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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 29 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
Senior Paralegal
Glee Soto is the training Senior Paralegal and assists the firm on an as needed basis. Merrie Chappell Law, PC, is fortunate Mrs. Soto is dedicated to the practice and our clients.
Domestic Relations Paralegal
Collin Soto began working with Merrie Chappell Law, PC in October 2017 as the domestic relations paralegal. Collin is responsible for drafting all initial petitions and motion packets for custody, divorce, and other family law matters. Collin files all family law pleadings through Odyssey and serves the opposing party and client. Our firm is thrilled Collin is the direct contact for our clients and able to assist them through the process.
Law Clerk
West Tucker earned a Journalism Degree in the 1990’s from LSU, has experience in Business, Business Consulting and IT. He also lived in his hometown of Miami to take over the Century Hotel in South Beach where he spent nearly a decade. He has completed all coursework for a law degree and plans to sit for the NM bar in July.
He was a legal nerd long before law school and looks forward to using his ample energy and immense curiosity to benefit Firm clientele. West is excited to call his adopted state of NM home, where he can pursue his love of law and aid New Mexico Families.
Administrative Assistant
Zaira Gutierrez born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico and graduated from St. John's college in 2012 with a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts. Zaira is the newest member of Merrie Chappell Law, PC, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. Zaira's passion is helping people and working with Family Law Clients. Zaira is successfully familiarizing herself with Family Law to benefit Firm clients.