Gaelle D. McConnell

Jennifer D. Hall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Jennifer D., who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Maria Montoya Chavez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law, Family Law Arbitration and Family Law Mediation. Maria Montoya, who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Maria Montoya is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Art Melendres concentrates his practice primarily in administrative, education, commercial and municipal finance law. For more than thirty-five years, clients have sought Art’s expertise when faced with disputes involving education, administrative law, commercial law or public financing. For more than twenty-five years, Art has served as general counsel for the Albuquerque Public Schools, a school district of more than 90,000 students and 11,000 employees. He regularly advises the Schoo...

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...

Brian Nichols’ practice is primarily in federal Indian law and litigation, including tribal courts, with focuses on energy, natural resources, transportation and employment. His experience includes: Lead counsel in trials in federal, state, and tribal courts. Lead negotiator in labor negotiations. Advising and negotiating for clients with tribal nations. Consulting with clients doing or considering business on or with tribal nations. Brian has advised clients including BHP Billiton, Uni...

Doug Vadnais has more than 30 years of transaction and litigation experience in diverse business matters, real estate, and the protection and exercise of creditors’ rights. He has represented the entire spectrum of clients from individuals to Fortune 500 companies, and brings to each a pragmatic, practical approach to problem solving, with the aim of effecting an efficient and advantageous resolution for the client. Clients include both buyers and sellers of commercial and residential r...

Andrew J. Simons is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Bankruptcy. Andrew J., who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mariposa Padilla Sivage is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Construction. Mariposa Padilla, who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mariposa Padilla is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Suzanne Wood Bruckner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Public Finance Law and Tax Law. Suzanne Wood, who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Suzanne Wood is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.