About Us

The word about us is written in red on a white background.
A woman wearing glasses is smiling in front of a framed picture of a man in a hat

Merrie Chappell

Merrie L. Chappell was a paralegal prior to law school and has been a trial lawyer for 31 years. Merrie's family law practice flourished due to her extensive litigation experience and judicial hearing officer experience. Merrie’s general philosophy is that a child needs two healthy parents and she will diligently pursue that objective. In cooperation with her trial experience, her mediation skills contribute to an easier resolution. 

A black plaque that says lawyers of distinction on it
The 2023 felipe quintana memorial award of excellence is presented to merrie chappelle

Experience

  • Insurance Defense for Self Insured Debtor through the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Mexico 1994-1999 
  • Medical Malpractice Attorney in Los Angeles, California 1997-1999 
  • Construction Litigation 1994-2004
  •  Family Law Litigator in the First, Second, Fourth and Eighth Judicial District Courts of New Mexico 1994-2006 & 2010-Present
  • Domestic Violence Attorney 1994-2006 & 2010-Present 
  • Active participant in the Volunteer Attorney Program
  • Felipe Quintana Memorial Award of Excellence, 2023
An american association of attorney advocates top 10 female attorney

Professional Activities and Honors

  • Managing Editor, Idaho Law Review
  •  Who’s Who Among American Professionals
  •  Domestic Violence Special Commissioner for the Eighth Judicial District Court Domestic Relations Hearing Officer for the Eighth Judicial District Court BV 
  • Distinguished Very High Rating Both in Legal Ability and Ethical Standards (Martindale-Hubbell) 
  • Coalition Against Domestic Violence Recognition 
  • Community Against Violence Advocate 
The word our team is written in red on a white background.
A woman in a yellow sweater is sitting at a table in front of a painting.

Office Manager

Alexis Baca recently joined Merrie Chappell Law, PC as the Administrative Assistant. She is born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has over 13+ years of experience working in legal offices. She works closely with the Attorney and staff to ensure all case needs and deadlines are met. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, learning to cook her mom’s recipes, and is a dog mom and proud aunt.

Share by: