New Mexico

Randi McGinn

Albuquerque, NM

Randi McGinn is one of the country’s leading trial lawyers, having represented thousands of men and women in her 40 years of practice and having tried to verdict over 130 civil and criminal cases - everything from trucking collisions to workplace violence to medical malpractice to products liability lawsuits. She lost only 6 of those trials, giving her a 95% success rate. Trials are won and cases are settled based on who tells the best story. Having started out as a journalist, Randi McGinn is a consummate storyteller. From the pile of facts that is your case, she reaches in and pulls out the beating heart of your story. She is famous for her creativity in the courtroom and use of both high- and low-tech demonstrative evidence to help the jury see and understand what happened. She has utilized powerful animations, life-size human blowups, persuasive PowerPoint presentations, toy cars and trucks, and three-dimensional models of roadways and a mountain hillside to re-create accidents in the courtroom. The first woman president of the Inner Circle of Advocates (a group of the 100 best trial lawyers in the U.S.), she is able to reveal the truth through her devastating cross-examinations. Ms. McGinn has destroyed adverse witnesses by leaving a pretentious Beverly Hills doctor standing in front of the jury covered with post-its and clutching a grapefruit to his chest and by grilling a government snitch until he threw up. You can watch her takedown of an expert in this cross-examination of Bill Lewinski. She was appointed as a special prosecutor and tried the first New Mexico criminal case against any police officer. Two Albuquerque police officers faced charges for an on-the-job shooting of a homeless man, James Boyd. The case ended in a hung jury but reduced the number of shootings of citizens by the Albuquerque Police Department. Ms. McGinn has obtained several of the largest verdicts in New Mexico history. In 2019, she obtained the largest verdict ever against a semi-trailer manufacturer for its decision not to build its trailers with side underride guards that would prevent passenger cars from becoming trapped underneath the trailer. She started her career with a bang by giving birth to her daughter, Heather, the day before the 3-day bar examination.

Turner W. Branch

Albuquerque, NM

Turner W. Branch was the founding partner of The Branch Law Firm, established in 1966. He was a nationally recognized plaintiff’s attorney with extensive experience in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. A graduate of Baylor Law School, he was admitted to practice in multiple states and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He was instrumental in shaping New Mexico law, notably overturning sovereign immunity in the landmark Hicks v. State of New Mexico case. He played a significant role in major mass tort litigations, serving on steering committees for cases like Castano Tobacco, L-Tryptophan, Norplant, Baycol, and Vioxx. He was a Fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and a Diplomate in the American Board of Trial Advocates, recognized as a 'Southwest Super Lawyer' and 'Top Plaintiffs Lawyer in America'.

Paul Byrd

Little Rock, AR

Paul Byrd is the founding attorney of Paul Byrd Law Firm, PLLC, with 30 years of experience representing injured victims. He graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1985 and began private practice in 1988, focusing on civil litigation and product liability actions, including tire failures and vehicle safety. His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Dateline NBC. He has also handled agricultural litigation. Paul is a past President of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association and a Board of Governor member of the American Association for Justice. He has served as a Special Justice to the Arkansas Supreme Court and Special Judge in Circuit Court Trials. He holds an 'AV' rating from Martindale-Hubble Legal Directory, was recognized by Mid-South Super Lawyers in 2011 and 2012, and is a life member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

David C. Chavez

Los Lunas, NM

David C. Chavez is recognized nationally as a Top 10 Personal Injury Lawyer, Top 100 Trial Lawyers Lifetime Achievement Award, and the prestigious Super Lawyer Award. David has over 40 years of experience as a personal injury attorney. Born and raised in Belen, New Mexico, David knows New Mexico culture and has served on a number of boards, committees and task forces locally and throughout New Mexico. David C. Chavez has recovered millions for those injured without a voice. David has the team, experience and resources to commit to your case. His firm is committed to helping his clients get back on the “Road to Recovery.”

Lee Coleman

Nashville, TN

Lee Coleman is a practicing attorney for over 30 years, co-founded Hughes & Coleman in 1985. He is known for his expertise in personal injury law and his commitment to clients. He has a strong background as a prosecutor and has been instrumental in the firm's growth and legal advertising strategies.

Gerry L. Spence

Jackson, WY

Gerry L. Spence was a legendary trial lawyer and the founder of The Spence Law Firm, known for his high-profile cases and record results for the poor, injured, and marginalized. He never lost a criminal trial and had not lost a civil case since 1969. Born, raised, and educated in Wyoming, he graduated cum laude from the University of Wyoming Law School in 1952. He received numerous lifetime achievement awards and was inducted into the American Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame. His notable cases include the Karen Silkwood case, a libel verdict against Penthouse Magazine, and the defense of Imelda Marcos and Randy Weaver. He was also a prolific author and founder of the Trial Lawyers College.