
Kari E. Olson, Appellate Attorney in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Over 12 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Environmental, and General
PartneratSpencer Fane
Santa Fe, NM
Practicing appellate in Santa Fe since 2014.
- 12+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Kari E. Olson?
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Quick answer
Kari E. Olson is a partner based in Santa Fe, NM. The practice focuses on Appellate, Environmental, and General. Kari has over 12 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spencer Fane.
- Based in
- Santa Fe, NM
- Experience
- over 12 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Environmental · General
- Handles Appellate, Environmental, and General matters from Santa Fe, NM.
- Over 12 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Kari E. Olson: Kari E. Olson is a partner based in Santa Fe, NM. The practice focuses on Appellate, Environmental, and General. Kari has over 12 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spencer Fane.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Kari E. Olson
Kari concentrates on appellate, environmental, general, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kari handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Environmental
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General
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Government
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Litigation
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Appellate cases in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Kari takes appellate matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kari agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Kari takes environmental matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kari agrees to represent you.
General cases in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Kari takes general matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kari agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Kari takes government matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kari agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Kari takes litigation matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kari agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Kari E. Olson — Over 12 years of New Mexico appellate experience
Kari E. Olson is a partner based in Santa Fe, NM. The practice focuses on Appellate, Environmental, and General. Kari has over 12 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spencer Fane.
Kari E. Olson practices in the areas of administrative and regulatory law, residential and commercial real estate, and appellate practice. Her administrative and regulatory practice is concentrated in the areas of public utility regulation, environmental, and water law, including related litigation. Ms. Olson’s utility regulatory experience includes general rate cases; certificate and other proceedings for new facilities, procurements, and projects under state law and regulation governing transition to renewable energy, grid modernization, and expansion of transportation electrification; and rulemaking proceedings. Ms. Olson’s environmental experience includes advising clients on compliance with state and federal environmental laws and regulations and representing clients before state agencies and state and federal courts on environmental permitting, rulemaking, and enforcement matters.
Ms. Olson serves on the Board of Directors for the New Mexico State Bar Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law Section. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Olson clerked for the Honorable Justice Richard C. Bosson of the New Mexico Supreme Court. Prior to law school, Ms. Olson worked in animal husbandry overseeing the daily care of the sharks and sting rays at both the Albuquerque Aquarium and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.
Honors
Recognized in Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch
Order of the Coif
Working with Kari on a appellate matter
Kari E. Olson practices in the areas of administrative and regulatory law, residential and commercial real estate, and appellate practice. Her administrative and regulatory practice is concentrated in the areas of public utility regulation, environmental, and water law, including related litigation. Ms. Olson’s utility regulatory experience includes general rate cases; certificate and other…
Clients Kari works with
Kari reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, environmental, and general matters in Santa Fe and the surrounding New Mexico area.
Credentials
Kari E. Olson's legal education and bar admissions
University of New Mexico School of Law
J.D. · 2014
Jurisdictions
Kari's state bar admissions
New Mexico
2014 · ACTIVE
Kari studied at J.D. in University of New Mexico School of Law.
Law school and academic background
Kari completed J.D. in University of New Mexico School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kari runs in New Mexico is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Kari's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional Memberships and Activities •American Bar Association •State Bar of New Mexico •S
membership
District Court for the District of New Mexico •First Judicial District Bar Association, Member
membership
Locations
Kari E. Olson's office in Santa Fe
Kari's primary office is at 325 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM, 87501. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Kari E. Olson
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Kari E. Olson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kari usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kari charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kari's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Kari will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Santa Fe, New Mexico
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Kari
Kari discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Kari confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kari's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Kari E. Olson
How much does it cost to hire Kari for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kari walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kari offer a free consultation?
Kari charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kari's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Kari's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in New Mexico typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Kari gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kari take my case if I'm outside Santa Fe?
Kari is licensed in New Mexico. Matters governed by New Mexico law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Kari will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Kari?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Kari will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kari accepting new appellate clients right now?
Kari's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces in New Mexico
Kari handles appellate matters throughout New Mexico. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Kari's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Santa Fe handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




