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About Us
Merrie Chappell
Merrie L. Chappell was a paralegal prior to law school and has been a trial lawyer for 35 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.
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
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
Our Team
Legal Assistant
Zaira Gutierrez born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico and graduated from St. John's college in 2021 with a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts. Zaira has been with the Firm since December 2022 and has successfully familiarized herself in family law matters, court rules pertaining to calendar and deadlines and My Case Portal to assist clients with navigating the attorney/client communication portal. Zaira is bilingual in English and Spanish. Her passion is helping people and working with our Family Law clients.
Administrative Assistant
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.