"In our cases, we work to make a difference for our clients and for our community."
-A. Elicia Montoya
Elicia has dedicated her practice to ensuring that in her work, she makes a difference for her clients and for her community. She knows that people reach out to her and to the firm during the worst time in their lives, when a loved one has been killed or suffered catastrophic injury and through no fault of their own. She is committed to pursuing her cases with purpose to prevent needless tragedies from happening again and to ensure that wrongdoers are held accountable for the harm they cause.
She has received the highest possible rating from her peers and from the judiciary based on her legal ability and ethical standards. She has successfully tried cases throughout the State of New Mexico and teaches trial skills to lawyers throughout the country. Her verdicts and settlements total well over $100 million, but most importantly, Elicia has worked to ensure that as part of settlements, systemic changes are made to prevent the same type of harm from happening again.
Elicia’s clients become like family to her and, for her, the cases are personal. She works tirelessly for her cases because they are causes. She works to make a difference in the lives of her clients and in the lives of those whose lives may be improved because of the work she and her clients have done to hold others accountable. Elicia’s commitment to ensuring justice began long before she was sworn in as a lawyer. In law school, Elicia received the Margaret Keiper Dailey Award for Social Justice and also helped to found the first Children’s Law Clinic at the University of New Mexico School of Law. Elicia has also served as an adjunct Professor at the University of New Mexico teaching skills in trial advocacy.
Elicia’s commitment to lead a life of purpose drives her both in and outside of her work. She has volunteered her legal services for important causes; has served on numerous Boards; and has volunteered with numerous organizations throughout the State in order to serve her community in every way she can.
When not in the Courtroom, preparing for trial or volunteering her time, Elicia loves being with her family, especially in the outdoors.
Honors
Margaret Keiper Daily Award
Super Lawyers; 2015 - 2021
Super Lawyers Rising Stars; 2012 - 2014
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
National Trial Lawyers; Top 40 under 40
National Trial Lawyers; Top 100 Lawyers
500 Best Lawyers in the US, Lawdragon 500
Education
University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Juris Doctor - 1999
Honors: Margaret Keiper Dailey Award for Social Justice, 1999
University of Notre Dame
B.A. - 1996
Major: Government
Professional Associations
NM Ethics Review Board, Hearing Officer
New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Directors, Member, 2000 to Present
American Association for Justice, Member
New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, Board Member
State Bar of New Mexico, Member
New Mexico State District Courts, Member
Community Involvement
Catechism Teacher, St. Francis Cathedral (2014-2018)
Rio Grande Elementary School, Board of Trustees
Santa Fe Preparatory School, Board of Trustees
Pegasus Legal Services for Children, Board of Directors, Member, 2004 to 2007
City of Santa Fe, Ethics Review Board, Mayoral Appointee, 2004 to 2007
Classes/Seminars
Adjunct Professor, University of New Mexico Law School
Past Experience
Honorable James J. Wechsler, New Mexico Court of Appeals, Law Clerk, 1999 to 1999
Licenses
Licensed in both State and Federal Courts in New Mexico
Awards
Lawdragon 500
Best Lawyers in America
America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators
The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers Rising Stars
AV Preeminent Rated
