Bill Chappell, Jr.

Earl DeBrine concentrates his practice in oil and gas, railroad, product liability and commercial litigation. For over 30 years, he has represented major energy companies, railroads and manufacturers in lawsuits and negotiations ranging from preferential purchase rights and other disputes under joint operating agreements, environmental and title disputes to oilfield wrongful death claims. He also regularly advises oil and gas producers concerning development transactions and appears before th...

Since 2004, Bruce E. Thompson has been helping injured people and their families by holding wrongdoers accountable for violations of federal and state law and other safety standards. Practicing since 2004, Bruce handles cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, construction accidents, brain injury, trucking accidents and sexual abuse in courtrooms throughout New Mexico. Bruce's entire practice is devoted to litigation. A member of the State Bar of New Mexico, the A...

Susan Miller’s primary areas of interest are in water resources and environmental law, as well as insurance, tort and personal injury litigation. Susan currently serves as Chair of the Natural Resources, Energy and Environment Department and is the past Chair of Modrall Sperling’s Water Law Practice Group. She brings over 20 years of experience providing representation, advice and counsel to businesses, industries, ranchers, farmers and individuals throughout New Mexico with respe...

Donald F. Kochersberger is a Member of the firm and has been with BLSW since 2005. His practice emphasizes complex litigation matters, including shareholder, member and partner disputes, contracts, business tort, unfair practices, restrictive covenant and non-compete agreements, employee theft and misconduct cases, and customer and vendor disputes. Mr. Kochersberger has served as counsel for a number of local, regional and national companies, as well as individuals engaged in business dispute...

David focuses on government finance law, economic development and state tax incentive law, financial institutions law, government relations, securities law and corporate matters. Additionally, he represents issuers and underwriters in connection with the issuance of government securities. David has served as lead bond counsel to the New Mexico State Board of Finance, the New Mexico Finance Authority and the University of New Mexico and continues to serve in that capacity for the City of Albuq...

Sonya Burke is a shareholder in the firm’s Litigation group, where she practices primarily in insurance coverage defense. She represents insurance companies and their insureds in a variety of contexts. Sonya represents professionals in professional liability matters, and has represented realtors, attorneys, and contractors. She also assists with construction and design cases, employment matters including EEOC investigations, and breach of contract litigation. Sonya has been recognized a...

Laura Horton is committed to providing thoughtful and compassionate legal services. Laura strives to deliver excellence and client satisfaction. Laura began her career in accounting and finance and later, fueled by her passion for advocacy and the desire to make a difference, she attended law school in Oregon followed by a post-graduate fellowship with the government in Kosovo. Laura's current practice at her firm focuses on the intersection of adult guardianship, family law, and probate. She...

Elizabeth Ashton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Elizabeth, who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Alicia M. LaPado is a Senior Litigation Associate of the firm, with a practice that includes business litigation, general civil litigation, and criminal defense. Prior to becoming an associate, Ms. LaPado was employed by the firm as a law clerk where she provided support for complex civil and criminal matters, primarily in federal court. She also researched, drafted, and prepared briefs for submission in both state and federal court, as well as the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Ms. LaPado o...

Allegra Carpenter is an all-purpose litigator. She was named 2015 Albuquerque Personal Injury Litigator of the Year, is over ten years listed in Best, recognized in SuperLawyers, and is AV Preeminent with Martindale Hubble. Allegra’s Super Power is her creativity -- which defines and spans every aspect of her practice from case selection to trial. After 22 years with an Albuquerque firm, Allegra established her own practice, Allegra-Law, where she continues her long history of amplifyin...