Mora, NM

Amelia P. Nelson

Amelia Nelson is a seasoned attorney passionate about helping clients navigate their legal journeys. With a diverse background in academics and private practice, Amelia brings a wealth of legal expertise to the table. As a Principal Lecturer II at the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management/Graduate Studies Program, she shared her knowledge on various legal topics, from ethics and employment law to constitutional protections and business organization law. Currently, Amelia serves as an Attorney/Of-Counsel at our firm, focusing on personal injury and wildfire litigation. Her expertise includes civil litigation, tort law, business law, employment law, and sports management. She’s renowned for her ability to evaluate legal issues and find optimal solutions for her clients, embodying our mission of perseverance and finding a way forward. Amelia’s dedication to service and discipline is evident from her time serving in the US Army (Active/Reserve) from 1996 to 2004. As the Attorney/Owner of Rio Grande Attorneys at Law, P.C., she specialized in business, employment, labor, and tort law, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and service. Beyond her legal pursuits, Amelia finds joy in indulging her passions outside the courtroom. An avid sports enthusiast, she actively participates in triathlons and duathlons, channeling her competitive spirit. She also shares her love for sports as an assistant coach for youth softball. She cherishes moments with her family in her leisure time, engaging in outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and playing with her beloved bulldogs. Amelia’s dedication, expertise, and passion make her a valuable asset to our firm and a trusted advocate for our clients. She embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination, always striving for success and finding a way to achieve it.

Antonia Roybal-Mack

Antonia Roybal-Mack is the driving force behind Roybal-Mack & Cordova, PC, where her extensive experience as a litigation and planning attorney has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s policies and practices. With a distinguished career as a civil lawyer, Antonia has garnered numerous accolades for her outstanding contributions to the legal profession. Antonia has overseen the firm’s expansion to four state-wide offices as the founder of the Roybal-Mack & Cordova law firm in New Mexico. She founded the only mass tort litigation law firm in New Mexico. Her caseload is focused on disaster mitigation, wildfire recovery, watershed issues, and environmental mass tort recovery. Antonia has represented hundreds of families and businesses in environmental and wildfire disaster cases. She has represented claimants working over a billion dollars in damages for wildfire recovery. Antonia has successfully lobbied the legislature on legislation that affects positive outcomes for fire victims. Antonia earned her Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law. She holds a Master of Laws (LLC) degree from Texas A&M University in Wealth Management. She completed her undergraduate work at New Mexico State University. Additionally, she is an accomplished author with several publications to her credit. Her dedication to excellence has been recognized through various awards, including the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award from the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association and the Best of the Bar in Civil Litigation from NM Business Weekly. The New Mexico Woman’s Bar Association Henrietta Pettijohn Award. The Albuquerque Bar Association Lawyer of the Year. The American Bar Association “On the Rise” award for 40 Under 40. Albuquerque Business First 40 Under 40. Albuquerque Business Weekly Women of Influence. Albuquerque Business First Fastest Growing Companies. Albuquerque Bar Association Lawyer of the Year Award. Antonia founded the Mora Fire Fund with the Center of Southwest Culture, where he has raised $ 100,000 of thousands of dollars for fire victims. The fund remains active in addressing unmet needs after the fire. She continues to serve on the Presbyterian Ear Institute board of directors, advocating for hearing-impaired children and their access to education. Antonia has successfully appealed cases through the New Mexico Courts, including the landmark decision in Jovey-Jaramillo v. Liberty Mutual.

Kenneth C. Leach

Kenneth C. Leach is not only a distinguished attorney with an illustrious career in Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate, and Business Law since 1975 but also a devoted family man and sports enthusiast. When he’s not navigating the complexities of the legal world, Kenneth cherishes the moments spent with his beloved wife, Hazel, and their son, Matthew. His family life is a cornerstone of his happiness and balance, providing him support and joy beyond his professional achievements. An avid sports fan, Kenneth’s passion for the game is unmistakable, especially in Los Angeles Dodgers baseball. His loyalty to the Dodgers is a testament to his commitment and enthusiasm, mirroring the dedication he shows in his legal practice. But his love for sports doesn’t end with baseball; basketball and football also capture his attention, making him a well-rounded sports aficionado who enjoys both the thrill of the game and the camaraderie it brings. A proud alumnus of the University of New Mexico Law School, Mr. Leach has honed his legal skills and been an active member of various esteemed legal organizations. His affiliation with the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) underlines his recognized expertise in trust and estate matters. Kenneth C. Leach’s professional excellence has been acknowledged through numerous recognitions, most notably being listed for 27 consecutive years in “The Best Lawyers in America” in the Trust & Estates category. Mr. Leach’s dedication extends beyond the law and into the community, as evidenced by his significant involvement with the Albuquerque Community Foundation and the San Juan College Foundation Board. These aspects of his life provide a fuller picture of the man behind the legal expertise, highlighting his multifaceted personality and ability to find joy and fulfillment in his personal and professional spheres.

Darren Lee Cordova

Darren Cordova is a dynamic leader, Chief Legal Officer, and Partner whose career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a dedication to justice. With a career spanning over a decade, Darren has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in the legal arena, specializing in generational wealth planning and preservation. Darren has keen skills in estate planning, adult guardianship, asset protection, and related litigation. As the driving force behind Roybal-Mack & Cordova, P.C., he has led the firm to new heights, consistently delivering successful outcomes for clients in various practice areas. From navigating complex cases to advocating for the rights of individuals in probate litigation, his track record speaks volumes. Born and raised in Taos, New Mexico, Darren has brought his Northern New Mexico roots of hard work and perseverance to his law practice. His early years were spent learning in his father’s radio business, where he learned how to protect small businesses. In that role, he was Vice President, Project Manager, and Program Director at DMC Broadcasting Inc. Their innovative strategies and leadership were instrumental in propelling the company to the forefront of the market, achieving unprecedented levels of listenership and online engagement across four radio stations. He remains active today in music production. Throughout his career, Darren has remained committed to delivering exceptional results in the courtroom or the boardroom. His passion for justice, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to client success set him apart as a visionary leader in legal and media. Darren has served on the Board of Directors of the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association New Mexico YDI services and has been awarded the New Mexico Supreme Court Advocacy award.

Ellen Argyres

Ellen Argyres embodies the essence of legal excellence and community advocacy throughout her distinguished career. Currently serving as an attorney at Roybal-Mack & Cordova, P.C., Ellen offers invaluable legal support and guidance, specializing in finding ethical solutions to complex legal matters. Her strategic acumen ensures favorable outcomes for clients while maintaining a cost-effective approach. Beyond her legal practice, Ellen extends her expertise to support communities affected by natural disasters, exemplified by her dedicated assistance with Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon fire victims navigating FEMA processes. In her previous roles, Ellen’s impact extended beyond the courtroom, showcasing her leadership and commitment to social causes. As a program manager at Straight Scoop for Vets and Friends, also known as Forward Flag, Ellen was pivotal in driving impactful projects to support veteran communities. Her ability to coordinate objectives, strategies, and goals ensured the organization’s mission was effectively carried out, facilitating smooth transitions for justice-involved veterans into civilian life. Ellen’s dedication to community service was further demonstrated through her collaboration with key stakeholders to provide essential services like housing assistance and employment opportunities. Ellen’s tenure as a compliance officer and in-house counsel at Downs at Albuquerque also underscored her versatility and expertise in regulatory compliance. She meticulously implemented and managed comprehensive compliance programs, ensuring adherence to strict regulations within the casino gaming industry. Ellen’s proactive approach and commitment to fostering a culture of compliance contributed to the integrity and security of gaming operations. Throughout her career, Ellen Argyres has exemplified the highest standards of legal professionalism, community engagement, and strategic leadership, making her a trusted advisor and advocate in both legal and nonprofit spheres.

Christina P. Argyres

Meet Christina Argyres, an accomplished attorney whose passion for justice drives her extensive legal career spanning over two decades. At our firm, we believe in our purpose: “There is a way; we find it. We are a force for good.” Christina embodies this mission in everything she does. Christina began with a Master’s in Liberal Arts from Harvard University in 1993, followed by her Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern School of Law in 1997. From there, she embarked on a diverse legal path, starting as a private practitioner before serving as both a Metro Court Judge and a District Court Judge. She brings her expertise to the Village of Los Ranchos as its Judge. But Christina’s commitment to making a difference doesn’t stop there. She also plays a crucial role in the RMC Fire Team, using her legal knowledge to assist with Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon fire claims-her dedication to justice, integrity, and unwavering commitment shine through in all her endeavors. Beyond her professional pursuits, Christina finds joy in spending time with her chickens, reflecting her compassionate nature and love for animals. This same compassion infuses her work, making her a respected attorney and a trusted advocate for those in need. With Christina on our team, clients can rest assured that they have a passionate ally fighting for their rights and working towards positive outcomes.

Dynette M. Palomares

Meet Dynette Palomares, a dynamic partner and associate attorney at Roybal-Mack & Cordova, PC, where our motto is simple: we work until we win. Dynette’s passion for justice and unwavering dedication to her clients make her an invaluable team member. With a wealth of experience in litigation, Dynette is committed to ensuring that clients receive the expert guidance they deserve. She manages a diverse caseload, handling everything from litigation and motions practice to negotiation in domestic relations, guardianship proceedings, conservatorship proceedings, and guardian ad litigation work. Her goal is always the same: to secure positive outcomes that ensure the well-being of her clients long after the legal process concludes. Dynette’s talents extend beyond the courtroom. She plays a crucial role in staff management and training, ensuring our firm operates smoothly and efficiently. Her dedication to justice and her passion for helping others shine through in everything she does, earning her recognition, such as the UNM All-Star Faculty Awards and the NCMA Graalman Award for excellence in trial advocacy and academic achievement. With Dynette on our team, clients can rest assured that they have a tireless advocate fighting for their rights and futures. She embodies our mission of working until we win, both in the courtroom and the community we serve. Dynette is fluent in Spanish and, in her spare time, works recording traditional Northern New Mexico music.