Post, TX

Brandon Barnett

Brandon is an experienced trial attorney with a history of handling high stakes cases. Brandon’s practice includes criminal defense, family law, Title IX student representation, and estate planning with an emphasis on special needs. Brandon is a graduate of Texas Tech for both undergraduate and law school and received a Masters of Law (LLM) in Litigation from George Washington University Law School. Brandon is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve, where he serves as a judge advocate. As a Marine, Brandon has served as a military judge, prosecuting attorney, defense counsel, and law of war attorney in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Brandon has distinguished himself as a top attorney in both military and civilian contexts achieving many favorable results for his clients. He has consistently been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly Magazine and a Top Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine. Brandon regularly speaks at CLE training events across the country.

Tray Payne

Tray is an experienced trial attorney that knows how to protect his client’s interests. Tray grew up in the small town of Post, Texas where he learned the values of hard work and good, old fashioned common sense. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1996 with a BBA in accounting and then received his JD in 2000 from Oklahoma City University. Tray worked as a state and federal prosecutor from 2000-2009 until he started his own firm, now known as PPTC. Tray has achieved numerous successful outcomes in a wide range of legal cases. His goal is to help each client obtain the most favorable outcome possible under the law. Tray is admitted to practice in all Texas state courts and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Tray continues to put his experience and common sense to work for his clients each and every day, all the while understanding that dependability, loyalty and customer service must be an integral part of the lawyer/client relationship. His career reflects not only his dedication to achieving results for his clients but also his deep commitment to his community and profession. His diverse experience and leadership roles highlight a lifetime of service both inside and outside the courtroom, making him no doubt among the best lawyers in Lubbock, Texas.

Lori Truitt

Lori is a Lubbock native who graduated from Texas Tech University undergraduate and Texas Tech University School of Law. She began her career working in civil litigation and creditor representation that took her frequently to the courtroom, mostly in the San Antonio and Austin areas of Texas. Lori happily returned to practicing mostly in Lubbock and the surrounding areas in 2010 when she joined Tray Payne and began a more varied practice area, which now includes the following areas of law: family law; probate/estate administration; guardianship; debtor/creditor representation; general civil litigation; and personal injury. She loves helping people, which makes working as an attorney a true joy for her. She works aggressively and sincerely for her clients. She also loves spending time with her husband, two sons, and their fun-loving dog.

Matt Chandler

Matt Chandler has a unique legal experience that can assist clients in and out of the courtroom. Originally from Clovis, New Mexico, Matt and his siblings were raised with a strong faith and incredible work ethic. Matt’s father was a Magistrate Judge and New Mexico State Senator, which provided Matt with a glimpse of the legal world at a very young age. That experience gave Matt the desire to graduate law school and return to his hometown to practice law with the PPT&C group of lawyers in Lubbock, Texas. He has 15 years of experience as a prosecuting attorney, served as the elected Ninth Judicial District Attorney of New Mexico for over a decade, and was a New Mexico District Court Judge. He is one of the most experienced criminal law trial attorneys in New Mexico, with a record of over 35 murder cases which includes one of New Mexico’s last death penalty jury trials.

Sterling J. Bowers

Sterling J. Bowers brings a rare blend of grit, empathy, and courtroom skill to every case he takes. Born and raised just north of Texico, New Mexico, Sterling grew up ranching, rodeoing, and working in agricultural construction. This background taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, and integrity from a young age. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska before graduating from the University of Wyoming College of Law, where he discovered his calling as a trial lawyer by winning every trial competition he entered. After law school, Sterling honed his craft at the nationally renowned Spence Law Firm in Jackson, Wyoming. There, he learned the art of personal injury, wrongful death, and civil rights litigation under the mentorship of legendary trial attorney Gerry Spence. There, he was involved in several high-stakes cases resulting in seven-figure verdicts and settlements. Despite his success in the courtroom, Sterling felt the pull of home and returned to the Llano Estacado region, where he served as an Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting a broad range of criminal cases and sharpening his instincts and skills before a jury. A natural leader with a profound ability to connect with people, Sterling’s greatest strength lies in telling his clients’ stories with honesty, heart, and impact. His style is aggressive but grounded, driven by a fierce work ethic and a genuine desire to deliver justice. Whether in the courtroom or out on the ranch, Sterling stays true to his roots.

Matt Powell

Matt brings over 25 years of experience to the firm in both criminal and civil law. Prior to joining the firm, Matt served as the Elected Criminal District Attorney for Lubbock County, Texas as well as the Chief Attorney for the Midland, Texas Independent School District. Matt grew up in Amarillo and has lived in Lubbock for the last 24 years. He has achieved tremendous results in the cases he has handled and enjoys being the voice for people who need his help. Matt has spent his entire legal career as an advocate for those in need and clearly understands that loyalty, communication and results are the key factors in an attorney / client relationship.

Melissa Sciumbato

Melissa grew up on a farm outside of Farwell, Texas, where she learned the value of hard work and determination. She also learned the true meaning of words like integrity, honesty and dependability. After graduating magna cum laude from Texas Tech University, Melissa earned her law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. Melissa spent time clerking for the Lubbock City Attorney’s office before joining the Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney’s office as a prosecuting attorney. Melissa now lives in Hereford, Texas, with her husband, Shawn, and their two children where she enjoys supporting her family’s various endeavors and is active in her church and community. Melissa practices in Hereford and the surrounding counties. Her practice involves family law, probate, estate planning, criminal justice and real estate. Melissa is caring and detail-oriented, and she looks forward to assisting her neighbors with their legal needs.