerry” Velarde spent over 40 years representing clients in consumer and commercial bankruptcy matters across New Mexico and Texas, building a reputation for integrity and tenacious advocacy that remains a cornerstone of this firm. Though now serving in a consulting role, his influence and decades of hard-won experience continue to shape how we approach every client relationship.
Joseph Yar brings more than 20 years of experience in bankruptcy law, with a deep focus on corporate Chapter 11 reorganizations, and is licensed to practice in both New Mexico and New Jersey. His energy and regulatory work is equally grounded.
Joseph Yar spent four years as Assistant Attorney General representing consumers before the Public Regulation Commission, and in 2026 was appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to serve as the consumer advocate on the New Mexico Energy Affordability and Grid Reliability Council (NM EAGRC). That experience on both sides of the regulatory process gives clients a distinct advantage when navigating New Mexico’s energy landscape. Together, they offer clients focused, hands-on counsel at every stage.
Firm Practice Areas
Energy, Utilities and Telecom
We represent a diverse range of stakeholders before New Mexico’s regulatory bodies, including renewable developers, large energy users, power generators, and telecommunications companies. Our work spans rate cases, integrated resource planning proceedings, and general procurement matters, bringing both legal expertise and deep regulatory insight to every engagement.
Our experience runs broad and deep. We have served as both regulatory and general counsel for an electric cooperative, giving us a well-rounded understanding of how utilities operate from the inside out. That perspective shapes how we approach every client’s situation, whether they’re an intervenor in a complex proceeding or a developer navigating the approval process.
Beyond legal representation, we also offer regulatory consulting services, helping clients develop strategy, understand the landscape, and make informed decisions at every stage of the process.
Bankruptcy & Reorganization
We represent individuals and businesses across all chapters of the Bankruptcy Code, with a focus on debtor representation. Whether you’re a family facing financial hardship or a business working through a complex reorganization, we take the time to understand your situation and chart the most effective path forward.
Our practice covers Chapter 7 liquidations, Chapter 11 business reorganizations, Chapter 12 family farmer and fisherman debt restructurings, and Chapter 13 individual repayment plans. With decades of combined experience across New Mexico and Texas, we bring seasoned judgment to every case, from straightforward filings to high-stakes corporate restructurings.
Bankruptcy is rarely just a legal matter. It’s a stressful, often overwhelming experience. We pride ourselves on guiding clients through the process with clarity and compassion, making sure they understand their options and feel supported at every step.